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Cognitive Functioning (cognitive + functioning)
Selected AbstractsPHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND RESUSCITATION PREFERENCES OF AGED PATIENTSJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 1 2005Marja-Liisa Laakkonen MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Psychological functioning and health-related quality of life in adulthood after preterm birthDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Stuart R Dalziel FRACP PhD The aim of this study was to determine if preterm birth is associated with socioeconomic status (SES), psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adulthood. We used prospective follow-up of 192 adult offspring of mothers who took part in a randomized controlled trial of antenatal betamethasone for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (66 born at term [33 males, 33 females] 126 born preterm [66 males, 60 females]). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Working memory and attention was assessed using the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Schizotypy Traits Questionnaire. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Moderately preterm birth (median gestation 34wks, mean birthweight 1946g [SD 463g]) was not related to later marital status, educational attainment, SES, cognitive functioning, working memory, attention, or symptoms of anxiety or schizotypy at 31 years of age. Preterm birth was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and higher levels of satisfaction in three of the eight HRQoL domains measured (bodily pain, general health perception, and social functioning). Adults who were born moderately preterm have SES, psychological functioning, and HRQoL consistent with those who were born at term. This good long-term outcome cannot be extrapolated to those with early childhood disability or very low birthweights. [source] Cognitive test scores in male adolescent cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers: a population-based studyADDICTION, Issue 2 2010Mark Weiser ABSTRACT Background Although previous studies indicate that people with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are more likely to become cigarette smokers, IQ scores of siblings discordant for smoking and of adolescents who began smoking between ages 18,21 years have not been studied systematically. Methods Each year a random sample of Israeli military recruits complete a smoking questionnaire. Cognitive functioning is assessed by the military using standardized tests equivalent to IQ. Results Of 20 221 18-year-old males, 28.5% reported smoking at least one cigarette a day (smokers). An unadjusted comparison found that smokers scored 0.41 effect sizes (ES, P < 0.001) lower than non-smokers; adjusted analyses remained significant (adjusted ES = 0.27, P < 0.001). Adolescents smoking one to five, six to 10, 11,20 and 21+ cigarettes/day had cognitive test scores 0.14, 0.22, 0.33 and 0.5 adjusted ES poorer than those of non-smokers (P < 0.001). Adolescents who did not smoke by age 18, and then began to smoke between ages 18,21 had lower cognitive test scores compared to never-smokers (adjusted ES = 0.14, P < 0.001). An analysis of brothers discordant for smoking found that smoking brothers had lower cognitive scores than non-smoking brothers (adjusted ES = 0.27; P = 0.014). Conclusion Controlled analyses from this large population-based cohort of male adolescents indicate that IQ scores are lower in male adolescents who smoke compared to non-smokers and in brothers who smoke compared to their non-smoking brothers. The IQs of adolescents who began smoking between ages 18,21 are lower than those of non-smokers. Adolescents with poorer IQ scores might be targeted for programmes designed to prevent smoking. [source] Cognitive functioning in substance abuse and dependence: a population-based study of young adultsADDICTION, Issue 9 2009Antti Latvala ABSTRACT Aims To investigate whether substance use disorders (SUDs) are associated with verbal intellectual ability, psychomotor processing speed, verbal and visual working memory, executive function and verbal learning in young adults, and to study the associations of SUD characteristics with cognitive performance. Participants A population-based sample (n = 466) of young Finnish adults aged 21,35 years. Measurements Diagnostic assessment was based on all available information from a structured psychiatric interview (SCID-I) and in- and out-patient medical records. Established neuropsychological tests were used in the cognitive assessment. Confounding factors included in the analyses were comorbid psychiatric disorders and risk factors for SUDs, representing behavioural and affective factors, parental factors, early initiation of substance use and education-related factors. Findings Adjusted for age and gender, life-time DSM-IV SUD was associated with poorer verbal intellectual ability, as measured with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale,Revised (WAIS-R) vocabulary subtest, and slower psychomotor processing, as measured with the WAIS-R digit symbol subtest. Poorer verbal intellectual ability was accounted for by parental and own low basic education, whereas the association with slower psychomotor processing remained after adjustment for SUD risk factors. Poorer verbal intellectual ability was related to substance abuse rather than dependence. Other SUD characteristics were not associated with cognition. Conclusions Poorer verbal intellectual ability and less efficient psychomotor processing are associated with life-time alcohol and other substance use disorders in young adulthood. Poorer verbal intellectual ability seems to be related to parental and own low basic education, whereas slower psychomotor processing is associated with SUD independently of risk factors. [source] The effects of acute exercise on cognitive functioning and cigarette cravings during temporary abstinence from smokingHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 3 2008Kate Janse Van Rensburg Abstract Background Abstinence from smoking is associated with increased cravings, risk of accidents and self-reported poor concentration. A single exercise session can reduce cravings and self-reported poor concentration and can enhance cognitive performance among non-smokers. Objective To assess whether acute exercise impacts on the cognitive performance and cravings of abstaining smokers. Methods In a counterbalanced cross-over design, participants (n,=,23) did a 15,min passive or exercise condition, following cigarette abstinence. Cognitive functioning was measured by a computerised version of the Stroop colour-word interference task. Cravings were measured using the 10-item, 2-factor QSU-Brief and a single item for ,desire to smoke'. Measures were recorded at baseline, immediately post, 5, 10 and 15-min post treatment. Results A 2-way ANOVA showed no significant condition,×,time interaction for cognitive functioning. Significant interaction effects were found for desire to smoke, QSU Factor 1 (desire,behave) and 2 (desire,affect). Exercise reduced cravings for up to 15,min post treatment. Discussion Findings support previous research that acute exercise reduces cravings to smoke. Future research should determine if exercise can enhance other objective aspects of cognitive performance, and repeat the present study with a more homogeneous sample, in terms of Stroop performance. Conclusion This is the first study to show that exercise can reduce both factors of the QSU-Brief, but effects on cognitive functioning were not observed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The impact of personal characteristics on engagement in nursing home residents with dementiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2009Jiska Cohen-Mansfield Abstract Objective To examine the impact of personal attributes on engagement in persons with dementia. Methods Participants were 193 residents of seven Maryland nursing homes. All participants had a diagnosis of dementia. Cognitive functioning was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination, and engagement was assessed via the Observational Measure of Engagement. Data pertaining to activities of daily living were obtained from the Minimum Data Set. Results Women had longer mean engagement duration than men, and significant results were not seen with the other demographic variables. Significant, positive correlations were found between higher cognitive functioning and longer engagement duration, more attention, a more positive attitude, and a higher refusal rate. There was a positive and significant correlation between the comorbidity index and engagement duration, and between the number of medications and attention. All functional status variables yielded significance in a positive direction. Participants with poor hearing had a higher refusal rate. Cognitive status was the most consistent and potent predictor of engagement in this population. Conclusion Despite a higher refusal rate among those with higher cognitive levels, their overall engagement with stimuli is higher. Caregivers should anticipate higher refusal rates in those with poor hearing, and therefore compensatory methods should be used in presenting stimuli in this population. The potent role of cognitive and functional status on engagement of persons with dementia underscores the importance of tailoring activities to nursing home residents' needs, interests, and limitations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The role of depressive symptoms in recovery from injuries to the extremities in older persons.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2003A prospective study Abstract Background Previous research suggested that depressive symptoms play a role in recovery after hip fracture. However none of these studies were prospective and included only patients with hip fractures. Objective To examine the effect of depressive symptoms on the recovery of (instrumental) activities of daily living after fall-related injuries to the extremities in older persons. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Data were collected from 168 older persons at baseline, prior to their injuries (hip fractures, other fractures or contortions and dislocations), and 8 weeks, 5 months and 12 months after their accident. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to study the impact of depressive symptoms (as assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS) on disability (as assessed with the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale; GARS) after the injury while adjusting for several covariates. Results Depressive symptoms at baseline were not predictive for disability after the injury when covariates were taken into account. However, depressive symptoms 8 weeks after the fall were significantly related to disability at 8 weeks, 5 months and even 12 months after the injury. In addition, disability levels before the injury were highly predictive for recovery later on. Severity of injury was particularly predictive for disability at 8 weeks while age (which may generally represent the amount of physiological reserve) predicted disability at 5 and 12 months after the injury. Cognitive functioning 8 weeks post-injury was, in contrast to previous research, not predictive for recovery when covariates were taken into account. Conclusions Pre-injury levels of disability and post-injury depressive symptoms are associated with recovery and may warrant concern and special attention in clinical practice. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cognitive abilities, behaviour and quality of life in children after liver transplantationPEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2010T. Kaller Kaller T, Boeck A, Sander K, Richterich A, Burdelski M, Ganschow R, Schulz KH. Cognitive abilities, behaviour and quality of life in children after liver transplantation. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:496,503. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract:, Aims:, We investigated interrelations between cognitive abilities, behavioural problems, quality of life and disease-related variables of children after LTX. Methods:, Our sample consisted of 25 children. They were 8.5/2.8 (M/SD) years old and had received the transplant 5.5/3.1 years previously. For assessment we used well-established instruments. Results:, Liver transplanted children scored below the population mean on the cognitive as well as on the behavioural instrument and showed scores below average in the scales Self-esteem, Friends and Total Score regarding QoL. Behavioural problems were associated with poorer cognitive performance (r=,0.38 to ,0.63). QoL regarding physical well-being was correlated with sequential processing (r=0.41). Lower sequential processing scores were associated with lower QoL. Also between behavioural parameters and QoL correlations could be determined. Children with more behavioural problems experienced lower QoL (r=,0.40 to r=,0.76). Age at onset of disease showed correlations with behavioural and QoL parameters (r=,0.49 resp. r=0.44). Cognitive functioning was associated with medical complications (r=,0.44). Conclusions:, High interrelations between cognitive functioning, behavioural deficits and QoL were obtained. Especially noticeable are correlations between sequential processing and internalized behavioural functions as both are associated with left lateralized brain functioning. This relationship could indicate differential effects on brain development during the preoperative phase. [source] Pathological dissociation and neuropsychological functioning in borderline personality disorderACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009V. Ø. Haaland Objective:, Transient, stress-related severe dissociative symptoms or paranoid ideation is one of the criteria defining the borderline personality disorder (BPD). Examinations of the neuropsychological correlates of BPD reveal various findings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dissociation and neuropsychological functioning in patients with BPD. Method:, The performance on an extensive neuropsychological battery of patients with BPD with (n = 10) and without (n = 20) pathological dissociation was compared with that of healthy controls (n = 30). Results:, Patients with pathological dissociation were found to have reduced functioning on every neuropsychological domain when compared with healthy controls. Patients without pathological dissociation were found to have reduced executive functioning, but no other differences were found. Conclusion:, Pathological dissociation is a clinical variable that differentiates patients with BPD with regard to cognitive functioning. [source] Neuropsychological profile of children with subcortical band heterotopiaDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 11 2009MEGAN SPENCER-SMITH BPSYCSC PHD Aim, Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) or ,double cortex' is a malformation of cortical development resulting from impaired neuronal migration. So far, research has focused on the neurological, neuroimaging, and genetic correlates of SBH. More recently, clinical reports and small sample studies have documented neuropsychological dysfunction in patients with this malformation. This study aimed to characterize further the phenotype of patients with SBH by describing the neuropsychological profiles of children. Method, Seven children (six females) aged 4 to 15 years were assessed for cognitive functioning (intellectual ability, processing speed, attention, working memory) and academic achievement (reading, spelling, arithmetic). Parents completed questionnaires examining their child's social skills and problem behaviours. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) conducted for routine clinical follow-up were coded by a paediatric neurologist. Genetic and seizure history were obtained from medical records. Results, There was variation in the neurological, neuroimaging, and genetic presentation of children in the sample. Impairments were observed in all areas of neuropsychological functioning examined. Intellectual ability was generally within the ,extremely low' range (full-scale IQ 44,74; performance IQ 45,72; verbal IQ 57,80). Generalized impairments in cognitive skills were typical, with severe impairments (scores greater than 2SD below the test mean) reported in processing speed, working memory, and arithmetic. Impairments in academic, social, and behavioural functioning were less generalized. No clear relationship between neuroimaging and neuropsychological impairments was found. Interpretation, Children with SBH demonstrate cognitive, academic, social, and behavioural problems, with the greatest difficulties in processing speed and complex cognitive skills. [source] Psychological functioning and health-related quality of life in adulthood after preterm birthDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Stuart R Dalziel FRACP PhD The aim of this study was to determine if preterm birth is associated with socioeconomic status (SES), psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adulthood. We used prospective follow-up of 192 adult offspring of mothers who took part in a randomized controlled trial of antenatal betamethasone for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (66 born at term [33 males, 33 females] 126 born preterm [66 males, 60 females]). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Working memory and attention was assessed using the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Schizotypy Traits Questionnaire. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Moderately preterm birth (median gestation 34wks, mean birthweight 1946g [SD 463g]) was not related to later marital status, educational attainment, SES, cognitive functioning, working memory, attention, or symptoms of anxiety or schizotypy at 31 years of age. Preterm birth was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and higher levels of satisfaction in three of the eight HRQoL domains measured (bodily pain, general health perception, and social functioning). Adults who were born moderately preterm have SES, psychological functioning, and HRQoL consistent with those who were born at term. This good long-term outcome cannot be extrapolated to those with early childhood disability or very low birthweights. [source] Neuropsychology of academic and behavioural limitations in school-age survivors of bacterial meningitisDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 11 2004Irene Koomen MD Neuropsychological impairments possibly underlying academic and/or behavioural limitations were studied in 149 school-age survivors of bacterial meningitis, 68 with and 81 without academic and/or behavioural limitations. Academic limitations affected mathematics, reading, and writing. Behavioural limitations were inferred from scores in the clinical range on the Child Behaviour Checklist. These children had been selected from a cohort of 674 children (57% males) who had recovered from non- Haemophilus influenzae type B bacterial meningitis and who had a mean age at infection of 2 years 4 months (range 1mo to 9y 5mo). They had neither,complex onset'meningitis, prior cognitive or behavioural problems, nor severe disease sequelae. They were assessed with standardized assessment methods a mean of 7.8 years (range 4 to 10.4) after meningitis. Children with limitations (32% of the cohort) performed generically poorly on measures of cognitive functioning, speed, and motor steadiness, rather than having impairments in specific neuropsychological domains. The presence of two or more minor neurological signs was more frequent in the group with than in the group without limitations (30% versus 9%); this may explain the relatively poor speed and motor steadiness of the group with limitations. [source] Neural plasticity and human development: the role of early experience in sculpting memory systemsDEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2000Charles A. Nelson The concept of sensitive or critical periods in the context of memory development is examined in this paper. I begin by providing examples of the role of experience in influencing sensory, linguistic and emotional functioning. This is followed by a discussion of the role of experience in influencing cognitive functioning, particularly memory. Based on this discussion, speculation is offered that the infant's proclivity for novelty, which makes its appearance shortly after birth, provides critical input into a nervous system that will eventually be set up to learn and remember for the entire lifespan. Because learning and memory are fundamental to the survival of our species, those aspects of the nervous system that permit the encoding and retention of new information are remarkably malleable from the outset, even in the face of some types of neural trauma. This flexibility is retained for many years so long as the learning and memory ,system' is challenged. The implications of this model are discussed in the context of those life events that might undermine the longevity of memory systems. [source] Cognitive performance of male adolescents is lower than controls across psychiatric disorders: a population-based studyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2004M. Weiser Objective:, Psychiatric patients, as well as humans or experimental animals with brain lesions, often concurrently manifest behavioral deviations and subtle cognitive impairments. This study tested the hypothesis that as a group, adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders score worse on cognitive tests compared with controls. Method:, As part of the assessment for eligibility to serve in the military, the entire, unselected population of 16,17-year old male Israelis undergo cognitive testing and screening for psychopathology by the Draft Board. We retrieved the cognitive test scores of 19 075 adolescents who were assigned any psychiatric diagnosis, and compared them with the scores of 243 507 adolescents without psychiatric diagnoses. Results:, Mean test scores of cases were significantly poorer then controls for all diagnostic groups, except for eating disorders. Effect sizes ranged from 0.3 to 1.6. Conclusion:, As group, adolescent males with psychiatric disorders manifest at least subtle impairments in cognitive functioning. [source] Diagnoses at the first psychotic episode and cognitive functioningACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2002J. Addington Objectives, To determine the relationship between diagnosis and cognitive functioning in a first-episode sample. Methods, 175 subjects were diagnosed (SCID) on admission to a comprehensive treatment programme for early psychosis and 1 year later. Symptoms (PANSS), social functioning and cognitive functioning (using a comprehensive cognitive battery) were assessed initially and at 1 year. Subjects were divided into three groups: (1) Stable diagnosis of schizophrenia over 1 year (n=84). (2) Initial diagnosis of schizophreniform, brief psychotic disorder, substance induced psychosis or psychosis NOS but who met criteria for schizophrenia at 1 year (n=49) and (3) Stable diagnosis over 1 year of schizophreniform, brief psychotic disorder, substance induced psychosis or psychosis NOS (n=44). Results, There were significant differences amongst the three groups at both assessment periods in positive and negative symptoms and social functioning. There were no differences amongst the groups in cognitive functioning. Conclusions, Individuals with psychotic disorders who do not go on to develop schizophrenia do not differ significantly in neurocognition from those who do develop schizophrenia, although they may have advantages in other areas. [source] The application of transcranial magnetic stimulation in psychiatry and neurosciences researchACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2002P. B. Fitzgerald Objective:,Over recent years transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become widely applied in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this article is to review the application of TMS as an investigative tool and as a potential therapeutic modality in psychiatric disorders. Method:,A comprehensive literature review. Results:,When applied as an investigative tool, TMS provides innovative ways to directly study the excitability of the cortex, cortical regional connectivity, the plasticity of brain responses and cognitive functioning in illness and disease states. A number of studies suggest the potential of treatment with TMS in disease states, especially in patients with depression, although difficulties exist with the interpretation of the published literature. Conclusion:,TMS has a considerable role in neuropsychiatric research. It appears to have considerable potential as a therapeutic tool in depression, and perhaps a role in several other disorders, although widespread application requires larger trials and establishment of sustained response. [source] Does Neuroticism Influence Cognitive Self-Assessment After Epilepsy Surgery?EPILEPSIA, Issue 10 2000S. Cañizares Summary Purpose: To examine how cognitive, personality, and seizure outcome variables influence the subjective cognitive functioning of patients with refractory temporal lobe seizures after epilepsy surgery. Methods: Thirty-three consecutive patients with drug-resistant partial epilepsy who underwent surgical treatment at a tertiary referral university epilepsy center were tested before surgery and 1 year after surgery. Objective cognitive and subjective cognitive functioning tests were used, and personality was assessed. Seizure control was operationalized as a dichoto-mous variable. Results: A significant inverse relationship was found between neuroticism and subjective cognitive functioning. None of the other pre- and postoperative cognitive and surgery outcome variables were significant predictors of subjective cognitive functioning, even after controlling for the effect of neuroticism. Conclusions: Subjective and objective memory functioning are independent in patients with epilepsy after surgical treatment. Subjective memory functioning appears to be related not to seizure relief but to neuroticism. These data suggest that psychological factors such as personality traits predisposing to emotional distress should be taken into consideration in the clinical management and counseling of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. [source] Early detection and prevention of delirium in older patients with cancerEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 5 2004K. MILISEN phd, rn 1 Delirium poses a common and multifactorial complication in older patients with cancer. Delirium independently contributes to poorer clinical outcomes and impedes communication between patients with cancer, their family and health care providers. Because of its clinical impact and potential reversibility, efforts for prevention, early recognition or prompt treatment are critical. However, nurses and other health care providers often fail to recognize delirium or misattribute its symptoms to dementia, depression or old age. Yet, failure to determine an individual's risk for delirium can initiate the cascade of negative events causing additional distress for patients, family and health care providers alike. Therefore, parameters for determining an individual's risk for delirium and guidelines for the routine and systematic assessment of cognitive functioning are provided to form a basis for the prompt and accurate diagnosis of delirium. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of delirium are also discussed. [source] CLINICAL STUDY: Attentional bias in alcohol-dependent patients: the role of chronicity and executive functioningADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Sabine Loeber ABSTRACT It has been suggested that the attention towards alcohol-related stimuli increases with the duration of drinking and alcohol dependence. The present study aimed to assess whether an attentional bias was present in detoxified alcohol-dependent patients, and if the magnitude of the attentional bias depended on the subject's drinking history and variables of executive functioning. Attentional bias was assessed in 30 alcohol-dependent patients using a visual dot-probe task with a picture presentation time of 50 ms. In addition, patients completed a variety of different cognitive tasks such as attention, continuous performance, working memory, set shifting and inhibitory control tests. Based on correlation analysis we split the patient sample on the median with regard to the duration of alcohol dependence and our results indicated a significant attentional bias towards alcohol-associated pictures in patients dependent for less than 9 years, but not in patients with a longer duration of dependence. The two patient samples differed significantly with regard to attention and working memory functioning with patients who were dependent for more than 9 years showing a greater impairment. When impairment of attention and working memory were controlled for, the group differences in attentional bias were no longer significant. Our results indicate that differences with regard to drinking-related variables as well as cognitive functioning seem to modulate attentional bias and need to be taken into account in models of drinking maintenance. [source] A single question for the rapid screening of restless legs syndrome in the neurological clinical practiceEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2007R. Ferri The purposes of this study were to validate the use of a single standard question for the rapid screening of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to analyze the eventual effects of the presence of RLS on self-assessed daytime sleepiness, global clinical severity and cognitive functioning. We evaluated a group of 521 consecutive patients who accessed our neurology clinic for different reasons. Beside the answer to the single question and age, sex, and clinical diagnosis, the following items were collected from all patients and normal controls: the four criteria for RLS, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S), and the Mini-Mental State evaluation. RLS was found in 112 patients (70 idiopathic). The single question had 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity for the diagnosis of RLS. ESS and CGI-S were significantly higher in both RLS patient groups than in normal controls. RLS severity was significantly higher in idiopathic than in associated/symptomatic RLS patients. RLS can be screened with high sensitivity and good reliability in large patient groups by means of the single question; however, the final diagnosis should always be confirmed by the diagnostic features of RLS and accompanied by a careful search for comorbid conditions. [source] Muscarine activates the sodium,calcium exchanger via M3 receptors in basal forebrain neuronsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 8 2006Changqing Xu Abstract Neurons of the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MSDB) project to the hippocampus. Muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms within the MSDB are potent modulators of hippocampal functions; intraseptal scopolamine disrupts and intraseptal carbachol facilitates hippocampus-dependent learning and memory tasks, and the associated hippocampal theta rhythm. In earlier work, we demonstrated that, within the MSDB, the septohippocampal GABAergic but not cholinergic neurons are the primary target of muscarinic manipulations and that muscarinic activation of septohippocampal GABAergic neurons is mediated directly via M3 receptors. In the present study, we examined the ionic mechanism(s) underlying the excitatory actions of muscarine in these neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques in rat brain slices, we demonstrated that M3 receptor-mediated muscarinic activation of MSDB neurons is dependent on external Na+ and is also reduced by bath-applied Ni2+ and KB-R7943 as well as by replacing external Na+ with Li+, suggesting a primary involvement of the Na+,Ca2+ exchanger. We conclude that the M3 receptor-mediated muscarinic activation of MSDB septohippocampal GABA-type neurons, that is important for cognitive functioning, is mediated via activation of the Na+,Ca2+ exchanger. [source] Genotype differences in cognitive functioning in Noonan syndromeGENES, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, Issue 3 2009E. I. Pierpont Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder associated with highly variable features, including heart disease, short stature, minor facial anomalies and learning disabilities. Recent gene discoveries have laid the groundwork for exploring whether variability in the NS phenotype is related to differences at the genetic level. In this study, we examine the influence of both genotype and nongenotypic factors on cognitive functioning. Data are presented from 65 individuals with NS (ages 4,18) who were evaluated using standardized measures of intellectual functioning. The cohort included 33 individuals with PTPN11 mutations, 6 individuals with SOS1 mutations, 1 individual with a BRAF mutation and 25 participants with negative, incomplete or no genetic testing. Results indicate that genotype differences may account for some of the variation in cognitive ability in NS. Whereas cognitive impairments were common among individuals with PTPN11 mutations and those with unknown mutations, all of the individuals with SOS1 mutations exhibited verbal and nonverbal cognitive skills in the average range or higher. Participants with N308D and N308S mutations in PTPN11 also showed no (or mild) cognitive delays. Additional influences such as hearing loss, motor dexterity and parental education levels accounted for significant variability in cognitive outcomes. Severity of cardiac disease was not related to cognitive functioning. Our results suggest that some NS-causing mutations have a more marked impact on cognitive skills than others. [source] Caffeine, cognitive failures and health in a non-working community sampleHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 1 2009Andrew P Smith Abstract Rationale Most studies of the effects of caffeine on performance have been conducted in the laboratory and further information is required on the real-life effects of caffeine consumption on cognition. In addition, possible effects of caffeine consumption on a range of health outcomes should also be assessed in these studies to enable cost-benefit analyses to be conducted. Objectives Secondary analyses of a large epidemiological database (N,=,3223 non-working participants, 57% female, with a mean age of 49.6 years, range 17,92 years) were conducted to examine associations between caffeine consumption (mean caffeine consumption was 140,mg/day, range 0,1800,mg) and cognitive failures (errors of memory, attention and action) in a non-working sample. Associations between caffeine consumption and physical and mental health problems were also examined. Methods The study involved secondary analyses of a database formed by combining the Bristol Stress and Health at Work and Cardiff Health and Safety at Work studies. Associations between caffeine consumption and frequency of cognitive failures and health outcomes were examined in a sample of non-workers. Results After controlling for possible confounding factors significant associations between caffeine consumption and fewer cognitive failures were observed. Initial analyses suggested that many health variables were associated with regular level of caffeine consumption. However, most of the significant effects of caffeine disappeared when demographic and lifestyle factors were controlled for. Consumption of caffeine was, however, associated with a reduced risk of depression. These effects were also observed in separate analyses examining the source of the caffeine (coffee and tea). Conclusions Overall, the results show that caffeine consumption may benefit cognitive functioning in a non-working population. This confirms earlier findings from working samples. This beneficial effect of caffeine was not associated with negative health consequences. Indeed, consumption of caffeine was found to be associated with a reduced risk of depression. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The effects of acute exercise on cognitive functioning and cigarette cravings during temporary abstinence from smokingHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 3 2008Kate Janse Van Rensburg Abstract Background Abstinence from smoking is associated with increased cravings, risk of accidents and self-reported poor concentration. A single exercise session can reduce cravings and self-reported poor concentration and can enhance cognitive performance among non-smokers. Objective To assess whether acute exercise impacts on the cognitive performance and cravings of abstaining smokers. Methods In a counterbalanced cross-over design, participants (n,=,23) did a 15,min passive or exercise condition, following cigarette abstinence. Cognitive functioning was measured by a computerised version of the Stroop colour-word interference task. Cravings were measured using the 10-item, 2-factor QSU-Brief and a single item for ,desire to smoke'. Measures were recorded at baseline, immediately post, 5, 10 and 15-min post treatment. Results A 2-way ANOVA showed no significant condition,×,time interaction for cognitive functioning. Significant interaction effects were found for desire to smoke, QSU Factor 1 (desire,behave) and 2 (desire,affect). Exercise reduced cravings for up to 15,min post treatment. Discussion Findings support previous research that acute exercise reduces cravings to smoke. Future research should determine if exercise can enhance other objective aspects of cognitive performance, and repeat the present study with a more homogeneous sample, in terms of Stroop performance. Conclusion This is the first study to show that exercise can reduce both factors of the QSU-Brief, but effects on cognitive functioning were not observed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] One-year treatment of Alzheimer's disease with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: improvement on ADAS-cog and TMT A, no change or worsening on other testsHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 6 2005Alina Borkowska Abstract The aim of this study was to assess cognitive functioning measured by selected psychometric and neuropsychological tools in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) after 1-year treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Seventy-six patients (22 male and 54 female) with a mild to moderate stage of AD, aged 56,86 (mean 68) years, were treated. Forty-seven received donepezil (mean dose 9.3,mg/d) and 29 rivastigmine (mean dose 8.5,mg/d). Cognitive measurements included: the mini mental state examination (MMSE), the Alzheimer disease assessment scale-cognitive (ADAS- cog), the trail making test (TMT) and the Stroop color word interference test. The assessments were made before and after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. A significant improvement in ADAS-cog (p,<,0.001, 83% of patients improved) and a worsening in MMSE (84% of patients worsened, p,<,0.01 after 6 and 12 months) was noted after the 1 year treatment. A majority of patients (57%) improved in the TMT-A (p,<,0.001), measuring psychomotor speed and worsened in the TMT-B (p,<,0.01, after 12 months), and Stroop B test (p,<,0.001), measuring working memory and executive functions, 53% and 61%, respectively. Most patients (83%) did not change their performance in the Stroop A (improvement after 3 months, p,<,0.001, worsening after 6 and 12 months p,<,0.01) test measuring verbal abilities, after 1 year treatment. The results obtained suggest that the treatment with cholinergic drugs may improve global cognitive functioning (ADAS-cog) and psychomotor speed (TMT A), however, such treatment is unable to prevent the deterioration of working memory and executive functions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Mirtazapine and paroxetine: a drug-drug interaction study in healthy subjectsHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 6 2001F. J. L. Ruwe Abstract Paroxetine inhibits cytochrome P450 2D6, which is involved in the metabolism of mirtazapine. The possible drug-drug interaction between two pharmacologically distinct antidepressants, mirtazapine and paroxetine, has been investigated in a randomized, three-way crossover study in 24 healthy male and female subjects. After a titration phase of 3 days, each subject received single daily doses of 30,mg mirtazapine, 40,mg paroxetine or the combination for 6 days. Assessments included serial blood sampling for pharmacokinetics at steady state, cognitive testing using the test battery of CDR Ltd, a visual analogue mood rating scale (Bond and Lader) and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. Paroxetine inhibits the metabolism of mirtazapine, as shown by increases of approximately 17% and 25% of the 24,h AUC's of mirtazapine and its demethyl metabolite, respectively. Mirtazapine did not alter the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine. The combined administration of mirtazapine and paroxetine probably does not alter cognitive functioning or result in major changes on the visual analogue mood rating scale and Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, compared with the administration of either drug alone. The incidence of adverse events was lower during combined administration of mirtazapine and paroxetine than during administration of either drug alone. Fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, anxiety and somnolence were the most common adverse events during combined administration. These data suggest that the combination of mirtazapine and paroxetine is unlikely to lead to clinically relevant drug-drug interactions and can be used without dose adjustment of either drug. The combination may even be better tolerated than either drug alone. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Young infants' vocalizations towards mother versus stranger: associations with the infant,mother relationshipINFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2005Susanne Völker Abstract Infants' differential vocal response (DVR) towards their mother and a female stranger at 3 months of age has been predominantly investigated as an index of early cognitive functioning. The present study explored the relationship between DVR and different infant and mother indicators of the developing relationship quality in a sample of 23 mother,infant dyads. Mother,infant interactions and stranger,infant interactions were videotaped during home visits when the infants were 3 months old. At the age of 12 months, infants' behaviour was assessed in the Ainsworth's strange situation. In both assessments, mothers noted the infants' behavioural states on 3 successive days. Results revealed a specific relation between DVR and the emotional atmosphere of the early mother,infant interaction. Particularly, DVR was less pronounced in favour of the mother when the mother displayed emotional expressions defined as rejection. DVR is discussed as an index that may indicate both infant emotional engagement and infant cognitive competencies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Play and emotional availability in young children with Down syndromeINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 2 2008Paola Venuti This study investigates mother,child interaction and its associations with play in children with Down syndrome (DS). There is consensus that mother,child interaction during play represents an important determinant of typical children's play development. Concerning children with DS, few studies have investigated mother,child interaction in terms of the overall emotional quality of dyadic interaction and its effect on child play. A sample of 28 children with DS (M age = 3 years) took part in this study. In particular, we studied whether the presence of the mother in an interactional context affects the exploratory and symbolic play of children with DS and the interrelation between children's level of play and dyadic emotional availability. Children showed significantly more exploratory play during collaborative play with mothers than during solitary play. However, the maternal effect on child symbolic play was higher in children of highly sensitive mothers relative to children whose mothers showed lower sensitivity, the former displaying more symbolic play than the latter in collaborative play. Results offer some evidence that dyadic emotional availability and child play level are associated in children with DS, consistent with the hypothesis that dyadic interactions based on a healthy level of emotional involvement may lead to enhanced cognitive functioning. [source] Influence of adolescent maternal characteristics on infant developmentINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2007Rachele Aiello The present study proposed that several adolescent maternal variables would be associated with infant development. Using a sample of 71 adolescent mother-infant dyads, the study examined the relative influences of the adolescent's level of separation-individuation (Separation-Individuation Process Inventory), feelings of attachment towards the infant (Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale), and feelings of anxiety regarding separation (Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale) on infant mental and motor development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd ed.). As it was assumed that the adolescent's perceptions of being parented would provide the foundation for each of these independent variables, this factor was also included (Parental Bonding Instrument). In the current sample, adolescent separation-individuation was the only maternal psychological variable to uniquely predict infant development, but only on the mental scale. Present findings highlight the importance of considering critical developmental processes of adolescence when exploring cognitive functioning and other outcomes in infants of adolescents. A number of possible mechanisms for the influence of separation-individuation are considered in the discussion. [source] The development of psychopathology from infancy to adulthood: The mysterious unfolding of disturbance in timeINFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2003Peter Fonagy A model for the development of this mechanism is offered as well as evidence for it from five areas: (1) the nature of the association of early attachment and later cognitive functioning, (2) accumulating evidence for the association between secure attachment and the facility with which internal states are understood and represented, (3) the limited predictive value of early attachment classification, (4) the studies of the biological functions of attachment in other mammalian species, and (5) factor analytic studies of adult attachment scales that suggest the independence of attachment type and attachment quality. The author tentatively proposes that attachment in infancy has the primary evolutionary function of generating a mind capable of inferring and attributing causal motivational and epistemic mind states, and through these arriving at a representation of the self in terms of a set of stable and generalized intentional attributes thus ensuring social collaboration, whereas attachment in adulthood serves the evolutionary function of protecting the self representation from the impingements that social encounters inevitably create. Severe personality pathology arises when the psychological mechanism of attachment is distorted or dysfunctional and cannot fulfill its biological function of preserving the intactness of self representations. ©2003 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||