BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment (CI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with bidirectional changes in resting-state centrality measures. However, practicable functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) biomarkers of CI are still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the graph-theory-based degree rank order disruption index (kD) and its association with cognitive processing speed as a marker of CI in patients with MS (PwMS) in a secondary cross-sectional fMRI analysis. METHODS: Differentiation between PwMS and healthy controls (HCs) using kD and its correlation with CI (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) was compared to established imaging biomarkers (regional degree, volumetry, diffusion-weighted imaging, lesion mapping). Additional associations were assessed for fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions), gait and global disability. RESULTS: Analysis in 56 PwMS and 58 HCs (35/27 women, median age 45.1/40.5 years) showed lower kD in PwMS than in HCs (median -0.30/-0.06, interquartile range 0.55/0.54; p = 0.009, Mann-Whitney U test), yielding acceptable yet non-superior differentiation (area under curve 0.64). kD and degree in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) correlated with CI (kD/MPFC Spearman's ρ = 0.32/-0.45, p = 0.019/0.001, n = 55). kD also explained fatigue (ρ = -0.34, p = 0.010, n = 56) but neither gait nor disability. CONCLUSIONS: kD is a potential biomarker of CI and fatigue warranting further validation.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction etiology   physiopathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Multiple Sclerosis * complications   diagnostic imaging   physiopathology   MeSH
• Processing Speed MeSH
• Fatigue * physiopathology   etiology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: SuperAging is one of the current concepts related to elite, resilient or high-functioning cognitive aging. The main aim of our study was to find possible predictors of SuperAgers (SA). METHODS: Community-dwelling older persons (N = 96) aged 80-101 years in 2018 were repeatedly tested (year 2012 and 2018). SA were defined based on their performance in 2018 as persons of 80+ years of age who recalled ≥ 9 words in the delayed recall of the Philadelphia Verbal Learning Test, and had a normal performance in non-memory tasks [the Boston Naming Test, the Trail Making Test Part B, and Category Fluency ("Animals")], which was defined as a score within or above one standard deviation from the age and education appropriate average. Three composite scores (CS; immediate memory, processing speed, and executive functions) were created from the performance in 2012, and analysed as possible predictors of SA status in 2018. RESULTS: We identified 19 SA (15 females) and 77 nonSA (42 females), groups did not significantly differ in age, years of education, and sex. The logistic regression model (p = 0.028) revealed three predictors of SA from the baseline (year 2012), including processing speed (p = 0.006; CS-speed: the Prague Stroop Test-Dots and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test), sex (p = 0.015), and age (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, SA may be predicted based on the level of processing speed, which supports the hypothesis of the processing speed theory of healthy aging.

• MeSH
• Executive Function MeSH
• Cognition MeSH
• Cognition Disorders * psychology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Processing Speed * MeSH
• Stroop Test MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Recent research indicated that cognitive speed of processing training (SPT) improved Useful Field of View (UFOV) among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The effects of SPT in PD have not been further examined. The objectives of the current study were to investigate use, maintenance and dose effects of SPT among individuals with PD. METHODS: Participants who were randomized to SPT or a delayed control group completed the UFOV at a six-month follow-up visit. Use of SPT was monitored across the six-month study period. Regression explored factors affecting SPT use. Mixed effect models were conducted to examine the durability of training gains among those randomized to SPT (n = 44), and training dose effects among the entire sample (n = 87). RESULTS: The majority of participants chose to continue to use SPT (52%). Those randomized to SPT maintained improvements in UFOV performance. A significant dose effect of SPT was evident such that more hours of training were associated with greater UFOV performance improvements. The cognitive benefits derived from SPT in PD may be maintained for up to three months. CONCLUSION: Future research should determine how long gains endure and explore if such training gains transfer.

• MeSH
• Activities of Daily Living psychology   MeSH
• Cognition * MeSH
• Cognition Disorders complications   psychology   therapy   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Parkinson Disease complications   psychology   therapy   MeSH
• Practice, Psychological * MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

Východisko. Cílem studie bylo ověřit vztah mezi stárnutím, psychomotorickým tempem a rychlostí vyhledávání ze sémantické paměti za použití jednoduchých klinických testů. Metody a výsledky. U 95 zdravých dobrovolníků průměrného věku 45,8 ± 17 let (min. 20, max. 80 let) byl měřen čas ve zkráceném testu sémantické slovní plynulosti (vyjmenovat 12 zvířat) a 2 testech psychomotorického tempa. S přibývajícím věkem došlo k významnému zpomalení ve všech použitých testech (ANOVA, p < 0,001). Závěry. V průběhu fyziologického stárnutí dochází ke zpomalení psychomotorického tempa a vyhledávání v sémantické paměťové síti. Další studie ukážou, zda je možné použít tyto rychlé a jednoduché testy ke skríninku demence v klinické praxi.

Background. The aim of the study was to assess relations among psychomotor speed, speed of searching from semantic memory and aging using simple bedside tests. Methods and Results.We included 95 healthy volunteers with mean age 45.8 ± 17 years (min. 20, max. 80 years) to this study. We measured time in the short version of semantic fluency test (recite 12 animals) and in 2 tests of psychomotor tempo. We detected significant slowing in all tests (ANOVA, p < 0.001) during aging. Conclusions. Slowing of psychomotor speed and searching in semantic memory were detected during physiological aging. Further research is necessary to clarify, if these fast and easy tests will be useful in screening for dementia in clinical practice.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Mental Processes classification   MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Speech Perception immunology   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Aging physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Aged MeSH

V předkládáné studii se zabýváme některými aspekty věkem podmíněného úbytku kognitivních funkcí. Konkrétně zkoumáme předpoklady vycházející z teorie rychlosti zpracování (Salthouse, 1996) týkající se toho, že věkem podmíněný pokles kognitivních funkcí je dán především poklesem rychlosti kognitivních procesů, což se projevuje především u komplexních kognitivních úkolů. Vzorek v naší studii se skládal z 33 seniorů a seniorek (průměrný věk byl 68 let), které jsme oslovili prostřednictvím několika programů pro seniory. Respondenti byli testováni prostřednictvím pěti testů kognitivních funkcí, které jsme vybrali z testové baterie Vienna test systém. Následně jsme analyzovali vztah mezi výsledky testů a věkem respondentů. Zjistili jsme, že věk respondentů souvisel s jejich výkony v testech pouze v komplexních úkolech, které obsahovaly komponenty rychlosti zpracování. Výkon respondentů v jednoduchých úkolech a v úkolech nezávislých na rychlosti zpracování nevykazoval vztah s jejich věkem. Naše zjištění jsou konzistentní s hypotézami vycházejícími z teorie rychlosti zpracování. Dále jsme zjistili, že výkon při řešení komplexních kognitivních úloh byl ovlivněn účastí ve volnočasové pohybové aktivitě, což naznačuje, že aktivní životní styl limituje dopad stárnutí na kognitivní funkce.

• Keywords
• kognitivní funkce, Vienna test system,
• MeSH
• Cognition Disorders * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Motor Activity * MeSH
• Processing Speed MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Aging * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Study Characteristics MeSH

Príspevok sa zaoberá komparáciou definovania a konceptuálneho vymedzenia pojmov kognitívny proces, kognitívna funkcia a kognitívna schopnosť. Načrtáva kategorizáciu kognitívnych procesov na horizontálnej i vertikálnej úrovni. Špecifikuje tri prístupy k definovaniu pojmu kognitívna funkcia vo vzťahu k definovaniu pojmu kognitívny proces. Na kognitívnu funkciu je nazerané ako na úlohu alebo algoritmus, kognitívny proces predstavuje skôr priebeh danej funkcie. Kognitívna schopnosť následne vyjadruje možnosť, prípadne kvalitu procesu alebo funkcie. Rozdiely medzi kognitívnymi procesmi a funkciami a ich vzťah je vysvetlený na základe kritérií rýchlosti, viditeľnosti a hierarchie. V záverečnej časti príspevok analyzuje rozdiel medzi pojmom kognitívny proces a kognitívna schopnosť. Teoretický rámec vymedzenia a analýzy pojmov je reprezentovaný okrem psychológie aj pomocou matematiky. Je pritom vzatý do úvahy aj jazykovedný základ uvedených pojmov. Príspevok reaguje na potrebu precízovania odbornej terminológie v rámci prieniku psychologických pojmov do diskurzov spoločenských vied.

The paper deals with the comparison of defining and conceptual delineating the concepts cognitive processes, cognitive functions, and cognitive abilities. The categorization of cognitive processes on horizontal and vertical level is sketched. Three approaches to defining the concept of cognitive function in the relation to defining the concept of cognitive process are specified. The cognitive function is regarded as a task or algorithm, the cognitive process presents rather the course of the given function. The cognitive ability expresses the alternative or the quality of the process or function. The differences among cognitive processes and functions and their relations are explained on the basis of criteria of speed, visibility, and hierarchy. In the concluding part, the paper analyzes the difference between the concept of cognitive process and cognitive ability. The theoretical framework for delineation and analysis of concepts is represented besides psychology also by means of mathematics. The linguistic basis of mentioned concepts is also taken into account. The paper responds to the need to precise the terminology in the scope of breakthrough of psychological concepts into the social sciences discourses

• Keywords
• kognitivní procesy, kognitivní funkce, kognitivní schopnosti,
• MeSH
• Cognition * MeSH
• Cognitive Science MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Psychological Phenomena MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The aim of these secondary analyses was to examine cognitive speed of processing training (SPT) gains in cognitive and everyday functioning among older adults with psychometrically defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHOD: A subgroup of participants from the Staying Keen in Later Life (SKILL) study with psychometrically defined MCI ( N = 49) were randomized to either the SPT intervention or an active control group of cognitive stimulation. Outcome measures included the Useful Field of View (UFOV), Road Sign Test, and Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Test. A 2 × 2 repeated-measures MANOVA revealed an overall effect of training, indicated by a significant group (SPT vs. control) by time (baseline vs. posttest) interaction. RESULTS: Effect sizes were large for improved UFOV, small for the Road Sign test, and medium for Timed IADL. DISCUSSION: Results indicate that further investigation of cognitive intervention strategies to improve everyday functioning in patients with MCI is warranted.

• MeSH
• Activities of Daily Living MeSH
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods   MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction therapy   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial, Phase II MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two bivariate visualizations by measuring response correctness (error rate) and response time, and to identify the differences in cognitive processes involved in map-reading tasks by using eye-tracking methods. The present study is based on our previous research and the hypothesis that the use of different visualization methods may lead to significant cognitive-processing differences. We applied extrinsic and intrinsic visualizations in the study. Participants in the experiment were presented maps which depicted two variables (soil moisture and soil depth) and asked to identify the areas which displayed either a single condition (e.g., "find an area with low soil depth") or both conditions (e.g., "find an area with high soil moisture and low soil depth"). The research sample was composed of 31 social sciences and humanities university students. The experiment was performed under laboratory conditions, and Hypothesis software was used for data collection. Eye-tracking data were collected for 23 of the participants. An SMI RED-m eye-tracker was used to determine whether either of the two visualization methods was more efficient for solving the given map-reading tasks. Our results showed that with the intrinsic visualization method, the participants spent significantly more time with the map legend. This result suggests that extrinsic and intrinsic visualizations induce different cognitive processes. The intrinsic method was observed to generally require more time and led to higher error rates. In summary, the extrinsic method was found to be more efficient than the intrinsic method, although the difference was less pronounced in the tasks which contained two variables, which proved to be better suited to intrinsic visualization.

• MeSH
• Reading MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Humanities psychology   MeSH
• Cognition physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Reaction Time physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH

BACKGROUND: Impairment of cognition and speech are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but their relationship is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between articulation rate characteristics and processing speed and to investigate the potential role of objective speech analysis for the detection of cognitive decline in MS. METHODS: A total of 122 patients with clinically definite MS were included in this cross-sectional pilot study. Patients underwent three speaking tasks (oral diadochokinesis, reading text and monologue) and assessment of processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT], Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-3 s [PASAT-3]). Association between articulation rate and cognition was analyzed using linear regression analysis. We estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) to evaluate the predictive accuracy of articulation rate measures for the detection of abnormal processing speed. RESULTS: We observed an association between articulation rate and cognitive measures (rho = 0.45-0.58; p < 0.001). Faster reading speed by one word per second was associated with an 18.7 point (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.9-22.5) increase of the SDMT score and 14.7 (95% CI 8.9-20.4) point increase of PASAT-3 score (both p < 0.001). AUC values of articulation rate characteristics for the identification of processing speed impairment ranged between 0.67 and 0.79. Using a cutoff of 3.10 in reading speed, we were able to identify impairment in both the SDMT and PASAT-3 with 91% sensitivity and 54% specificity. CONCLUSION: Slowed articulation rate is strongly associated with processing speed decline. Objective quantitative speech analysis identified patients with abnormal cognitive performance.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Dysarthria etiology   MeSH
• Cognition Disorders diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pilot Projects MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Regression Analysis MeSH
• ROC Curve MeSH
• Multiple Sclerosis complications   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Controlled behavior is susceptible to conflicts that can emerge from subliminal or consciously processed information. While research suggests that both sources of conflicting information may interact in their modulation of controlled behavior, it has remained unclear which cognitive sub-processes involved in controlled behavior are affected by this interaction; i.e., at which processing level subliminally and consciously induced response conflicts interact in modulating controlled behavior. Moreover, we investigated whether this interaction of subliminally and consciously induced response conflicts was due to a nexus between the two types of conflict like a common cognitive process or factor. For this, n = 38 healthy young subjects completed a paradigm which combines subliminal primes and consciously perceived flankers while an electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. We show that the interaction of subliminal and conscious sources of conflict is not restricted to the response selection level (N2) but can already be shown at the earliest stages of perceptual and attentional processing (P1). While the degree of early attentional processing of subliminal information seems to depend on the absence of consciously perceived response conflicts, conflicts during the stage of response selection may be either reduced or enhanced by subliminal priming. Moreover, the results showed that even though the two different sources of conflict interact at the response selection level, they clearly originate from two distinct processes that interact before they detrimentally affect cognitive control.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Electroencephalography methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Perceptual Masking physiology   MeSH
• Subliminal Stimulation * MeSH
• Attention physiology   MeSH
• Psychomotor Performance physiology   MeSH
• Reaction Time physiology   MeSH
• Consciousness physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH