Assessing the criterion validity of four highly abbreviated measures from the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS)

Objective: Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in multiple sclerosis. As self-reported cognitive functioning is unreliable, brief objective screening measures are needed. Utilizing widely used full-length neuropsychological tests, this study aimed to establish the criterion validity of highly abbreviated versions of the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test – Revised (BVMT-R), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Sorting Test, and Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) in order to begin developing an MS-specific screening battery. Method: Participants from Holy Name Medical Center and the Kessler Foundation were administered one or more of these four measures. Using test-specific criterion to identify impairment at both ?1.5 and ?2.0 SD, receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analyses of BVMT-R Trial 1, Trial 2, and Trial 1 + 2 raw data (N = 286) were run to calculate the classification accuracy of the abbreviated version, as well as the sensitivity and specificity. The same methods were used for SDMT 30-s and 60-s (N = 321), D-KEFS Sorting Free Card Sort 1 (N = 120), and COWAT letters F and A (N = 298). Results: Using these definitions of impairment, each analysis yielded high classification accuracy (89.3 to 94.3%). Conclusions: BVMT-R Trial 1, SDMT 30-s, D-KEFS Free Card Sort 1, and COWAT F possess good criterion validity in detecting impairment on their respective overall measure, capturing much of the same information as the full version. Along with the first two trials of the California Verbal Learning Test – Second Edition (CVLT-II), these five highly abbreviated measures may be used to develop a brief screening battery.     

Assessment of neuropsychological performance in Mexico City youth using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)

Background: The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) is a computerized tool used to measure cognitive function in diverse populations and is sensitive for assessing developmental changes in children. Although CANTAB has been used in several countries, its applicability in a Mexican child population is unknown. This study examined developmental trends on CANTAB in a large sample of urban Mexico City youth and tested the hypothesis that their performance would be similar to a large US normative sample.

Method: As part of a birth cohort, Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants, 826 children, ages 5–15 years, completed CANTAB. Subtests measured planning (Stockings of Cambridge; SOC), short-term memory (Delayed Matching to Sample; DMS), sustained attention (Rapid Visual Information Processing; RVP), ability to match visual stimuli (Match to Sample Visual Search; MTS), flexibility (Intra-extra Dimensional Set Shift; IED), and response inhibition (Stop Signal Task; SST). Determinants of performance on the CANTAB, including age, maternal/child IQ, and sex, were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Welch t tests. Equivalence testing compared performance with existing norms.

Results: Performance improved with age on all measures. Child IQ was mildly associated with measures of memory and attention but not executive functioning, consistent with US norms. Maternal IQ was not associated with any outcomes, and males performed better on IED. Mexican norms were comparable to US norms on almost all outcomes, with the exception of a short-term visual recognition memory task (DMS).

Conclusions: This study provides the largest normative data for CANTAB performance in a community sample of Mexican youth. Findings demonstrate the expected maturational effects of executive function, specifically in cognitive shifting and inhibition. Levels of executive function performance demonstrated by a Mexican sample were consistent with normative values reported in US youth. These findings, as well as expected associations with child IQ, indicate high applicability of CANTAB for Mexican youth in neurobehavioral studies.     

首次发病的强迫症患者认知功能的研究

目的:探讨首次发病的强迫症(OCD)患者认知功能的特点及相关影响因素。方法:采用逻辑记忆、视觉再生记忆、连线测验、数字广度、Stroop测验及威斯康星卡片分类测验分别对35例首次发病的OCD患者(OCD组)及30名健康对照者(HC组)进行神经心理学测评;应用Yale-Brown强迫量表(Y-BOCS)、抑郁自评量表(SDS)、状态-特质焦虑问卷(STAI)评定患者的病情及抑郁、焦虑程度。结果:OCD组的逻辑延迟记忆、视觉再生记忆、连线测验A、B时间、数字广度倒背、Stroop测验字色阅读时间、威斯康星卡片分类测验成绩较明显差于健康对照组(P均<0.05)。OCD患者的病程与其视觉延迟记忆、数字广度倒背分呈负相关(r=-0.39,P=0.024;r=-0.38,P=0.027),SDS分与Stroop测验字色阅读时间正相关(r=0.37,P<0.05),Y-BOCS分、SAI分及TAI分与各神经心理学指标的相关性无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论:首次发病的OCD患者存在记忆、注意和执行功能损害。     

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders–Battery for Assessment of Neurocognition (ISBD‐BANC)

Yatham LN, Torres IJ, Malhi GS, Frangou S, Glahn DC, Bearden CE, Burdick KE, Martínez‐Arán A, Dittmann S, Goldberg JF, Ozerdem A, Aydemir O, Chengappa KNR. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders–Battery for Assessment of Neurocognition (ISBD‐BANC).
Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 351–363. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: Although cognitive impairment is recognized as an important clinical feature of bipolar disorder, there is no standard cognitive battery that has been developed for use in bipolar disorder research. The aims of this paper were to identify the cognitive measures from the literature that show the greatest magnitude of impairment in bipolar disorder, to use this information to determine whether the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), developed for use in schizophrenia, might be suitable for bipolar disorder research, and to propose a preliminary battery of cognitive tests for use in bipolar disorder research. Methods: The project was conducted under the auspices of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders and involved a committee that comprised researchers with international expertise in the cognitive aspects of bipolar disorder. In order to identify cognitive tasks that show the largest magnitude of impairment in bipolar disorder, we reviewed the literature on studies assessing cognitive functioning (including social cognition) in bipolar disorder. We further provided a brief review of the cognitive overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and evaluated the degree to which tasks included in the MCCB (or other identified tasks) might be suitable for use in bipolar disorder. Results: Based on evidence that cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder are similar in pattern but less severe than in schizophrenia, it was judged that most subtests comprising the MCCB appear appropriate for use in bipolar disorder. In addition to MCCB tests, other specific measures of more complex verbal learning (e.g., the California Verbal Learning Test) or executive function (Stroop Test, Trail Making Test–part B, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) also show substantial impairment in bipolar disorder. Conclusions: Our analysis reveals that the MCCB represents a good starting point for assessing cognitive deficits in research studies of bipolar disorder, but that other tasks including more complex verbal learning measures and tests of executive function should also be considered in assessing cognitive compromise in bipolar disorder. Several promising cognitive tasks that require further study in bipolar disorder are also presented.     

Cognitive impairment in multiple system atrophy: A position statement by the neuropsychology task force of the MDS multiple system atrophy (MODIMSA) study group

Consensus diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy consider dementia as a nonsupporting feature, despite emerging evidence demonstrating that cognitive impairments are an integral part of the disease. Cognitive disturbances in multiple system atrophy occur across a wide spectrum from mild single domain deficits to impairments in multiple domains and even to frank dementia in some cases. Frontal‐executive dysfunction is the most common presentation, while memory and visuospatial functions also may be impaired. Imaging and neuropathological findings support the concept that cognitive impairments in MSA originate from striatofrontal deafferentation, with additional contributions from intrinsic cortical degeneration and cerebellar pathology. Based on a comprehensive evidence‐based review, the authors propose future avenues of research that ultimately may lead to diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment and dementia associated with multiple system atrophy. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society     

Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation Pathway for Stroke (CARPS)

Abstract

Complex cognitive impairments are common after stroke and they can significantly impede individuals’ progress in rehabilitation. Treatment strategies that allow patients to compensate for such deficits are therefore an important part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, as acknowledged by various clinical guidelines. In part due to the heterogeneity of poststroke cognitive impairments, the evidence base for treatments in this area is often unclear or inconsistent. There are no straightforward clinical tools or guidelines available to facilitate poststroke cognitive rehabilitation across cognitive domains. The present article proposes a cognitive assessment and rehabilitation pathway for stroke (CARPS), which aims to provide a structure to guide stroke rehabilitation teams in this difficult area of clinical practice. Practical treatment strategies are also discussed in some detail. Finally, the limitations of the proposed pathway are acknowledged, as is the importance of further research.     

Cognitive fMRI and soluble telencephalin assessment in patients with localization-related epilepsy

Objectives - The use of telencephalin as a possible marker for altered cortical function as demonstrated by functional MRI was investigated in a pilot study with 16 patients with localization-related epilepsy and secondarily generalized seizures. Materials and methods - Functional MRI of verbal working memory performance (Sternberg paradigm) and self-regulatory control processes (Stroop paradigm) was used to examine cortical activation in 16 patients with localization-related epilepsy and secondarily generalized seizures. Additionally, blood serum concentrations of soluble telencephalin (marker for neuronal damage) were determined. Results - In three patients (one temporal and two frontal focus), telencephalin was detected. All three patients had lower functional MRI activation in the frontotemporal region (P = 0.04), but not in other regions (P > 0.35) compared with patients without detectable telencephalin. Additionally, an association of levetiracetam and frontotemporal activation was observed. Conclusions - These preliminary data in a heterogeneous group suggest an association between decreased frontotemporal activation on fMRI and both detectable telencephalin serum levels and levetiracetam use. Future longitudinal studies with larger patient groups are required to confirm these observations. It is hypothesized that altered local function of the frontotemporal cortex in localization-related epilepsy might be better predicted by the biochemical marker telencephalin than epilepsy characteristics such as seizure focus.     

Cognitive functioning in the general population: Factor structure and association with mental disorders—The neuropsychological test battery of the mental health module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1‐MH)

The objective of this study is to obtain population level data about cognitive functions and their association with mental disorders. We here report factor analytic and psychometric findings of a neuropsychological test battery and examine the association of current and past mental disorders with cognitive function in a large nationwide population‐based sample of 18‐ to 79‐year‐old adults in Germany (n = 3,667) participating in the mental health module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008–2011. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed verbal memory and executive function factors. Older age was strongly associated with lower verbal memory and executive function and with higher vocabulary scores. After adjustment for age, sex, and education, rather modest decrements were found for verbal memory (β = ?.118, p = .002) and executive functions (β = ?.191, p < .001) in participants with any current mental disorder (n = 442) compared to those without (n = 3,201). Small decrements in memory (β = ?.064, p = .031) and executive function (β = ?.111, p < .001) were found in participants with any mental disorder in the last 12 months but not in those with past (fully or partially remitted) mental disorders, compared to participants without a history of mental disorder. More fine‐grained analyses of these data will investigate the complex interplay between cognition, health behaviors, and specific mental and somatic diseases.     

Demonstration of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease using the Cambridge Cognitive Assessment (Revised) (CAMCOG-R)

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is well recognised in Parkinson's Disease (PD) but few studies have examined cognitive decline over time in such subjects. Standard clinical assessments of cognitive function, such as the MMSE, do not measure all cognitive domains and often have a ceiling effect. CAMCOG-R provides a more comprehensive cognitive assessment allowing several different domains of cognition to be compared. It also features the ability to test 'executive function'. CAMCOG-R has only been reported on one previous occasion in PD subjects and this is the first study to report a follow-up CAMCOG-R to assess cognitive decline. METHODS: In a previously published study CAMCOG-R was administered to a prevalent community-based population of 94 subjects with PD with a MMSE of 25 or above. In this subsequent study 85 of the subjects (two declined and seven were deceased) underwent a follow-up CAMCOG-R after a mean delay of 13.1 months. RESULTS: The initial, and follow-up mean total CAMCOG-R scores were 88.65/104 and 84.75/104 respectively, demonstrating a significant decline (p < 0.05). Significant cognitive decline (p < 0.05) was also seen across every CAMCOG-R cognitive domain and in the executive function scores. CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of cognitive ability was again demonstrated using CAMCOG-R in this PD population. The decline of 3.9 CAMCOG-R points over the 13-month period compares to other previous studies showing an annual decline of 1.6 CAMCOG points in normal elderly individuals and 12 CAMCOG points annually in those with established dementia. This study suggests that CAMCOG-R is a useful and appropriate tool for use in follow-up cognitive screening in PD subjects.     

蒙特利尔认知评估量表在帕金森病认知障碍患者中的应用价值

目的 分析蒙特利尔认知评估(MoCA)量表(中文版)在筛查帕金森病(PD)患者中认知障碍的应用价值.方法 使用RoSA编制的,根据年龄及教育程度调整的MMSE分界值筛出整体认知功能正常的213例PD患者,并进一步使用MoCA量表对其进行分组,MoCA评分≥26分的PD患者入PD认知正常组(PD-NC组),MoCA评分<26分的PD患者入PD认知损害组(PD-CI组).比较2组患者MoCA各分测验分数的差异及认知功能改变的特点,并应用单因素及多元Logistic回归分析PD患者认知损害的影响因素.结果 (1)PD组患者中52.6%(112/213)的患者MoCA评分<26分;(2)与PD-NC组比较,PD-CI组在MoCA视空间和执行、命名、注意力、语言、抽象、延迟回忆、定向分测验中得分诸项比较均有统计学意义;(3)Logistic回归分析结果显示,低文化程度是PD患者认知损害的影响因素(OR:0.72,95%CI0.64～0.81,P<0.05).结论 MMSE正常者中仍然存在相当比例的患者MoCA评分异常.因此,临床上建议使用MoCA对PD患者认知水平进行测试,在患者未达到PD痴呆时,应结合患者的教育水平及时发现并处理患者认知损害症状,使PD患者得到及时治疗并能提高生活质量.

Abstract：

Objective To examine the application of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Parkinson' s disease (PD) patients with normal general cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) evaluation.Methods PD patients were examined with MMSE, and those having a normal ageand education-adjusted MMSE score were included in the further study of MoCA testing.The patients with MoCA score not less than 26 were selected into normal control PD-NC group, and the patients with less than 26 into cognitive impaired PD-CI group.Scores of MoCA subtests were used in PD-CI group and PD-NC group to characterize cognitive changes in PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MoCA score in PD-CI group used as dependent variable, and sex, educational level, age, course of disease, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Self-rating depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Unified Parkinson' s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were used as independent variable, the risk factors of CI in PD patients was analysed by Linear Regression Analysis.Results There are 52.6% (112/213) PD patients with MMSE ≥ 26 while their MoCA < 26.Significant differences were observed in subtests of MoCA in visuospatial, executive, naming, attention,language, abstract, delayed recall and orientation between PD-CI group and PD-NC group (all P <0.01).Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that educational level is the most significant factor in PD-CI (OR:0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.81, P < 0.05).Conclusions There is a high proportion of PD patients whose MMSE test showed normal but MoCA test showed cognitive impairment.MoCA examination was used to detect cognitive function of PD patients.Furthermore we suggest consider the education level in PD patients when evaluate their cognitive function.     

抑郁障碍患者主观与客观认知功能的差异性研究

背景 抑郁障碍患者的主观认知功能与客观认知功能存在差异。目前,关于主客观认知功能差异影响因素的研究有限。目的 探索抑郁障碍患者主观和客观认知功能的差异及其影响因素,为进一步理解抑郁障碍患者认知功能受损情况提供参考。方法 纳入2022年1月13日—2023年12月11日在成都市第四人民医院门诊就诊或住院治疗的、符合《精神障碍诊断与统计手册（第5版）》（DSM-5）抑郁障碍诊断标准的77例患者为研究对象。采用蒙哥马利-艾森贝格抑郁量表（MADRS）评定患者抑郁症状严重程度,采用抑郁感知缺陷问卷（PDQ-D）和中国简版神经认知成套测验（C-BCT）分别评定患者的主观认知功能和客观认知功能,采用席汉残疾量表（SDS）评定患者的社会功能,以临床总体印象量表-疾病严重程度量表（CGI-SI）评定患者病情严重程度。采用Pearson相关分析考查年龄、受教育年限、MADRS总评分、SDS总评分、CGI-SI评分与主客观认知功能及其差异的相关性。采用多元线性回归探索主客观认知功能差异的影响因素。结果 是否用药的抑郁障碍患者PDQ-D总评分和主客观认知功能差异（D值）比较差异均有统计学意义（t=-4.2...     

亚综合征性抑郁患者认知功能初探

目的：探讨亚综合征性抑郁（SSD）患者的认知功能。方法：45例SSD患者,以31例抑郁症患者和28名正常人作为对照。SSD组和抑郁症组均使用抗抑郁剂治疗12个月以上。采用韦氏成人智力量表、临床记忆量表、威斯康星卡片分类测验（WCST）于治疗前后分别评定3组患者的认知状况;采用抑郁自评量表（SDS）评定抑郁症状的严重度。结果：治疗3个月,SSD组和抑郁症组的言语智商、操作智商、总智商、记忆商数均较治疗前明显提高（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;WCST总应答数显著减少,分类数显著提高（P〈0.01）;两组SDS评分较治疗前显著下降（P〈0.01）。治疗12个月,两组上述认知指标进一步显著改善,SDS评分与对照组相比差异无显著性（P〉0.05）;但两组指向记忆、联想学习、WCST正确百分数、随机错误数与对照组相比仍未恢复正常（P〈0.01）。结论：SSD患者存在认知功能障碍,治疗后症状虽有缓解,但部分认知功能仍不能完全恢复。