Indagações sobre experiência de quase morte, memória episódica e o psicóide na visão da psicología / Inquiries about near-death experiences, episodic memory and the psychoid from the view of analytical

Busca-se discutir a relação da Experiência de Quase Morte (EQM) a partir dos conceitos junguianos, particularmentea Individuação e a Espiritualidade. Pretende-se ainda, explorar possíveis relações entre a memória da EQM e Neuropsicologia, analisando o arquétipo psicóide e possíveis relações entre ele e a memória episódica, procurando-se possibilidades viáveis de pesquisas exploratórias que possam trazer maiores esclarecimentos na relação entre a experiência de quase morte, o conceito do psicóide da Psicologia analítica de C. G. Jung e a memória episódica tratada em neuropsicologia AU

We seek to discuss the relationship of the Near Death Experience (NDE) from the Jungian concepts, particularly Individuation and Spirituality. It is also intended to explore possible relationships between NDE memory and Neuropsychology, analyzing the psychoid archetype and possible relationships between it and episodic memory, looking for viable possibilities for exploratory research that can bring further clarification on the relationship between the experience of almost death, the psychoid concept from C. G. Jung's Analytical Psychology and the episodic memory treated in neuropsychology AU

Desarrollo y validación de una tarea experimental de Memoria Episódica verbal en español / Development and validation of an experimental verbal Episodic Memory task in Spanish

RESUMEN Propósito Elaborar y validar una tarea experimental de memoria episódica verbal en español. Método Se elaboraron seis bloques de codificación: tres profundos y tres superficiales, cado uno con distintas demandas de esfuerzo cognitivo. Los bloques fueron revisados por cuatro jueces expertos y examinados en una aplicación piloto. Se evaluó la concordancia respecto a si la tarea permitía manipular combinadamente el nivel de procesamiento y el esfuerzo cognitivo durante la codificación incidental de palabras, así como la claridad de las instrucciones, ejemplos y dinámica de trabajo. Resultados Variables como la disponibilidad léxica, metría y fuerza de asociación fueron útiles para diferenciar el esfuerzo cognitivo entre cada bloque. Los jueces concordaron que los bloques de procesamiento admiten una manipulación combinada del nivel de procesamiento y esfuerzo cognitivo y que las instrucciones son precisas. Luego del pilotaje, los participantes concordaron que las instrucciones, ejemplos y forma de trabajo eran fácil de comprender y realizar. Conclusión Los resultados proporcionan evidencia de validez relacionada con el contenido para la tarea experimental propuesta, transformándose con ello en una alternativa viable de considerar en investigaciones orientadas a identificar factores ambientales que contribuyan a compensar los defectos que muestra la memoria episódica con la edad.

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop and validate an experimental verbal episodic memory task in Spanish. Methods Six encoding blocks were elaborated, three deep and three superficial, each one with different demands of cognitive effort. The blocks were reviewed by four expert judges and tested in a pilot application. The agreement was assessed on whether the task allowed combined processing level and cognitive effort to be manipulated during incidental encoding of words, as well as clarity of instructions, examples, and workflow. Results Variables such as lexical availability, metrics, and strength of association were useful to differentiate the cognitive effort between each block. The judges agreed that the processing blocks allowed a combined manipulation of the level of processing and cognitive effort and that the instructions are precise. After the pilot, the participants agreed that the instructions, examples, and way of working were easy to understand and perform. Conclusion The results provide evidence of validity related to the content for the proposed experimental task, thus becoming a viable alternative to consider in research aimed at identifying environmental factors that contribute to compensating the defects shown by episodic memory with age.

Teoría de la Mente en pacientes Traumatizados Craneoencefálico

Antecedentes: Uno de los impedimentos más importantes en los traumatismos craneoencefálicos (TEC), revistan en las dificultades de interacción social, la Teoría de la Mente (ToM) es un factor fundamental de la cognición social, que permite una interacción satisfactoria del sujeto. Objetivo: Observar la capacidad de ToM en pacientes TEC moderado o severo, y su relación con dominios neurocognitivos. Método: Pacientes diagnosticados con TEC moderado o severo, evaluados neuropsicológicamente, edad 16 y 45 años, se aplicaron Test de la Mirada (TdlM) e Historias Extrañas (HT). Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones entre TdlM y HT con memoria y funciones ejecutivas. Pacientes lesionados izquierdos, rinden significativamenie menos en HT. Conclusiones: Pacientes con TEC moderado o grave tienen una disminución de la capacidad de ToM. Existe una relación entre memoria episódica y ToM, podría deberse a que esta última requiere información a experiencias pasadas. Durante la infancia la ToM depende de la memoria episódica, pero cuando ambas se desarrollan adecuadamente, son independientes. Existe una relación entre funciones ejecutivas y ToM. Ambos constructos están vinculados en la infancia, pero luego comienzan a ser más independientes. Sin embargo, la ToM igualmente va a requerir de las funciones ejecutivas.

Background: One of the most important impediments in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are the difficulties of social and family interaction. The Theory of Mind (ToM) is a fundamental factor of social cognition, which allows a satisfactory interaction of the individual with his environment. Objetive: To observe the ability of ToM in moderate or severe TBI patients, and its relationship with neurocognitive domains. Methods: Outpatients with diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, evaluated neuropsychologically, age between 16 and 45 years, were applied Eyes Test (ET) and the Hinting task (HT). Results: Correlations were found between ET and HT with memory and executive functions. Injured left, perform significantly less in HT Patients with moderate or severe TBI have a decrease in ToM capacity. Conclusions: There is a relationship between episodic memory and ToM, which could be due to the latter 's need to request information from past experiences through episodic memory. During childhood ToM depends on episodic memory, but when both are achieved and developed properly, they are independent. There is a relationship between executive functions and ToM. Both constructs are linked in childhood, but then they begin to be more independent. However, ToM tasks will also require executive functions.

Associations of objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity with cognitive function among older Japanese adults: An isotemporal substitution model / 体力科学

Increasing light-intensity physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and decreasing sedentary behavior (SB) are important to maintain cognitive function in older adults. However, there is a lack of studies examining the influence of replacing time spent in SB, LPA and MVPA on cognitive function. Therefore, this study applied an isotemporal substitution (IS) model approach to examine the associations of objectively measured SB, LPA, and MVPA on multiple cognitive functions in older adults. We analyzed data from 145 older persons (mean age, 75.1 ± 4.5 years; 61.4% women) in Kasama City, Japan. We assessed SB, LPA, and MVPA for seven consecutive days with a triaxial accelerometer. To evaluate the cognitive function, we used the Five-Cog test (character position referencing task, category cued recall task, clock drawing task, animal name listing task, and analogy task). The IS model of the multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effects of replacing time spent on one activity type with 30 minutes per day of SB, LPA, and MVPA on multiple cognitive functions, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, education, smoking, sleep duration, history of stroke, medication for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes and accelerometer wear time. The results showed that reallocation from SB to LPA was significantly related to the category cued recall task score (B = 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.07 - 1.31). In contrast, other reallocations were not associated with any cognitive tasks. The results suggest that substituting SB with LPA is positively associated with verbal episode memory among older Japanese adults.

Associação dos sintomas depressivos com o comprometimento da memória episódica em pacientes com a doença de Parkinson / Association of depressive symptoms with impaired episodic memory in patients with Parkinson's disease

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação de sintomas depressivos e comprometimento da memória episódica em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, não probabilístico e intencional. Foram selecionados indivíduos diagnosticados com DP e idade igual ou maior que 60 anos, matriculados em dois ambulatórios de distúrbios de movimento na cidade de Maceió, AL. Foram selecionados 62 idosos, divididos em dois grupos, sendo 40 com sintomas depressivos e 22 sem sintomas depressivos. Utilizaram-se um questionário sociodemográfico, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15, versão reduzida), o Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT) e a Avaliação Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Resultados: Diante da amostra composta por 62 idosos, apresentou-se alta prevalência de idosos do sexo feminino, 64,5% com média de idade de 66,72 anos (±5,12). Em relação aos dados sociodemográficos, identificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos apenas quanto uso de antidepressivos (p<0,001) e, em relação às características clínicas, houve diferença em relação à memória episódica (RAVLT) (p < 0,001) da MoCA (p = 0,018) e aos domínios abstração (p = 0,044) e função executiva (p = 0,021) da MoCA. Quanto à relação entre sintomas depressivos e prejuízo da memória episódica, identifica-se uma correlação inversa moderada (r = −0,575; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com DP e sintomas depressivos apresentam pior desempenho nas medidas de memória episódica do que aqueles sem sintomas depressivos. Além disso, é possível identificar que os níveis de sintomas depressivos são diretamente proporcionais à perda de memória episódica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation of depressive symptoms and impaired episodic memory in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, non-probabilistic and intentional study. Individuals diagnosed with PD and aged 60 years or older, who were enrolled at two movement disorders outpatient clinics in the city of Maceió, AL, were selected. 62 elderly people were selected, divided into two groups, 40 with symptoms of depression and 22 without symptoms of depression. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15 reduced version), the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used. Results: In view of the sample of 62 elderly people, there was a high prevalence of female elderly, 64.5% with a mean age of 66.72 years (±5.12). Regarding sociodemographic data, a statistically significant difference was identified between groups only in the use of antidepressants (p < 0.001) and in relation to clinical characteristics, there was a difference in relation to episodic memory (RAVLT) (p < 0.001) of MoCA (p = 0.018) and in the abstraction (p = 0.044) and executive function (p = 0.021) domains of MoCA. Regarding the relationship between depressive symptoms and impaired episodic memory, a moderate inverse correlation was identified (r = −0.575; p < 0.001). Conclusion: PD associated with depressive symptoms presents impairments in episodic memory when compared to those without symptoms. In addition, it is possible to identify that the levels of depressive symptoms are directly proportional to the loss of episodic memory.

A relação do fading affect bias com o humor e a memória episódica / The relation between the fading affect bias, mood and episodic memory / La relación del fading affect bias con el humor y la memoria episódica

O fading affect bias (FAB) atua na memória autobiográfica humana, favorecendo a manutenção das emoções positivas em detrimento das negativas. Este trabalho questionou se esse mecanismo poderia ser influenciado pela depressão e se seria encontrado na memória episódica. Cinquenta e cinco voluntários registraram eventos autobiográficos positivos e negativos durante uma semana. Eles preencheram o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e realizaram um teste de memória com palavras de conotação positiva, negativa e neutra. Os resultados sugeriram que o humor deprimido pode interferir no funcionamento do FAB e prejudicar a manutenção das emoções positivas na memória. Os efeitos na memória episódica foram menos conclusivos.

The fading affect bias (FAB) works in human autobiographical memory in favour of the maintenance of positive emotions over negative ones. This study questioned whether this mechanism could be influenced by depression and if it could also be found in episodic memory. 55 volunteers registered personal positive and negative life events for a week, filled the Beck Depression Inventory and performed a recognition memory test with positive, neutral and negative words. The results suggested the depressed mood could influence the well functioning of the FAB and damage the maintenance of positive emotions in memory. The effects on the episodic memory were less conclusive.

El fading affect bias (FAB) actúa sobre la memoria autobiográfica humana favoreciendo el mantenimiento de las emociones positivas sobre las negativas. Este trabajo cuestionó si este mecanismo podría estar influenciado por la depresión y si se encontraría en la memoria episódica. 55 voluntarios registraron eventos autobiográficos positivos y negativos durante una semana, completaron el Inventario de depresión de Beck y se sometieron a una prueba de memoria con connotaciones positivas, negativas y neutrales. Los resultados sugirieron que el estado de ánimo deprimido puede interferir con el funcionamiento del FAB y afectar el mantenimiento de las emociones positivas en la memoria. Los efectos sobre la memoria episódica fueron menos concluyentes.

Aportes al estudio de las relaciones entre memoria episódica y teoría de la mente / Contributions to the Study of the Relations Between Episodic Memory and Theory of Mind

Resumen La teoría de la mente emerge en el desarrollo con anterioridad a la memoria episódica, posibilitando a través de la capacidad de metarrepresentación el desdoblamiento y viaje mental que ella misma implica. Para la evaluación de los procesos se administraron las Historias Extrañas de Happé, el Test de las miradas, el Test de Aprendizaje Verbal España-Complutense y una tarea experimental a 20 mujeres con diagnóstico de Síndrome de Turner y sus respectivos controles. Los resultados indican dificultades en ambos procesos cognitivos y correlaciones entre la teoría de la mente e indicadores de memoria episódica de contenido y de la fuente. Se hipotetiza que la anatomía cerebral atípica, propia de esta población, traería problemas en el desarrollo de la teoría de la mente y esto, a su vez, podría asociarse con dificultades en los mecanismos de metarrepresentación y reexperimentación subjetiva de vivencias que la memoria episódica implica. Los resultados obtenidos permiten una mayor comprensión del perfil neuropsicológico de las mujeres con diagnóstico de Síndrome de Turner y podrían servir de insumo teórico para el diseño de estrategias clínicas y psicoeducativas que tiendan a fomentar, en esta población, las habilidades de teoría de la mente y memoria episódica.

Abstract The present study explores the relations between the cognitive and affective processes of theory of mind and verbal episodic memory in women diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder caused by a missing or incomplete X chromosome in females. Women with this diagnostic present an atypical cerebral morphology affecting frontal and temporoparietal zones. These areas match the neuroanatomic substratum shared by both theory of mind and episodic memory. The concept of theory of mind refers to the ability to anticipate others' social behavior through the attribution and understanding of mental entities such as desires, beliefs, emotions and intentions. It is a complex skill that involves not only the mental representation of something that cannot be observed directly, but also the decentration of one's own perspective and the use of these skills to predict behaviors. This ability is composed by two different processes: a cognitive theory of mind that refers to the ability to make inferences about desires, beliefs and intentions of other people; and an affective theory of mind, related to the ability to infer others' emotions, understanding the affective mental states and adopting the point of view of the other person, without experiencing these emotions. In the particular case of women diagnosed with Turner Syndrome, there is evidence supporting the hypothesis that this population presents general difficulties in this ability, showing a greater deficit in cognitive theory of mind. On the other hand, episodic memory consists of the memory that one has of past experiences. This memory system is a psychological process of paramount importance for human beings, since it enables the remembrance of something that has happened a long time ago. It allows the person to re-experience events that occurred earlier in his or her life, involving the ability to generate meta-representational comments on how knowledge was obtained. This way, people revive, through self-awareness, previous experiences and also project similar experiences to the future. Episodic memory can be divided into the memory about the occurrence of an event (item memory) and the memory of the phenomenological context of the event, which involves the handling of spatial, temporal, emotional and perceptual information (source memory). It is considered that theory of mind has an earlier development than episodic memory, enabling through the capacity of meta-representation the unfolding and mental journey that episodic memory implies. In order to evaluate these processes, a battery of four tests was administered to 20 women diagnosed with Turner Syndrome and their respective controls: Happé Strange Stories, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, the Spain-Complutense Verbal Learning Test and an experimental task. Results indicate difficulties in both cognitive processes, as well as correlations between theory of mind and indicators of item and source memory. A possible hypothesis could argue that the atypical cerebral anatomy of women diagnosed with Turner Syndrome would result in theory of mind deficits, and these in turn could be associated with difficulties in the capacities of meta-representation and subjective re-experimentation of past events needed by episodic memory. These results enable a better comprehension of the neuropsychological profile of women diagnosed with Turner Syndrome and could serve as a theoretical input for the design of clinical and psychoeducational strategies that tend to promote theory of mind and episodic memory in this population.

Influence of Age-related Functional Hearing Loss on Memory / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To study the influence of age-related functional hearing loss on memory ability. Methods:From January to October, 2018, 30 patients aged 52 to 76 years visiting otolaryngology were screened hearing using a computer aided platform, and then were divided into two groups according to the results. Those with good speech recognition in noise (SIN < -2.63 dB) were in L group (n = 15) and those with poor speech recognition in noise (SIN > -2.63 db) were in H group (n = 15). They were assessed with Paired Associates Learning (PAL) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery in loading of four, six and eight models. Results:The amount of errors of both PAL and SWM increased with the loading in both groups (χ2 > 28.182, P < 0.001). The amount of errors of PAL was less in L group than in H group under any loading (U < 53.5, P < 0.05), while the amount of errors of SWM only less under loading of six models (U = 55.0, P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between hearing and loading (F < 1.680, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Age-related functional hearing loss tend to impair episodic memory rather than working memory, whatever the impacts of memory load.

Effect of acupuncture and estazolam on episodic memory and sleep structure in patients with chronic insomnia disorder: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect on chronic insomnia disorder (CID) and influences on episodic memory and sleep structure between acupuncture and estazolam tablets.@*METHODS@#A total of 140 CID patients were randomized into a meridian-point group (46 cases, 1 case dropped off), a non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group (47 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (47 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the meridian-point group, Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zhaohai (KI 6) and Shenmai (BL 62) were selected and the routine acupuncture was applied. In the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group, the needling technique was same as the meridian-point group. Acupuncture was given once daily for 4 weeks in the above two groups. In the medication group, estazolam tablets were administered orally, taken 1 to 2 mg per night, consecutively for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the changes in the following indexes were observed in each group, i.e. the score of insomnia severity index (ISI), the score of auditory verbal memory test (AVMT) and the relevant indexes of sleep structure [total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE) and the percentage of non rapid eye movement phase 1, 2 and 3 (N1, N2 and N3) and rapid eye movement time (REM) in TST].@*RESULTS@#After treatment, ISI scores were reduced in the meridian-point group and the medication group (<0.01), the score in the meridian-point group was lower than the medication group and the non-meridian-and-non- acupoint group respectively (<0.01) and that in the medication group was lower than the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group (<0.01). After treatment, the score of each of immediate recall, short-term delayed recall, long-term delayed recall and delayed recognition of AVMT was increased in the meridian-point group and the medication group respectively (<0.01, <0.05) and the score of each item of AVMT in the meridian-point group was higher than the medication group and the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group respectively (<0.01, <0.05). The scores of immediate memory and delayed recognition in the medication group were higher than the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group respectively (<0.01). After treatment, SOL, WASO and N1% were all reduced (<0.01) and TST, SE, N3% and REM% were all increased (<0.01, <0.05) in the meridian-point group and the medication group, N2% in the meridian-point group was reduced (<0.01). After treatment, N1% and N2% in the meridian-point group were lower than the medication group (<0.01) and N3% and REM% were higher than the medication group (<0.01). After treatment, TST, SE and N3% in the meridian-point group and the medication group were all higher than the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group respectively (<0.01, <0.05) and SOL, WASO and N1% were lower than the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group respectively (<0.01). REM% in the meridian-point group was also higher than the non-meridion-and-non-acupoint group (<0.01), and N2% in the meridian-point group was also lower than the non-meridian-and-non-acupoint group (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with estazolam, acupuncture much better improves sleep quality and episodic memory in patients with chronic insomnia disorder, which is possibly related to the regulation of sleep structure of patients in treatment with acupuncture.

Episodic Memory and Elderly People: Main Alterations from Different Cognitive Interventions / Memória Episódica e Idoso: Principais Alterações a partir de Diferentes Intervenções Cognitivas

Abstract Aging entails many cognitive changes, including episodic memory, which may be potentiated depending on the lifestyle of the elderly person and stimulated through cognitive interventions. The objective of this study was to verify whether there are differences in episodic memory and mood in different interventions. A total of 46 elderly people, of both sexes, with an average age of 68.7 years (SD = ± 6.82) participated in the study, being divided in two groups, stimulation (Stimullus = 21) and training (MEMO = 25), and tests of diagnostic and memory measures were applied before and after intervention. A difference in episodic memory was observed between the interventions, as well as an improvement in their mood, regardless of the type of intervention.

Resumo O envelhecimento acarreta uma série de alterações cognitivas, incluindo a memória episódica, que pode ser potencializada a depender do estilo de vida do idoso e estimulada através de intervenções cognitivas. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar se há diferenças relacionadas à memória episódica e ao humor em diferentes intervenções. Participaram do estudo 46 idosos, de ambos sexos, com idade média igual a 68,7 anos (Dp= ± 6,82). Foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo um estimulação (Stimullus = 21) e outro treino (MEMO = 25), e aplicados testes de medidas diagnósticas e de memória nos momentos pré e pós-intervenção. Foi observado que há diferença de memória episódica entre as intervenções e melhora no estado de humor, independentemente do tipo de intervenção.

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on memory function / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Memory function is the core component of human brain cognition.Memory impairment significantly affects people's daily life and social ability,but existing cognitive training or drug therapy can not effectively improve memory function.In recent years,new techniques and methods have been emerging in brain science research,especially neural regulation techniques,such as transcranial electrical / magnetic stimulation,which can significantly regulate cognitive ability and effectively promote memory function.Transcranial direct current stimulation is a kind of noninvasive and safe technique.It can regulate cerebral cortex activity by changing the cerebral cortex excitability,and play a role in regulating brain function.At present,there have been reports at home and abroad that transcranial direct current stimulation can promote memory function and improve memory effectively.This technique is applied to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical diseases,but its mechanism is not clear.This article reviews the mechanism and application of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) in promoting different types of memory function in order to provide evidence for early intervention and treatment of memory impairment.

O uso de tarefas experimentais para o estudo da memória episódica / The use of experimental tasks for the study of episodic memory

Memória episódica envolve a retenção e evocação de eventos passados experienciados pelo indivíduo. No presente trabalho, as tarefas experimentais mais comumente utilizadas para estudar este tipo de memória são apresentadas. Estas tarefas são (1) tarefas de reconhecimento, incluindo tarefas de reconhecimento "sim/não", escolha forçada, e "lembrar/saber", (2) tarefas de recordação com pista, (3) tarefas de recordar livre e (4) tarefas de monitoramento da fonte. Estas tarefas são exemplificadas e discutidas em termos teóricos levando em consideração modelos cognitivos que explicam seus processos mnemônicos. Nós também abordamos a ideia de que tarefas de recordar com pistas,recordar livre, e monitoramento da fonte são mais fortemente baseadas na evocação de informações episódicas do que tarefas de reconhecimento,uma vez que a última pode ser desempenhada com base na simples sensação de familiaridade despertada pelo item memorizado.

Episodic memory involves the retention and retrieval of past eventsexperienced by individuals. In the current work, the experimental tasksmost typically used to study this type of memory are presented. These tasksare (1) memory recognition tasks, including simple "yes/no", forced-choice,and remember/know tasks, (2) cued recall tasks, (3) free recall tasks, and(4) source-monitoring tasks. These tasks are presented through examples,discussed in terms of the potential cognitive processes they produced, anddiscussed considering their main theoretical models. We also approach thenotion that cued recall, free recall, and source-monitoring tasks are morestrongly based on retrieval of episodic information than recognition tasks,since the latter can be potentially performed based on a simple sense offamiliarity towards the items.

The effects of endogenous and exogenus orienting of attention on source memory / Efectos de la orientación de la atención endógena y exógena en la memoria de contexto

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effects of endogenous and exogenous orienting of attention on episodic memory. Thirty healthy participants performed a cueing attention paradigm during encoding, in which images of common objects were presented either to the left or to the right of the center of the screen. Before the presentation of each image, three types of symbolic cues were displayed to indicate the location in which the stimuli would appear: valid cues to elicit endogenous orientation, invalid cues to prompt exogenous orientation and neutral or uncued trials. The participants' task was to discriminate whether the images were symmetrical or not while fixating on the center of the screen to assure the manifestation of only covert attention mechanisms. Covert attention refers to the ability to orient attention by means of central control mechanisms alone, without head and eye movements. Trials with eye movements were excluded after inspection of eye-tracker recordings that were conducted throughout the task. During retrieval, participants conducted a source memory task in which they indicated the location where the images were presented during encoding. Memory for spatial context was superior during endogenous orientation than during exogenous orientation, whereas exogenous orientation was associated with a greater number of missed responses compared to the neutral trials. The formation of episodic memory representations with contextual details benefits from endogenous attention.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los efectos de la orientación de la atención endógena y exógena en la memoria episódica. Treinta participantes sanos realizaron el paradigma de atención con claves durante la codificación, en el que se presentaron imágenes a la izquierda o derecha del centro de la pantalla. Antes de cada imagen se proyectaron tres tipos de claves que indicaban el lugar en el que se presentaría la imagen: claves válidas (orientación endógena), claves inválidas (orientación exógena) y claves neutras. Los participantes tenían que discriminar si las imágenes eran simétricas o no mientras fijaban su mirada al centro de la pantalla para asegurar solo la manifestación de mecanismos de atención encubierta. La atención encubierta se refiere a la habilidad para orientar la atención sólo por medio de mecanismos de control central sin movimientos de los ojos o la cabeza. Los ensayos con movimientos oculares fueron excluidos después de inspeccionar los registros de movimientos oculares. En la recuperación, los participantes realizaron una tarea de memoria de contexto en la que indicaron la posición en la que se había presentado cada imagen durante la codificación. La recuperación del contexto espacial fue superior en los ensayos de orientación endógena que en los ensayos de orientación exógena. La formación de representaciones de la memoria episódica con detalles contextuales se beneficia de los mecanismos de atención endógena.

Integrity of white matter structure is related to episodic memory performance in the low-educated elderly / Memória e integridade da substância branca em idosos de baixa escolaridade

ABSTRACT The low-educated elderly are a vulnerable population in whom studying the role of white matter integrity on memory may provide insights for understanding how memory declines with aging and disease. Methods: Thirty-one participants (22 women), 23 cognitively healthy and eight with cognitive impairment-no dementia, aged 80.4 ± 3.8 years, with 2.2 ± 1.9 years of education, underwent an MRI scan with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) acquisition. We verified if there were correlations between the performance on the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) with DTI parameters. Results: The BCSB delayed recall task correlated with frontotemporoparietal connection bundles, with the hippocampal part of the cingulum bilaterally and with the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. The RAVLT learning and delayed recall scores also correlated with the hippocampal part of the cingulum bilaterally. Conclusions: Although preliminary, our study suggests that the integrity of white matter frontotemporoparietal fasciculi seems to play a role in episodic memory performance in the low-educated elderly. This finding opens opportunities to study potential targets for memory decline prevention in vulnerable populations.

RESUMO Idosos de baixo nível educacional representam uma população vulnerável em que o estudo do papel da integridade da substância branca na memória pode revelar como essa declina no envelhecimento. Métodos: Trinta e um indivíduos (22 mulheres), sendo 23 cognitivamente saudáveis, oito com comprometimento cognitivo não demência, 80,4 ± 3,8 anos de idade e 2,2 ± 1,9 anos de escolaridade, foram submetidos à RM com imagem de tensor de difusão, cujos parâmetros foram correlacionados com a Bateria Cognitiva Breve (BCSB) e o Teste Auditivo Verbal de Rey (RAVLT). Resultados: A evocação tardia da BCSB correlacionou-se com fascículos de conexão frontotemporoparietal, fascículo longitudinal superior direito e cíngulo parte hipocampal bilateral, sendo que esse último também correlacionou com o RAVLT (aprendizado e evocação tardia). Conclusão: Apesar de preliminar, nosso estudo sugere que a integridade da substância branca parece ser importante para a memória em idosos de baixa escolaridade, achado que revela alvo potencial na prevenção do seu declínio em populações vulneráveis.

Memória de reconhecimento: modelos de processamento simples versus duplo / Single - versus dual-process models of recognition memory / Memoria de reconocimiento: modelos de procesamiento simples o dobles

O processo de reconhecimento de memórias consiste em discriminar informações previamente encontradas de informações novas. Duas abordagens teóricas divergentes buscam explicar esse fenômeno. A primeira propõe que o reconhecimento se baseia essencialmente na sensação de familiaridade gerada por cada estímulo. A segunda propõe que além da intensidade da familiaridade, a evocação de aspectos qualitativos e contextuais dos eventos memorizados possui um papel fundamental no processo de reconhecimento. Aspectos teóricos e metodológicos inerentes às duas linhas teóricas são criticamente discutidos no presente artigo, sendo que o resultado dessa discussão se apresenta favorável à segunda perspectiva teórica.

Memory recognition consists in discriminating previously encountered information from novel information. Two divergent theoretical approaches pursue to provide a framework for the process of recognition. The first proposes that memory recognition is based essentially on a sense of familiarity elicited by each stimulus. The second proposes that, in addition to familiarity, the retrieval of qualitative and contextual information inherent to encoded events has an important role during recognition. Theoretical and methodological aspects from both approaches are discussed and the result of this discussion is in favor of the second theoretical approach.

El proceso de reconocimiento de memorias, consiste básicamente en discriminar informaciones, previamente encontradas en nuevas informaciones. Dos abordajes teóricos divergentes tratan de explicar este fenómeno. El primero sugiere que el reconocimiento de memorias se basa esencialmente en la sensación de familiaridad generada por cada estímulo. El segundo propone que además de la intensidad familiar, la evocación de aspectos cualitativos y contextuales del evento memorizado posee un papel fundamental en el proceso de reconocimiento. Aspectos teóricos y metodológicos inherentes a las dos líneas teóricas, son críticamente discutidos en el presente artículo y el resultado de esta discusión se presenta favorable al segundo abordaje teórico.

Validation of the Argentine version of the Memory Binding Test (MBT) for Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment / Validação da versão argentina do Memory Binding Test (MBT) para a detecção precoce do transtorno cognitivo leve

ABSTRACT. Background: "Forgetfulness" is frequent in normal aging and characteristic of the early stages of dementia syndromes. The episodic memory test is central for detecting amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The Memory Binding Test (MBT) is a simple, easy and brief memory test to detect the early stage of episodic memory impairment. Objective: To validate the Argentine version of the MBT in a Latin American population and to estimate the diagnostic accuracy as a tool for early detection of MCI. Methods: 88 subjects (46 healthy controls and 42 patients with amnestic MCI) matched for age and educational level were evaluated by an extensive neuropsychological battery and the memory binding test. Results: A significantly better performance was detected in the control group; all MBT scales were predictive of MCI diagnosis (p<.01). The MBT showed high sensitivity (69%) and high specificity (88%), with a PPV of 93% and a NPV of 55% for associative paired recall. A statistically significant difference (c2=14,164, p<.001) was obtained when comparing the area under the curve (AUC) of the MBT (0.88) and the MMSE (0.70). Conclusion: The Argentine version of the MBT correlated significantly with the MMSE and the memory battery and is a useful tool in the detection of MCI. The operating characteristics of the MBT are well suited, surpassing other tests commonly used for detecting MCI.

RESUMO. "Esquecimento" é queixa frequente no envelhecimento normal e também ocorre nos primeiros estágios de síndromes demenciais. Testes de memória episódica são fundamentais para detectar comprometimento cognitivo amnéstico (CCL). O teste de Memória Associativa (Memory Binding Test-MBT) é um teste fácil e breve para detectar a fase inicial de perda de memória episódica. Objetivo: Validar a versão argentina do MBT e estimar a sua acurácia como instrumento diagnóstico para a detecção precoce do CCL. Métodos: 88 indivíduos (46 controles saudáveis ​​e 42 pacientes com CCL amnéstico), emparelhados por idade e nível educacional, foram avaliados com extensa bateria neuropsicológica e o MBT. Resultados: Um desempenho significativamente melhor foi detectada no grupo controle; todas as escalas do MBT foram preditivas do diagnóstico de CCL (p<0,01). O MBT apresentou alta sensibilidade (69%) e alta especificidade (88%), com valor preditivo (VP) positivo de 93% e e VP negativo de 55% para a recordação dos itens associados (associative paired recall). Diferença estatisticamente significativa (c2=14,164, p<0,001) foi obtida quando foram comparadas as áreas sob as curvas (AUC) do MBT (0,88) e o Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) (0,70). Conclusão: A versão argentina do MBT correlacionou-se significativamente com o MEEM e com a bateria de memória e é uma ferramenta útil na detecção de CCL. As características operacionais do MBT são bem adequadas, superando outros testes usualmente utilizados para a detecção de CCL.

Metamemory and aging: Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for elderly / Metamemória e envelhecimento: propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do questionário multifatorial de memória para idosos

ABSTRACT Metamemory measures provide subjective memory information and are relevant to investigate memory ability in aging. However, there is a lack of metamemory instruments available in Brazil. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), which evaluates different dimensions of subjective memory functioning, such as Feelings, Abilities and Strategies used in everyday life. Methods: The MMQ was translated into Portuguese and administered to 30 Brazilian elderly subjects. The participants underwent cognitive tests, mood scales and metamemory instruments. Results: Analyses revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's a coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.89) and test-retest validity for each MMQ dimensions (positive correlations between two applications ranged from 0.75 to 0.8). Convergent validity evidence for the MMQ was confirmed by significant positive correlations (0.47 to 0.68) with dimensions of the Metamemory in Adulthood scale (MIA) (i.e., the Ability, Control, Self-efficacy and Strategy dimensions). Discriminant validity revealed no associations between the MMQ and cognitive performance, suggesting a weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between MMQ-Ability subscale scores and mood symptoms (-0.63 for anxious symptoms, and -0.54 for depressive symptoms); and the Brazilian MMQ was comparable with MMQ translations to other languages. Conclusion: The Brazilian MMQ exhibits good psychometric properties and appears promising for clinical and research purposes. Additional studies are needed to further examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian MMQ in a larger sample.

RESUMO Medidas de metamemória fornecem informações acerca da memória subjetiva e são relevantes para se compreender a habilidade de memória no envelhecimento. Todavia, há uma falta de instrumentos de metamemória disponíveis no Brasil. Objetivo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo examinar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Questionário Multifatorial de Memória (MMQ), que avalia diferentes aspectos da memória subjetiva, como Sentimentos, Habilidade e Estratégias usadas na vida diária. Métodos: O MMQ foi traduzido para o Português e administrado em 30 idosos brasileiros. Os participantes realizaram testes cognitivos, escalas de humor e questionários de metamemória. Resultados: Análises revelaram boa consistência interna (coeficiente a de Cronbach's variou de 0.75 a 0.89) e validade teste-reteste para cada dimensão do MMQ (correlações positivas entre as duas aplicações variou de 0.75 a 0.8). Validade convergente do MMQ foi identificada através de correlações positivas (0.47 a 0.68) com as dimensões do Metamemory In Adulthood Questionnaire (MIA) (i.e., Habilidade, Controle, Autoeficácia e Estratégia). Validade discriminante revelou ausência de associação entre MMQ e performance cognitiva, sugerindo uma fraca correspondência entre metamemória e memória objetiva. Além disto, observou-se uma correlação negativa entre os escores da subscala MMQ-Habilidade e sintomas do humor (-0.63 para sintomas ansiosos, e -0.54 para sintomas depressivos); e o MMQ Brasileiro se mostrou comparável a traduções do MMQ em outros idiomas. Conclusão: O MMQ Brasileiro apresenta boas propriedades psicométricas e parece ser promissor para o uso clínico e de pesquisa. Estudos adicionais são necessários para investigar caracteristicas psicométricas do MMQ Brasileiro em uma amostra maior.

Normative data of Fuld Object Memory Evaluation test for brazilian elderly population / Dados normativos do teste Fuld Object Memory Evaluation para a população de idosos brasileiros

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to present normative data for Fuld Object Memory Evaluation test stratified by sex, gender, age, and education for the Brazilian elderly population. Method We evaluated 2.132 healthy elderly both genders, with a mean age of 70.30 years (± 7.28) from two community-based samples in Brazil drawn from different economic areas who were screened with cognitive and functional tests and the memory test. Statistical analyses were performed by independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression. Results Statistical analyses showed that memory scores tend to improve significantly with increasing years of education and decrease significantly as age increased. Conclusion We conclude that gender, education and age had effect on the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation performance in this Brazilian community-based sample.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar dados normativos para o teste de Fuld Object Memory Evaluation estratificada por sexo, idade e educação para a população idosa brasileira. Método Foram avaliados 2.132 idosos saudáveis de ambos os sexos com idade média de 70,30 anos (± 7,28) a partir de duas amostras de base comunitária no Brasil provenientes de diferentes áreas economicas que foram selecionados com testes cognitivos e funcionais e o teste de memória. Resultados As análises estatísticas mostraram que os escores de memória tendem a melhorar significativamente com o aumento de anos de educação e diminuir significativamente o aumento da idade. Conclusão Conclui-se que gênero , escolaridade e idade tem efeito sobre o desempenho no teste Fuld Object Memory Evaluation nesta amostra da comunidade brasileira.

Versões Alternativas do Subteste Memória Lógica da WMS-R: análise de desempenho de uma amostra saudável da cidade de São Paulo / Alternative Versions of the Logical Memory Subtest of the WMS-R: performance analyses of a healthy sample from the city of São Paulo

O teste Memória Lógica da Wechsler Memory Scale - Revised (WMS-R) é amplamente utilizado na prática clínica como instrumento de avaliação da memória verbal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as propriedades psicométricas iniciais de versões alternativas das histórias traduzidas e livremente adaptadas da WMS-R empregadas no Brasil: três histórias equiparáveis à história Ana Soares e três à de Roberto Mota. A amostra foi constituída de 655 universitários, com idades entre 18 e 35 anos. Foi solicitada a recordação livre imediata e tardia (após 30 min) de cada história, original e alternativas. A análise de equivalência entre a recordação imediata e tardia das histórias alternativas e originais mostrou que cinco histórias foram memorizadas de forma equiparável às histórias originais se aplicadas individualmente. A recordação de três pares dessas histórias alternativas também foi equivalente à recordação do par original. Uma análise utilizando a Teoria de Resposta ao Item apontou os itens com melhor índice discriminativo. Assim, propõe-se histórias alternativas às do WMS-R que poderão ser usadas em estudos de normatização.

The Logical Memory test of the Wechsler Memory Scale - Revised (WMS-R) is widely used in clinical practice as a tool for verbal memory assessment. The aim of this study was to examine the initial psychometric properties of alternative versions of the stories translated and freely adapted from WMS -R used in Brazil: three stories comparable to Ana Soares' and three to Roberto Mota's stories. The sample consisted of 655 adults aged between 18 and 35 years. Immediate and delayed free recall of each original and alternative story was requested. The analysis of equivalence between the recall of alternative and original stories showed that five stories proved equivalent to the original stories, if applied individually. Recall of three pairs of these alternative stories was also equivalent to that of the original pair. An analysis using Item Response Theory (IRT) showed the items with best discriminative index. Therefore, the alternative stories proposed here can be used in normalization studies.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the episodic autobiographic memory interview for Brazilian Portuguese / Validação e adaptação transcultural da entrevista para avaliação da memória episódica autobiográfica para o português brasileiro

Episodic memory enables the storage of personal events with specific temporal and spatial details, and their retrieval through a sensory experience, usually visual, which is called autonoetic consciousness. While, in Brazil, several scales for the evaluation of anterograde episodic memory have been validated, there is not yet an instrument to assess the episodic autobiographical memory. The aim of this study is thus to make a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Episodic Autobiographic Memory Interview (EAMI) for Brazilian Portuguese. Altogether, 11 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 10 healthy controls (CTs) were evaluated. EAMI scores for AD patients were lower than those of CTs, and these scores also correlated positively with the Remember-Know coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated a good inter-rater reliability. The Portuguese version of EAMI showed a good reliability and validity, which suggests that it is a useful tool for evaluation of autobiographical memory in Brazilian patients.

A memória episódica possibilita o arquivamento de eventos pessoais, com seus detalhes temporais e espaciais, e sua recuperação através de uma experiência sensorial, geralmente visual, chamada de consciência autonoética. No Brasil, foram validados vários instrumentos para avaliação da memória episódica anterógrada, porém não há ainda uma escala para avaliar a memória episódica autobiográfica. O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma validação e adaptação transcultural da Entrevista para avaliação da Memória Episódica Autobiográfica (EMEA) para o português brasileiro. Onze pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA) e 10 controles normais foram avaliados. Os escores dos pacientes com DA na EMEA foram menores do que nos controles saudáveis. Estes escores se correlacionaram positivamente com o coeficiente Lembrar-Saber. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse indicou uma confiabilidade inter-examinadores adequada. A EMEA demonstrou uma boa validade e confiabilidade, sugerindo que ela é um instrumento útil para a avaliação da memória autobiográfica em pacientes brasileiros.