ABSTRACT
The functioning of attention is complex, a primordial function in several cognitive processes and of great interest to neuropsychology. The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) is a continuous computerized performance test that evaluates some attention components such as response time to a stimulus and errors due to inattention and impulsivity. OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the applicability of T.O.V.A in Brazilian adults; 2) To analyze the differences in performance between genders, age ranges, and levels of education; 3) To examine the association between T.O.V.A variables and other attention and cognitive screening tests. METHODS: The T.O.V.A was applied to 63 healthy adults (24 to 78 years of age) who also underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span and Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults - WAIS-III) and the Trail Making Test. RESULTS: the T.O.V.A was little influenced by age or education, but was influenced by gender. The correlations between some T.O.V.A variables and the Digit Symbol and Trail Making test were weak (r-values between 0.2 and 0.4), but significant (p<0.05). There was no correlation with the Digit Span test. CONCLUSION: The T.O.V.A showed good applicability and proved adequate for evaluating attentional processes in adults.
O funcionamento da atenção é complexo, função primordial em diversos processos cognitivos e de grande interesse para a neuropsicologia. O Teste de Variáveis de Atenção (T.O.V.A) é um teste computadorizado de desempenho contínuo que avalia alguns componentes de atenção, como tempo de resposta a um estímulo e erros por desatenção e impulsividade. OBJETIVO: 1) Avaliar a aplicabilidade do T.O.V.A em adultos brasileiros; 2) Analisar as diferenças de desempenho entre os gêneros, faixas etárias e níveis de escolaridade; 3) Examinar a associação entre as variáveis T.O.V.A e outros testes de atenção e triagem cognitiva. MÉTODOS: O TOVA foi aplicado a 63 adultos saudáveis (24 a 78 anos) submetidos ao Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span e Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults WAIS-III) e o Trail Making Test. RESULTADOS: T.O.V.A teve pouca influência da idade e escolaridade, mas foi influenciado pelo gênero. As correlações entre algumas variáveis T.O.V.A e o símbolo Digit e o teste Trail Making foram fracas (valores de r entre 0,2 e 0,4), mas significativas (p <0,05). Não houve correlação com o teste Digit Span. CONCLUSÃO: T.O.V.A apresentou boa aplicabilidade e foi adequado para avaliar os processos de atenção em adultos.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The functioning of attention is complex, a primordial function in several cognitive processes and of great interest to neuropsychology. The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A) is a continuous computerized performance test that evaluates some attention components such as response time to a stimulus and errors due to inattention and impulsivity. Objective: 1) To evaluate the applicability of T.O.V.A in Brazilian adults; 2) To analyze the differences in performance between genders, age ranges, and levels of education; 3) To examine the association between T.O.V.A variables and other attention and cognitive screening tests. Methods: The T.O.V.A was applied to 63 healthy adults (24 to 78 years of age) who also underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span and Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults WAIS-III) and the Trail Making Test. Results: The T.O.V.A was little influenced by age or education, but was influenced by gender. The correlations between some T.O.V.A variables and the Digit Symbol and Trail Making test were weak (r-values between 0.2 and 0.4), but significant (p<0.05). There was no correlation with the Digit Span test. Conclusion: The T.O.V.A showed good applicability and proved adequate for evaluating attentional processes in adults.
RESUMO: O funcionamento da atenção é complexo, função primordial em diversos processos cognitivos e de grande interesse para a neuropsicologia. O Teste de Variáveis de Atenção (T.O.V.A) é um teste computadorizado de desempenho contínuo que avalia alguns componentes de atenção, como tempo de resposta a um estímulo e erros por desatenção e impulsividade. Objetivo: 1) Avaliar a aplicabilidade do T.O.V.A em adultos brasileiros; 2) Analisar as diferenças de desempenho entre os gêneros, faixas etárias e níveis de escolaridade; 3) Examinar a associação entre as variáveis T.O.V.A e outros testes de atenção e triagem cognitiva. Métodos: O TOVA foi aplicado a 63 adultos saudáveis (24 a 78 anos) submetidos ao Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Span e Digit Symbol (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults WAIS-III) e o Trail Making Test. Resultados: T.O.V.A teve pouca influência da idade e escolaridade, mas foi influenciado pelo gênero. As correlações entre algumas variáveis T.O.V.A e o símbolo Digit e o teste Trail Making foram fracas (valores de r entre 0,2 e 0,4), mas significativas (p <0,05). Não houve correlação com o teste Digit Span. Conclusão: T.O.V.A apresentou boa aplicabilidade e foi adequado para avaliar os processos de atenção em adultos.
Subject(s)
Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Attention , Reproducibility of Results , CognitionABSTRACT
Cognitive impairment and elevated arterial stiffness have been described in patients with arterial hypertension, but their association has not been well studied. We evaluated the correlation of arterial stiffness and different cognitive domains in patients with hypertension compared with those with normotension. We evaluated 211 patients (69 with normotension and 142 with hypertension). Patients were age matched and distributed according to their blood pressure: normotension, hypertension stage 1, and hypertension stage 2. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a battery of neuropsychological evaluations that assessed six main cognitive domains. Pulse wave velocity was measured using a Complior device, and carotid properties were assessed by radiofrequency ultrasound. Central arterial pressure and augmentation index were obtained using applanation tonometry. The hypertension stage 2 group had higher arterial stiffness and worse performance either by Mini-Mental State Examination (26.8±2.1 vs 27.3±2.1 vs 28.0±2.0, P=.003) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (23.4±3.5 vs 24.9±2.9 vs 25.6±3.0, P<.001). On multivariable regression analysis, augmentation index, intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity were the variables mainly associated with lower cognitive performance at different cognitive domains. Cognitive impairment in different domains was associated with higher arterial stiffness.
Subject(s)
Cognition/physiology , Cognitive Dysfunction , Hypertension , Vascular Stiffness , Adult , Blood Pressure Determination/methods , Brazil , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology , Correlation of Data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Hypertension/complications , Hypertension/diagnosis , Hypertension/psychology , Male , Mental Status and Dementia Tests , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Pulse Wave AnalysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Most evidence of target-organ damage in hypertension (HTN) is related to the kidneys and heart. Cerebrovascular and cognitive impairment are less well studied. Therefore, this study analyzed changes in cognitive function in patients with different stages of hypertension compared to nonhypertensive controls. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cross-sectional study, 221 (71 normotensive and 150 hypertensive) patients were compared. Patients with hypertension were divided into 2 stages according to blood pressure (BP) levels or medication use (HTN-1: BP, 140-159/90-99 or use of 1 or 2 antihypertensive drugs; HTN-2: BP, ≥160/100 or use of ≥3 drugs). Three groups were comparatively analyzed: normotension, HTN stage 1, and HTN stage 2. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and a validated comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed 6 main cognitive domains were used to determine cognitive function. Compared to the normotension and HTN stage-1, the severe HTN group had worse cognitive performance based on Mini-Mental State Examination (26.8±2.1 vs 27.4±2.1 vs 28.0±2.0; P=0.004) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (23.4±3.7 vs 24.9±2.8 vs 25.5±3.2; P<0.001). On the neuropsychological tests, patients with hypertension had worse performance in language, processing speed, visuospatial abilities, and memory. Age, hypertension stage, and educational level were the best predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension in different cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment was more frequent in patients with hypertension, and this was related to hypertension severity.
