Paula McLaughlinYork University
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Paula McLaughlin, MA
Has no real or apparent
conflicts of interest to report.
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search Performance in Amnestic MCI:
Do Auditory Cues Help Focus Attention?
P. McLaughlin, J. Rich, N. Anderson & S. Murtha
ADI March 29, 2011
Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search
Visual search is a complex skill used everyday Dependent on a variety of factors
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search
Visual search is a complex skill used everyday Dependent on a variety of factors
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Tippett.org
Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search
Visual search is a complex skill used everyday Dependent on a variety of factors
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search
Visual search is a complex skill used everyday Dependent on a variety of factors
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search
Visual search is a complex skill used everyday Dependent on a variety of factors
Visual search paradigms are commonly used Look for a target amongst a varying number and type of
distracting stimuli
(Treisman & Gelade, 1980; Wolfe, 1998)
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search, Aging & Alzheimer’s Disease
Visual search abilities decline with age Complex search conditions
Processing speed
Executive control of attention
Visual search is impaired in Alzheimer’s disease Simple & complex search conditions
Process items & shift attention
Executive control of attention
(e.g., Foster et al., 1995; 1999; McLaughlin & Murtha, 2010; Tales et al., 2004)
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
MCI & Visual Attention
Subtle deficiencies have been observed Focusing & disengaging attention
Executive control of attention
Changes are task dependent
Limited research on visual search performance Processing information, shifting efficacy & executive
control(McLaughlin, Borrie & Murtha, 2010; Tales et al., 2005)
(Okonkwo et al., 2007; Levinoff et al., 2005; Perry & Hodges, 2003)
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Present Study
Investigate MCI-related changes in visual search abilities
Determine whether auditory cues can facilitate performance
Identify whether cueing effects are dependent on the type of auditory cue Informative spatial vs. non-informative preparatory
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search Paradigm
Type of cue:
300 ms
+
+
1000 ms
200 ms
+300 ms
+
+
1000 ms
200 ms
+
Orienting Task Preparatory Task
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Visual Search Paradigm
Single Feature Conjoined Feature
Two visual search conditions:
Target defined by salient feature (colour)
“Pop-out” effect expected
Target is not salient (colour, orientation)
Controlled, strategic search
Array size, target, cue availability was manipulated
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Group Demographics
* p < .05**Included 9 individuals with single-domain and 7 individuals with multiple-domain
Standard deviations in parentheses
Older Adults (OA) MCI**
N 16 16
Age* 72 (4.9) 76 (5.3)
Sex (M:F) 6:10 10:6
Education 15.1 (2.0) 14.9 (2.9)
MMSE* 29.1 (1.0) 27.4 (1.6)
Baseline RT 250 (96.6) 330 (145.4)
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Results: Task x Target x Array x Group
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RT
(ms)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x GroupR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x GroupR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
Results: Task x Cue x Array x Group
OA MCI OA MCI
Cue
Ben
efit
(non
cued
vs.
cue
d)
Orienting Task Preparatory Task
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Subtype of MCI: Demographics
* Non-memory impairments included language (n = 7), simple attention (n = 3), cognitive flexibility (n = 2)
No difference between groups in memory or general cognitive functioning
aMCI md-aMCI*
N 9 7
Age 77 (4.9) 75 (6.9)
Sex (M:F) 4:5 2:5
Education 13.8 (2.8) 16.4 (2.4)
MMSE 27.8 (1.4) 26.9 (1.8)
Baseline RT 345 (163.4) 311(128.5)
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x SubtypeR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x SubtypeR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x SubtypeR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x SubtypeR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
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Results: Task x Target x Array x SubtypeR
T (m
s)
Paula McLaughlinYork University
OA aMCI md-aMCI OA aMCI md-aMCI
Cue
Ben
efit
(non
cued
– c
ued)
Orienting Preparatory
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Results: Task x Cue x Array x Subtype
Paula McLaughlinYork University
Conclusions
Visual search abilities are attenuated in MCI Decrements associated with multi-domain amnestic
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Conclusions
Visual search abilities are attenuated in MCI Decrements associated with multi-domain amnestic
Auditory cues facilitate performance Larger cueing effects observed for the MCI group
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Conclusions
Visual search abilities are attenuated in MCI Decrements associated with multi-domain amnestic
Auditory cues facilitate performance Larger cueing effects observed for the MCI group
The type of cue is important Informative orienting cues are more beneficial than
simple non-informative preparatory cues
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Implications
Demonstrates the importance of assessing other cognitive functions outside of memory
Impact on daily activities, such as driving
The differential diagnosis between the subtypes of MCI may be important to consider
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Paula McLaughlinYork University
Co-authors
- Susan Murtha, PhD (Supervisor)
- Jill Rich, PhD
- Nicole Anderson, PhD
Funding
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research Doctoral Award
- Annie Kirshenblatt Memorial Scholarship
- York University, Faculty of Health Grant
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Acknowledgments