Critical flicker fusion threshold: a useful research tool in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Critical Flicker Fusion Predicts Executive Function in Younger and Older Adults

“…This finding is consistent with previous literature which shows that sensory functions and processing speed are important for executive functions (e.g., Albinet et al, 2012;Cronin-Golomb et al, 1995). Additionally, past research on individuals with frontal lobe lesions or tumors indicates that these injuries negatively affect CFF performance (Curran & Wattis, 1998). Traditionally, it has been thought that higher executive function is regulated primarily by the prefrontal cortex.…”

“…Critical flicker fusion (CFF) thresholds, for example, are measures of the highest average frequency at which an individual can perceive a flickering stimulus. They represent the highest frequency point of the temporal CS function (100% modulation) and appear to be strongly driven not just by the eye, but also processes within the brain itself (Curran, Hindmarch, Wattis, & Shillingford, 1990;Curran & Wattis, 1998;Nardella et al, 2014). Additionally, CFF performance can be negatively affected by tumors and lesions in all four lobes of the brain (Curran et al, 1990;Curran & Wattis, 1998).…”

“…CFF has been shown to be a useful tool in cognitive aging research because it is sensitive to aging and disease processes; older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease show decrements in performance (Curran et al, 1990;Wooten et al, 2010). CFF has also been used in pharmacological research because it is sensitive to the manipulations of drugs; stimulants can increase and depressants can decrease performance (Curran & Wattis, 1998;. Recent studies have shown that dietary supplementation (focusing on the plant pigments, xanthophylls, found in retina and brain) can improve CFF thresholds of even younger adults when compared with placebos (Bovier and Hammond, 2015;Bovier, Renzi, & Hammond, 2014).…”

Driving impairment in depressed patients receiving long-term antidepressant treatment

“…The critical flicker fusion threshold was determined using the Leeds Psychomotor Tester (Leeds Psychomotor Services, York). This is a measure of central nervous system arousal and activation (Curran and Wattis 1998;Schmitt et al 2002b). The mean of six measurements was taken as a dependent variable.…”

Modulation of the Critical Flicker Fusion effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors by concomitant pupillary changes

“…CFF is most often interpreted in terms of a CNS arousal and activation (Curran and Wattis 1998). CFF shifts, however, may also occur as a result of changes in a subjects' response criterion, particularly when CFF is determined by the method of limits paradigm (Clark 1966).…”