General methodological considerations for the assessment of nutritional influences on human cognitive functions

Abstract

The premise that cognitive functioning can be influenced through dietary means has gained widespread interest. The assessment of cognitive functioning is a key method to scientifically substantiate such nutritional effects on cognition. The current paper provides a basic overview of the main concepts, issues and pitfalls of human cognitive research. General methods of cognitive assessment, selection of appropriate tests, factors that may mediate task performance and issues pertaining to the interpretation of the results are discussed.

Iodine supplementation improves cognition in mildly iodine-deficient children

“…The symbol search test measures processing speed and was the only test in which both the iodine and placebo groups improved on their baseline scores, exhibiting a learning effect. Such learning or practice effects are not uncommon with cognitive tests, particularly when they are reassessed within a relatively short period of time (ie, ,1 y) (28). The symbol search test is self-administered; it consists of 4 printed pages and has a definite end (ie, 120 items)-a testing format more familiar to these children than the other subtests.…”

Sensitivity to Change in Cognitive Performance and Mood Measures of Energy and Fatigue in Response to Morning Caffeine Alone or in Combination With Carbohydrate

“…Researchers interested in this topic are faced with a difficult decision in selecting appropriate and useful outcome measures. Although there are dozens of widely used methods for measuring specific cognitive and mood dimensions of mental energy, the ability of these instruments to measure change often is unclear (Schmitt, Benton, & Kallus, 2005;Westenhoefer et al, 2004).…”

The Hydration Equation

“…Cognitive functions can include a person’s concentration or attentiveness, concept learning, critical thinking, and memory (39). Likewise, motivation, mood, arousal, and physical health affect cognitive processing (39).…”

“…Cognitive functions can include a person’s concentration or attentiveness, concept learning, critical thinking, and memory (39). Likewise, motivation, mood, arousal, and physical health affect cognitive processing (39). Cognitive performance is a measure of cognitive functioning (39), or how someone uses their judgment, memory, reasoning, and concentration to complete one or more tasks.…”

“…Likewise, motivation, mood, arousal, and physical health affect cognitive processing (39). Cognitive performance is a measure of cognitive functioning (39), or how someone uses their judgment, memory, reasoning, and concentration to complete one or more tasks. Many tests exist to measure cognitive performance; however, debate on which assessment method(s) is superior persists among practitioners (29).…”