Memory and attention

The content and organization of the displayed information are of critical importance in inferring the state of the process and subsequently evaluating the effects of alternative courses of action. The following factors will determine the demands of the control panel on the attentional and memory resources of the workers. For detailed data on the design of the control panel, the reader is referred to standard ergonomics textbooks (e.g., Salvendy, 1987). 

Apart from this paradoxical exception, it is clear that at higher doses alcohol intoxication is associated with impaired performance across a range of tasks involving psychomotor, attentional and memory processing. At moderate to high doses, alcohol impairs the formation of new memories and disrupts working memory. However, established memory is left relatively unimpaired, suggesting that... 

Cognitive effects Animais Cognitive effects of nicotine have been observed in several species, including humans. Experimental studies have focused primarily on the effects on attention and memory. Cognitive benefits are seen after both acute and chronic administration (Levin et al. 1992). In experimental animals, nicotine improves learning and memory on a variety of tasks. Conversely, the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine... 

The mammalian brain also possesses unifying anatomical circuits this circuitry appears to derive from the basic motor circuit. Motor systems, for example, unify diverse mofivafions and sensations fo drive singular purposeful actions. Anatomical circuifs underlying sleep-wakefulness, attention, and memory also unify varied inpufs info singular end sfafes. Consciousness, which is a unified sfafe, is likely fo be similarly driven by anatomical circuits such as those that drive motor actions, arousal, selective attention and memory. 

Acute administration of opioids, particularly in non-tolerant individuals, produces a syndrome of intoxication characterized by pupillary dilation and initial euphoria, followed by apathy, psychomotor retardation, slurred speech, and impaired attention and memory. Opioid overdose can produce fatal respiratory depression and thus is a medical emergency. 

Ethanol and sedative hypnotic intoxication are both characterized by behavioral disinhibition, which can be manifested as inappropriate aggressive or sexual behavior, mood lability, and impaired judgement. Associated signs include slurred speech, incoordination, unsteady gait, nystagmus, and impaired attention and memory. Ingestion of excessive amounts can result in stupor, coma, and death from respiratory depression. 

The scopohmmie challenge paradigm is a frequently used model for the investigation of impairment of attention and memory, and for modeling some... 

As discussed previously, results of studies conducted with nicotine-deprived smokers are difficult to interpret. Without pre-deprivation baseline data, which few studies report, it is difficult to conclude whether nicotine reversed deprivation-induced deficits or enhanced performance beyond that observed in the nondeprived state. In general, however, nicotine and smoking at least reversed deprivation-induced deficits in certain abilities in abstinent smokers, but such beneficial effects have not been observed consistently across a range of performance measures. For example, about half of the studies that measured sustained attention and memory reported a positive effect of nicotine however, the effects were limited to some subjects or one aspect of test performance. 

Table 6.4 presents the individual tests of the AGARD-STRESS battery. Focused attention, divided attention, and memory categories of tasks are included in this battery, in addition to a variety of other tasks. 

Table 6.5 presents the various tasks of the ANAM battery assess. Focused attention and memory categories of tasks me included in this battery, as well as a variety of additional task components. 

In this chapter, we have looked at two topics in cognitive enhancement attention and memory. We have first reviewed the role of dopamine and norepinephrine/ noradrenaline in the neuropharmacology of attention, and then the syndrome of attention deficit disorder as a common problem associated with a disorder of attention. We then discussed the use of stimulants for improving attention, primarily in attention deficit disorder, and reviewed the pharmacological mechanisms of action of methylphenidate, d and 1 amphetamine, pemoline, and secondary therapies such as clonidine and guanfacine. 

To discuss future cognitive enhancers, including enhancement of attention and memory. 

During a 6-month, randomized trial, men randomized to gonadorelin agonists had reduced attention and memory test scores, compared with men who were not given gonadorelin agonists but were closely monitored, in whom there was no change (21). 

Minzenberg MJ, Poole JH, Benton C, Vinogradov S. 2004. Association of anticholinergic load with impairment of complex attention and memory in schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry 161 116-124. 

Tiplady B, Bowness E, Stien L, Drummond G. Selective effects of clonidine and temazepam on attention and memory. J Psychopharmacol 2005 19(3) 259-65. 

A review has summarized the evidence related to the adverse effects of acute and chronic use of cannabis (60). The effects of acute usage include anxiety, impaired attention, and increased risk of psychotic symptoms. Probable risks of chronic cannabis consumption include bronchitis and subtle impairments of attention and memory. 

McKetin R, Mattick RP. Attention and memory in illicit amphetamine users comparison with nondrug-using controls. Drug Alcohol Depend 1998 50 181-4. 

The late nervous system effects in survivors 7 years after treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia include impaired concentration, attention, and memory (32). 

I anger T, Martus P, Ottensmeier H, Hertzberg H, Beck JD, Meier W. CNS late-effects after ALL therapy m childhood. Part m. Neuropsychological performance m long-term survivors of childhood ALL impairments of concentration, attention, and memory. Med Pediatr Oncol 2002 38(5) 320-8. 

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