Comparing SLUMS Exam Performance with Other Measures of Cognitive Function: An fNIRS/fMRI Study

Authors: Qamar Adenaike, Alin Alshaheri Durazo, Amy Liang, Alizeh Khan, Allyson Dizon, Anish Balakrishnan, Jennifer Huerta, Meghan Marthia, Nandhana Seshacharan Rema, Skye Fofana, Ian McDonough

Field of Study: Biological Sciences

Program Affiliation: T34 Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program

Faculty Mentors: Ian McDonough

Easel: 5

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Both Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) are technological tools used to indirectly indicate brain activity and function based on changes in cerebral blood oxygenation. Prior research of brain activity through fMRI and fNIRS has established that brain activity is altered in subjects with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) during memory and cognition-based tasks, compared to control groups. The Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS Exam) is a measure of global cognition used to screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through an array of memory and cognitive function tasks. This study investigates the relationships between performance on the SLUMS Exam, fMRI and fNIRS brain activity during separate working and episodic memory tasks, and performance on the NIH Toolbox battery in subjects aged 17 to 80. Results are discussed in relation to moderating variables such as age, education level/quality, and socioeconomic status. These findings may inform a better understanding of the underlying factors of NDDs and MCI, as well as variables which may be associated with cognitive maintenance into advanced age.