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Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence.

ABSTRACT: Performance in everyday spatial orientation tasks (e.g., map reading and navigation) has been considered functionally separate from performance on more abstract object-based spatial abilities (e.g., mental rotation and visualization). However, few studies have examined the link between spatial orientation and object-based spatial skills, and even fewer have done so including a wide range of spatial tests. To examine this issue and more generally to test the structure of spatial ability, we used a novel gamified battery to assess six tests of spatial orientation in a virtual environment and examined their association with ten object-based spatial tests, as well as their links to general cognitive ability (g). We further estimated the role of genetic and environmental factors in underlying variation and covariation in these spatial tests. Participants (N = 2660; aged 19-22) were part of the Twins Early Development Study. The six tests of spatial orientation clustered into a single 'Navigation' factor that was 64% heritable. Examining the structure of spatial ability across all 16 tests, three, substantially correlated, factors emerged: Navigation, Object Manipulation, and Visualization. These, in turn, loaded strongly onto a general factor of Spatial Ability, which was highly heritable (84%). A large portion (45%) of this high heritability was independent of g. The results point towards the existence of a common genetic network that supports all spatial abilities.

SUBMITTER: Malanchini M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7331750 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence.

Malanchini Margherita M Rimfeld Kaili K Shakeshaft Nicholas G NG McMillan Andrew A Schofield Kerry L KL Rodic Maja M Rossi Valerio V Kovas Yulia Y Dale Philip S PS Tucker-Drob Elliot M EM Plomin Robert R

NPJ science of learning 20200702

Performance in everyday spatial orientation tasks (e.g., map reading and navigation) has been considered functionally separate from performance on more abstract object-based spatial abilities (e.g., mental rotation and visualization). However, few studies have examined the link between spatial orientation and object-based spatial skills, and even fewer have done so including a wide range of spatial tests. To examine this issue and more generally to test the structure of spatial ability, we used ...[more]

PMID: 32655883

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Project description:ImportanceHypertension is a known risk factor for cognitive decline and structural brain changes in aging and dementia. In addition to high blood pressure (BP), individuals may also experience variable BP, meaning that their BP fluctuates between normal and high. It is currently unclear what the effects of variable BP are on cognition and brain structure.ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of BP on cognition and brain structure in older adults.Design setting and participantsThis longitudinal cohort study included data from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center Research Resource Sharing Hub (RUSH) and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Participants from the two studies were included if they had BP measurements and either cognitive scores or MRI scans from at least one visit.Main outcomes and measuresLongitudinal gray matter, white matter, white matter hyperintensity volumes, postmortem neuropathology information, as well as cognitive test scores.ResultsA total of 4606 participants (3429 females, mean age = 76.8) with 32776 follow-ups (mean = 7 years) from RUSH and 2114 participants (1132 females, mean age = 73.3) with 9827 follow-ups (mean = 3 years) from ADNI were included in this study. Participants were divided into one of three groups: 1) normal BP, high BP, or variable BP. Older adults with variable BP exhibited the highest rate of cognitive decline followed by high BP and then normal BP. Increased GM volume loss and WMH burden was also observed in variable BP compared to high and normal BP. With respect to post-mortem neuropathology, both variable and high BP had increased severities compared to normal BP. Importantly, results were consistent across the RUSH and ADNI participants, supporting the generalizability of the findings.Conclusion and relevanceLimited research has examined the long-term impact of variable BP on cognition and brain structure. These findings show the importance that both high and variable BP have on cognitive decline and structural brain changes. Structural damages caused by variable BP may reduce resilience to future dementia-related pathology and increased risk of dementia. Improved treatment and management of variable BP may help reduce cognitive decline in the older adult population.

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Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence.

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Evidence for a unitary structure of spatial cognition beyond general intelligence.

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