2.3. Cognitive and Mood Assessments
delayed word recall
Cognitive function tests were delivered via the Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS), developed by Northumbria University (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK). COMPASS enables the creation of customised task configurations, with randomised parallel versions of these tasks administered to each participant during each assessment.Given the novelty of the area and to provide insight on the future direction of the research, the configuration of cognitive tasks was developed to explore the effects of lion’s mane on a range of cognitive domains. Therefore, to measure effects on attention, executive function, working memory and episodic memory, the following tasks were employed: immediate and delayed word recall; numeric working memory; choice reaction time; Stroop task; peg and ball; delayed word recognition. These tasks, administered via COMPASS, have been demonstrated to be responsive to nutritional interventions [Mood and psychological state were assessed with the Stress Visual Analogue Scales (S-VAS), Visual Analogue Mood Scales (VAMS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) [