Effect Of Monday-Thursday Fasting On Cognitive Function
EFFECT OF MONDAY-THURSDAY FASTING
ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION
By:
DIAN ERLANGGA
G34102049
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF MATHEMATIC AND NATURAL SCIENCE
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
2007
ABSTRACT
DIAN ERLANGGA. Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function. Supervised by
BAMBANG SURYOBROTO and AKICHIKA MIKAMI.
Human memory is a complex cognitive function. Based on its storage capacity, memory can
be distinguished into two kinds. They are short-term and long-term memories. A kind of shortterm memory is called working memory. Working memory is a limited capacity system that holds
items of information transiently in mind in the service of comprehension, thinking, and planning.
To perform cognitive task, brain requires large energy. Fasting declines blood glucose
concentration similar to skipping breakfast. Many people in Indonesia habitually perform fasting
every Monday and Thursday irrespective of the month. The Monday-Thursday fasting therefore
provides a model of how habitual fasting influences performances on working memory task.
Present research used Delayed Matching to Sample paradigm is a widely used method to study
visuospatial working memory in human and animal. Test was analyzed by linear mixed effect
statistical model using statistical language S which is implemented in lme4 package of program R.
Result shows that performance of visuospatial working memory task did not affected by MondayThursday fasting and its duration. It also did not affected by sleep length, and did not differ
between male and female. It increased session by session which reflect the ability of subjects to
learn the pictorial stimuli.
ABSTRAK
DIAN ERLANGGA. Efek dari Puasa Senin-Kamis terhadap Fungsi Kognisi. Dibimbing oleh
BAMBANG SURYOBROTO dan AKICHIKA MIKAMI
Memori manusia merupakan fungsi kognisi yang kompleks. Berdasarkan ukuran kapasitas
penyimpanannya, memori dibedakan dua jenis. Mereka adalah memori jangka pendek dan
memori jangka panjang. Salah satu jenis memori jangka pendek dapat disebut juga working
memori. Working memori merupakan unit penyimpanan terbatas yang menyimpan sesuatu
informasi didalam pikiran dengan tujuan mengerti, berpikir dan berencana. Untuk menjalankan
tugas/fungsi kognisi, otak memerlukan energi yang banyak. Puasa menurunkan kadar gula darah
yang sebanding dengan melewatkan sebuah sarapan/makan. Banyak orang di Indonesia yang
terbiasa dengan melaksanakan puasa senin-kamis berdasarkan penghitungan bulan. Puasa SeninKamis menyediakan sebuah model bahwa bagaimana sebuah kebiasaan berpuasa mempengaruhi
performa dari tugas/fungsi working memori. Paradigma Delay Matching to Sample merupakan
metode yang biasa yang digunakan untuk mempelajari visuospatial (pengetahuan tentang visual
dan ruang) dari working memori di manusia dan hewan. Analisa tes dilakukan oleh model statistik
linear mixed effect menggunakan uji statistik bahasa S yang terdapat didalam paket LME4 dari
program R. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa performa dari visuospatial working memori tidak
dipengaruhi oleh puasa Senin-Kamis dan durasinya. Performa pun tidak dipengaruhi oleh durasi
tidur serta tidak berbeda antara pria dan wanita. Performa meningkat seiring pertambahan sesi
yang dilakukan dan merefleksikan kemampuan dari subjek untuk belajar sebuah simbol/ilustrasi
stimuli.
EFFECT OF MONDAY-THURSDAY FASTING
ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Minithesis
To obtain Bachelor’s of Science
In Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science
Bogor Agricultural University
By:
DIAN ERLANGGA
G34102049
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF MATHEMATIC AND NATURAL SCIENCE
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
2007
Title : Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function
Name : Dian Erlangga
NRP : G34102049
Approved:
Advisor 1
Dr. Bambang Suryobroto
NIP 131779503
Advisor 2
Prof. Dr. Akichika Mikami
Endorsed by:
Decant Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science
Bogor Agricultural University
Prof. Dr. Ir. Yonny Koesmaryono, M.S.
NIP 131473999
Graduation Date:
FOREWORD
The title of this minithesis is Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function. It is
made after doing experiment since March 2006. The experimental took place in the Laboratory of
Zoology, Department of Biology Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science Bogor Agricultural
University, Bogor.
Writer acknowledgments are sending to Dr. Bambang Suryobroto and Prof. Dr. Akichika
Mikami M.D. as writer’s advisors. Also deepest gratitude to Dra. Taruni Sri Prawasti, Dr.Ir.
Achmad Farajallah, M.Si, Dr. Ir. Diah Perwitasari , Dr. Ir. Rika Raffiudin, M.Si, Ir. Tri Heru,
M.Sc, Ir. Tri Atmowidi, M.Si and all staff in Zoology laboratory for their support and kindness.
To Kak Ati, Kak Kanthi, Adit, Riza, Bacool, Ammay for their motivation friendship. All Writer
friend in Laboratory of Zoology such as Andros, Anifa, Singa, Qbal, Bian, Apri, Rifah, Isma, Ani,
Kak KC, Kak Nina, Kak Andre, Omen, WT for our good time and kindness. To Akhmaisyah,
Ninda, Ade Bowie, Laruku, and All of My Probandus for their support and motivation. Writer’s
acknowledgment especially send to GOD, Parent and Whole Family for their all they love,
support, kindness, motivation, and their pray so writer could finished this minithesis.
Bogor, March 2007
DIAN ERLANGGA
CURRICULUM VITAE
Writer was born in Makassar on 27th October 1984 as the first child of two brothers from
parent, Juwono Prabawadi and Susini.
On 2002, writer graduated from SMUN 5 Bogor and entered the Department of Biology,
Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science, Bogor Agricultural University via ‘Undangan
Saringan Masuk IPB’ (USMI).
On 2004, writer did field study at Situ Gunung Sukabumi with “Lutung Distributions in Situ
Gunung” as a title and related topic. Writer also did fieldwork on 2005 at PT PDAM Tirta Pakuan
Bogor with “Filtration and Sedimentation Unit as Water Treatments in PDAM Tirta Pakuan
Bogor” as a title. On 2006/2007 writers become assistant in practical class on Human Biology.
CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................
vii
LIST OF APPENDIX....................................................................................................................
vii
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................
1
MATERIAL AND METHODS
DMTS .....................................................................................................................................
Procedures ..............................................................................................................................
Statistical analytic ..................................................................................................................
1
2
2
RESULT ........................................................................................................................................
3
DISCUSSION
Fasting ......................................................................................................................................
Learning from past sessions.....................................................................................................
3
5
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................
5
REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................
5
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................
6
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
1
Structures of simple DMTS ..................................................................................................
2
2
Model of experiment .............................................................................................................
2
3
Level Attained .......................................................................................................................
4
4
Performance Attained............................................................................................................
4
5
Weight Error Attained...........................................................................................................
4
6
Response Time Attained .......................................................................................................
4
7
Normalized Reaction Attained..............................................................................................
4
8
Level per Number Attained ..................................................................................................
4
LIST OF APPENDIX
Page
1
Measures of Working Memory ............................................................................................
7
2A Confidence interval for estimate of fasting parameter to
measures of working memory. .............................................................................................
8
2B Confidence interval for estimate of fasting-duration parameter to
measures of working memory. ..............................................................................................
8
2C Confidence interval for estimate of session parameter to
measures of working memory. ..............................................................................................
8
2D Confidence interval for estimate of sex parameter to measures of working memory. ........
8
2E Confidence interval for estimate of sleep length parameter to
measures of working memory ...............................................................................................
8
INTRODUCTION
Human memory is a complex cognitive
function. It shapes our thought and behavior
because information processing at one point in
time influences processing at later points in
time. Construction of memory consists of
three separate stages: encoding, storage, and
retrieval (Baddeley 1996). Encoding refers to
initial processing of information that will
potentially be stored as memory episodes.
Storage
maintains
and
consolidates
information over extended period of time.
Retrieval refers to process that results in
remembering the encoded episodes. Both
encoding and retrieval process occur in
hippocampus and modulated by acetylcholine
(Hasselmo 1999).
Based on its storage capacity, memory can
be distinguished into two kinds. They are
short-term and long-term memories. Shortterm system has a limited capacity and
memory traces can spontaneously fade within
seconds. Long-term memory has a massive
capacity and durability so the memories can
be held for a long time. There are three kinds
of long-term memory: episodic, semantic, and
procedural memories. Episodic memory is a
kind of memory that results from our past
personal experiences.
Semantic memory
relates to general knowledge, such as
geography and history. Procedural memory
involves skill and habit.
A kind of short-term memory is called
working memory. Working memory is a
limited capacity system that holds items of
information transiently in mind in the service
of comprehension, thinking, and planning. It
is assumed to be an integral part of human
memory
system.
Working
memory
encompasses both storage and processing
functions simultaneously, such as: imaging a
sequence of chess moves, constructing a
sentence, mental arithmetic, creation of music
or poetry (Goldman 1996).
To perform cognitive task, brain requires
large energy. Although brain weighs only 2%
of total body weight, the brain uses about 20%
of the total body’s energy. Commonly brain
energy comes from aerobic glucose
degradation. The brain’s energy storage is
extremely small, so without glucose
replacement, the brain would be depleted of
glucose in less than 10 minutes. When
someone sleeps, blood glucose concentration
tends to decrease due to no food intake. By
taking breakfast in the next morning, the
glucose concentration will increase again.
Breakfast
consumption
influences
performance in memory tasks, especially one
that requires the retention of new information
(Benton 1998). Skipping breakfast leads to
slower value of stimulus discrimination,
increased error, and slower memory recall
(Pollit 1998).
Moslem religious fasting is a situation
where subject does not consume any food and
water from dawn (±4 AM in Indonesia) until
sunset (± 6 PM) in the lunar calendar month
of Ramadhan. Ramadhan fasting is
compulsory for moslem people; however, for
variety of reasons, many people in Indonesia
habitually perform fasting every Monday and
Thursday (MTFast) irrespective of the month.
Fasting declines blood glucose concentration
similar to skipping breakfast (Sunram-Lea
2001). It may influences performance in
memory task due to metabolic changes in
plasma glucose regulation in the brain. The
MTFast therefore provides a model of how
habitual fasting influences performance on
memory task
Objective
To investigate whether MTFast influences
performance of working memory task or not.
Place and Time
Research was done from February until
July 2006 at Laboratory of Zoology,
Department of Biology, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences IPB.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
DMTS
Working memory involves, among others,
spatial, phonological, and somatosensory
components. Delayed Matching to Sample
(DMTS) paradigm is a widely used method to
study visuospatial working memory in human
and animal. DMTS requires subject to hold a
visual stimulus “on line” over a delay interval
before choosing it again among other stimuli
presented later on (Elliot 1999). There were
two kinds of DMTS used in this research;
simple and sequential DMTSs. Simple DMTS
is a working memory task that has only one
visual stimulus that must be remembered by
subject. Present research used Simple DMTS
for training session. Sequential DMTS has one
to eight stimuli that should be remembered by
subject. Also, the subject must follow the
order of appearance of each stimulus.
Sequential DMTS was used in actual working
memory test.
2
1500ms
blank
1500ms
stimulus X
1500ms
ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION
By:
DIAN ERLANGGA
G34102049
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF MATHEMATIC AND NATURAL SCIENCE
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
2007
ABSTRACT
DIAN ERLANGGA. Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function. Supervised by
BAMBANG SURYOBROTO and AKICHIKA MIKAMI.
Human memory is a complex cognitive function. Based on its storage capacity, memory can
be distinguished into two kinds. They are short-term and long-term memories. A kind of shortterm memory is called working memory. Working memory is a limited capacity system that holds
items of information transiently in mind in the service of comprehension, thinking, and planning.
To perform cognitive task, brain requires large energy. Fasting declines blood glucose
concentration similar to skipping breakfast. Many people in Indonesia habitually perform fasting
every Monday and Thursday irrespective of the month. The Monday-Thursday fasting therefore
provides a model of how habitual fasting influences performances on working memory task.
Present research used Delayed Matching to Sample paradigm is a widely used method to study
visuospatial working memory in human and animal. Test was analyzed by linear mixed effect
statistical model using statistical language S which is implemented in lme4 package of program R.
Result shows that performance of visuospatial working memory task did not affected by MondayThursday fasting and its duration. It also did not affected by sleep length, and did not differ
between male and female. It increased session by session which reflect the ability of subjects to
learn the pictorial stimuli.
ABSTRAK
DIAN ERLANGGA. Efek dari Puasa Senin-Kamis terhadap Fungsi Kognisi. Dibimbing oleh
BAMBANG SURYOBROTO dan AKICHIKA MIKAMI
Memori manusia merupakan fungsi kognisi yang kompleks. Berdasarkan ukuran kapasitas
penyimpanannya, memori dibedakan dua jenis. Mereka adalah memori jangka pendek dan
memori jangka panjang. Salah satu jenis memori jangka pendek dapat disebut juga working
memori. Working memori merupakan unit penyimpanan terbatas yang menyimpan sesuatu
informasi didalam pikiran dengan tujuan mengerti, berpikir dan berencana. Untuk menjalankan
tugas/fungsi kognisi, otak memerlukan energi yang banyak. Puasa menurunkan kadar gula darah
yang sebanding dengan melewatkan sebuah sarapan/makan. Banyak orang di Indonesia yang
terbiasa dengan melaksanakan puasa senin-kamis berdasarkan penghitungan bulan. Puasa SeninKamis menyediakan sebuah model bahwa bagaimana sebuah kebiasaan berpuasa mempengaruhi
performa dari tugas/fungsi working memori. Paradigma Delay Matching to Sample merupakan
metode yang biasa yang digunakan untuk mempelajari visuospatial (pengetahuan tentang visual
dan ruang) dari working memori di manusia dan hewan. Analisa tes dilakukan oleh model statistik
linear mixed effect menggunakan uji statistik bahasa S yang terdapat didalam paket LME4 dari
program R. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa performa dari visuospatial working memori tidak
dipengaruhi oleh puasa Senin-Kamis dan durasinya. Performa pun tidak dipengaruhi oleh durasi
tidur serta tidak berbeda antara pria dan wanita. Performa meningkat seiring pertambahan sesi
yang dilakukan dan merefleksikan kemampuan dari subjek untuk belajar sebuah simbol/ilustrasi
stimuli.
EFFECT OF MONDAY-THURSDAY FASTING
ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Minithesis
To obtain Bachelor’s of Science
In Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science
Bogor Agricultural University
By:
DIAN ERLANGGA
G34102049
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF MATHEMATIC AND NATURAL SCIENCE
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
2007
Title : Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function
Name : Dian Erlangga
NRP : G34102049
Approved:
Advisor 1
Dr. Bambang Suryobroto
NIP 131779503
Advisor 2
Prof. Dr. Akichika Mikami
Endorsed by:
Decant Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science
Bogor Agricultural University
Prof. Dr. Ir. Yonny Koesmaryono, M.S.
NIP 131473999
Graduation Date:
FOREWORD
The title of this minithesis is Effect of Monday-Thursday Fasting on Cognitive Function. It is
made after doing experiment since March 2006. The experimental took place in the Laboratory of
Zoology, Department of Biology Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science Bogor Agricultural
University, Bogor.
Writer acknowledgments are sending to Dr. Bambang Suryobroto and Prof. Dr. Akichika
Mikami M.D. as writer’s advisors. Also deepest gratitude to Dra. Taruni Sri Prawasti, Dr.Ir.
Achmad Farajallah, M.Si, Dr. Ir. Diah Perwitasari , Dr. Ir. Rika Raffiudin, M.Si, Ir. Tri Heru,
M.Sc, Ir. Tri Atmowidi, M.Si and all staff in Zoology laboratory for their support and kindness.
To Kak Ati, Kak Kanthi, Adit, Riza, Bacool, Ammay for their motivation friendship. All Writer
friend in Laboratory of Zoology such as Andros, Anifa, Singa, Qbal, Bian, Apri, Rifah, Isma, Ani,
Kak KC, Kak Nina, Kak Andre, Omen, WT for our good time and kindness. To Akhmaisyah,
Ninda, Ade Bowie, Laruku, and All of My Probandus for their support and motivation. Writer’s
acknowledgment especially send to GOD, Parent and Whole Family for their all they love,
support, kindness, motivation, and their pray so writer could finished this minithesis.
Bogor, March 2007
DIAN ERLANGGA
CURRICULUM VITAE
Writer was born in Makassar on 27th October 1984 as the first child of two brothers from
parent, Juwono Prabawadi and Susini.
On 2002, writer graduated from SMUN 5 Bogor and entered the Department of Biology,
Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science, Bogor Agricultural University via ‘Undangan
Saringan Masuk IPB’ (USMI).
On 2004, writer did field study at Situ Gunung Sukabumi with “Lutung Distributions in Situ
Gunung” as a title and related topic. Writer also did fieldwork on 2005 at PT PDAM Tirta Pakuan
Bogor with “Filtration and Sedimentation Unit as Water Treatments in PDAM Tirta Pakuan
Bogor” as a title. On 2006/2007 writers become assistant in practical class on Human Biology.
CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................
vii
LIST OF APPENDIX....................................................................................................................
vii
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................
1
MATERIAL AND METHODS
DMTS .....................................................................................................................................
Procedures ..............................................................................................................................
Statistical analytic ..................................................................................................................
1
2
2
RESULT ........................................................................................................................................
3
DISCUSSION
Fasting ......................................................................................................................................
Learning from past sessions.....................................................................................................
3
5
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................
5
REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................
5
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................
6
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
1
Structures of simple DMTS ..................................................................................................
2
2
Model of experiment .............................................................................................................
2
3
Level Attained .......................................................................................................................
4
4
Performance Attained............................................................................................................
4
5
Weight Error Attained...........................................................................................................
4
6
Response Time Attained .......................................................................................................
4
7
Normalized Reaction Attained..............................................................................................
4
8
Level per Number Attained ..................................................................................................
4
LIST OF APPENDIX
Page
1
Measures of Working Memory ............................................................................................
7
2A Confidence interval for estimate of fasting parameter to
measures of working memory. .............................................................................................
8
2B Confidence interval for estimate of fasting-duration parameter to
measures of working memory. ..............................................................................................
8
2C Confidence interval for estimate of session parameter to
measures of working memory. ..............................................................................................
8
2D Confidence interval for estimate of sex parameter to measures of working memory. ........
8
2E Confidence interval for estimate of sleep length parameter to
measures of working memory ...............................................................................................
8
INTRODUCTION
Human memory is a complex cognitive
function. It shapes our thought and behavior
because information processing at one point in
time influences processing at later points in
time. Construction of memory consists of
three separate stages: encoding, storage, and
retrieval (Baddeley 1996). Encoding refers to
initial processing of information that will
potentially be stored as memory episodes.
Storage
maintains
and
consolidates
information over extended period of time.
Retrieval refers to process that results in
remembering the encoded episodes. Both
encoding and retrieval process occur in
hippocampus and modulated by acetylcholine
(Hasselmo 1999).
Based on its storage capacity, memory can
be distinguished into two kinds. They are
short-term and long-term memories. Shortterm system has a limited capacity and
memory traces can spontaneously fade within
seconds. Long-term memory has a massive
capacity and durability so the memories can
be held for a long time. There are three kinds
of long-term memory: episodic, semantic, and
procedural memories. Episodic memory is a
kind of memory that results from our past
personal experiences.
Semantic memory
relates to general knowledge, such as
geography and history. Procedural memory
involves skill and habit.
A kind of short-term memory is called
working memory. Working memory is a
limited capacity system that holds items of
information transiently in mind in the service
of comprehension, thinking, and planning. It
is assumed to be an integral part of human
memory
system.
Working
memory
encompasses both storage and processing
functions simultaneously, such as: imaging a
sequence of chess moves, constructing a
sentence, mental arithmetic, creation of music
or poetry (Goldman 1996).
To perform cognitive task, brain requires
large energy. Although brain weighs only 2%
of total body weight, the brain uses about 20%
of the total body’s energy. Commonly brain
energy comes from aerobic glucose
degradation. The brain’s energy storage is
extremely small, so without glucose
replacement, the brain would be depleted of
glucose in less than 10 minutes. When
someone sleeps, blood glucose concentration
tends to decrease due to no food intake. By
taking breakfast in the next morning, the
glucose concentration will increase again.
Breakfast
consumption
influences
performance in memory tasks, especially one
that requires the retention of new information
(Benton 1998). Skipping breakfast leads to
slower value of stimulus discrimination,
increased error, and slower memory recall
(Pollit 1998).
Moslem religious fasting is a situation
where subject does not consume any food and
water from dawn (±4 AM in Indonesia) until
sunset (± 6 PM) in the lunar calendar month
of Ramadhan. Ramadhan fasting is
compulsory for moslem people; however, for
variety of reasons, many people in Indonesia
habitually perform fasting every Monday and
Thursday (MTFast) irrespective of the month.
Fasting declines blood glucose concentration
similar to skipping breakfast (Sunram-Lea
2001). It may influences performance in
memory task due to metabolic changes in
plasma glucose regulation in the brain. The
MTFast therefore provides a model of how
habitual fasting influences performance on
memory task
Objective
To investigate whether MTFast influences
performance of working memory task or not.
Place and Time
Research was done from February until
July 2006 at Laboratory of Zoology,
Department of Biology, Faculty of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences IPB.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
DMTS
Working memory involves, among others,
spatial, phonological, and somatosensory
components. Delayed Matching to Sample
(DMTS) paradigm is a widely used method to
study visuospatial working memory in human
and animal. DMTS requires subject to hold a
visual stimulus “on line” over a delay interval
before choosing it again among other stimuli
presented later on (Elliot 1999). There were
two kinds of DMTS used in this research;
simple and sequential DMTSs. Simple DMTS
is a working memory task that has only one
visual stimulus that must be remembered by
subject. Present research used Simple DMTS
for training session. Sequential DMTS has one
to eight stimuli that should be remembered by
subject. Also, the subject must follow the
order of appearance of each stimulus.
Sequential DMTS was used in actual working
memory test.
2
1500ms
blank
1500ms
stimulus X
1500ms