bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B - 57 Examining Symptom Patterns in Anomalous Health Incidents: a Spectral Co-Clustering Analysis Using the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale
Authors: Chacko Thomas P , Hampton Stephen , Reinhard Matthew J , Breneman Charity B , Allen Nathaniel , Summers Angela C , Tschida Sherri , Samuel Immanuel , Brewster Ryan , Lu Calvin , Page Jeffery , Costanzo Michelle , Smith Douglas H , Broderick Gordon , Swanson Randel
Published: September 2024

Objective

The ImPACT Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) is widely used to document post-concussion symptoms. This study investigated the structural patterns of PCSS using spectral co-clustering on data from U.S. diplomats and their families who served in Cuba and China, who reported experiencing Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs).

Method

Clinicians at the University of Pennsylvania evaluated 65 individuals with potential AHI exposure (Median age-group = 35–45 years; 73.84% in Cuba; 49.23% females). PCSS feature scores were discretized into 4-level symptom severity expressions: none, mild, moderate, and severe. The preprocessed data were fit with spectral co-clustering model to extract optimal number of biclusters, by measuring scree plot with principal component analysis and Calinski-Harabasz (CH) score. Final model was also evaluated by CH score and a random label t-test to compare the significance of the clustering results.

Results

Overall, spectral co-clustering yielded two biclusters with CH score of 20.29 and random label t-test of p < 0.001, suggesting reasonable clustering quality. Biclustering identified two sets of interpretable PCSS symptom characteristics. Cluster centroids X and Y (IDs retracted) were estimated using Manhattan distance, summarizing symptom characteristics of each cluster. More precisely, centroid X represented mild to moderate symptom profiles (e.g., headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nervousness), while centroidY represented a relative absence of symptoms, except for mild nervousness and emotionality.

Conclusion

The spectral co-clustering of PCSS reveals patterns of elevated symptoms in one cluster and minimal symptom burden in the other, similar to outcomes observed after mild TBI. These patterns can guide future research directions and ultimately improve patient outcomes in various medical contexts.
B - 58 Emotional Attention and Psychological Outcomes: Insights from Eye-Tracking in Vietnam Veterans
Authors: Chacko Thomas P , Oh Hyuk , Breneman Charity , Allen Nathaniel , Summers Angela C , Tschida Sherri , Brewster Ryan , Samuel Immanuel , Lu Calvin , Costanzo Michelle E , Reinhard Matthew J
Published: September 2024

Objective

The mood-congruency hypothesis suggests that an individual’s attentional resources align with their current emotional state. We investigated whether attention to emotion-eliciting stimuli, as measured by eye-tracking, could be associated with psychological outcomes in Vietnam Veterans.

Method

We enrolled 117 Vietnam-theater Veterans (MeanAge = 69.5 years; SD = 3.4 years) and measured time to first fixation (TFF) and total fixation duration (TFD) while participants viewed emotional human faces (HAPPY, SAD, ANGRY) paired with neutral expressions (NEUTRAL). Participants completed 60 trials for different emotion-neutral pairs and completed self-report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) using the PTG Inventory. Linear fixed-effects models (MATLAB, R2023a) were employed to examine self-report measures, focusing on attentional bias toward emotional faces in Model-1, and considering both emotional and neutral faces in Model-2.

Results

In Model-1, PTG was negatively related to TFF on HAPPY (p < 0.05), but positively related to TFD on SAD (p < 0.001). These findings align with PTG theory, suggesting that struggling with negative emotions may stimulate PTG. Moreover, PTSD symptom severity was negatively associated with TFF on HAPPY (p < 0.05) and positively associated with TFF on NEUTRAL (p < 0.01). In Model-2, greater PTG was associated with longer TFD on both HAPPY (p < 0.05) and NEUTRAL (p < 0.001). Interestingly, greater PTSD symptom severity was associated with longer TFD on HAPPY (p < 0.05) and NEUTRAL (p < 0.001) stimuli.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the complex relationship between attentional allocation, emotional stimuli, and psychological outcomes in Vietnam Veterans. Future research will explore these dynamics and the clinical utility of eye tracking.
B - 61 Psilocybin as a First-Line Treatment of ADHD in Adult Populations
Authors: Perry James , Young Cara , Williams Julie
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The first line for symptom management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a class of medications that act on dopamine and noradrenaline receptors, which leads to symptom reduction at the cost of significant side effects. These side effects have led to community searching for alternative methods that manage ADHD symptoms in adults that lead to less side effects. Microdosing Psilocybin has emerged as a course of treatment that could provide benefits for those who may experience serious side effects to stimulant medication.

Method

This literature review was conducted using search terms such as, ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, psychedelic treatment, stimulant treatment of ADHD, naturalistic treatment of ADHD, 5-HT, neural plasticity. Journals that reported about the benefits and concerns of Psilocybin use for ADHD are Neurochemistry International, American College of Neuropharmacology, European Psychology, Movement and Nutrition in Health and Disease, Journal of Psychopharmacology, and Psychiatry Research.

Results

Research shows that not only does microdosing Psilocybin have less adverse effects than stimulant medications when being used to treat ADHD, but it also leads to an alternative method that focuses on serotonin receptors when other avenues are unsuccessful.

Conclusions

This poster illustrates the alternative use of Psilocybin for treatment in ADHD and highlights neurological underpinnings that may lead to explaining success. Limitations of stimulant medications are also reviewed.
B - 63 Performance on Cognitive Flexibility Measures Predict the Occurrence of Adverse Driving Events among Adults
Authors: Kelderman Claire , Molina Karla , Herndon Hayley , Golden Charles
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore whether adults’ cognitive flexibility performance predicted adverse driving events.

Methods

Adult participants (n = 297; Mage = 27.48, SD = 9.29; Med = 16.07, SD = 2.01, 63% female) were selected from a de-identified outpatient database. Participants reported having no neurological/neuropsychological or psychological/psychiatric diagnoses. Participants identified as 60.3% white, 17.8% Hispanic, 12.8% African American, and 9.1% other. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine whether measures of cognitive flexibility significantly predicted adverse driving events as measured by the reported number of motor vehicle accidents and moving violations (tickets).

Results

The results revealed that performance on the CPT-3 detectability (B = 0.04), Hit Reaction Time (HRT, B = 0.03), variability (B = −0.08); CATA detectability (B = 0.06), HRT (B = 0.08); WCST total number of trials (B = −0.04), total number of errors (B = −0.08); and Stroop interference scores (B = −0.03) significantly predicted the occurrence of adverse driving events, (F (8, 296) = 3.72, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.09), albeit to a small effect.

Conclusions

Poorer performance on measures of cognitive flexibility predicted higher rates of motor vehicle accidents and moving violations. Participants who exhibited better reaction time, attention focus, ability to set shift and discriminate target information, as well as ability to inhibit cognitive interference reported less adverse driving events. Consistent with previous research, these findings indicate that cognitive abilities, specifically cognitive flexibility, can predict driving outcomes/performance. Future research could investigate findings with individuals across the lifespan and with executive function deficits.
B - 65 Adolescent Cortico-Limbic Connectivity Mediates Associations between Internalizing Symptomology and Subsequent Neurocognitive Performance
Authors: Shankula Chase A , Navarro Gabriella Y , Stinson Elizabeth A , Lisdah Krista M
Published: September 2024

Objective

During development, internalizing symptoms negatively impact broad neurocognitive functioning. Hypoconnectivity between the Cingulo-Opercular network (CON) and limbic regions has been implicated in various psychiatric disorders. Here we attempt to investigate whether CON-limbic connectivity longitudinally mediates associations between internalizing behaviors and cognitive outcomes during adolescence.

Method

Internalizing symptoms were measured in 2668 youth (47% female) enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study using the Child Behavior Checklist. Zero-order correlations were tested between baseline (ages 9–11) internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatic complaints) and performance on NIH Toolbox® neurocognitive measures at 4-year follow-up (ages 13–15). Significantly predicted tasks were included in a structural equation model (SEM), which tested whether a latent factor representing 2-year follow-up resting-state fMRI connectivity between the CON and limbic regions (i.e., bilateral hippocampus and amygdala) mediated associations between baseline internalizing symptoms and 4-year cognitive outcomes.

Results

Four neurocognitive tasks (Flanker, Picture Sequence, List Sorting, Pattern Comparison) regressed significantly onto at least one internalizing symptom. An SEM which tested the mediatory effects of CON-limbic connectivity on these associations fit the data well (CFI = 0.997; SRMR = 0.007; RMSEA =0.015 [0,0.027]). Increased anxiety and somatic symptoms significantly predicted reduced CON-limbic connectivity, while depression did not. Associations between anxiety and somatic symptoms and List Sorting performance were suppressed, indicating full mediation by CON-limbic connectivity on working memory. Connectivity also partially mediated a negative association between anxiety and Flanker performance.

Conclusions

Our findings point to CON-limbic hypoconnectivity as a potential mechanism underlying associations between late childhood internalizing symptoms and poorer executive functioning (most notably working memory) during early adolescence.
B - 66 Cognitive Dispersion Is Uniquely Associated with Executive Functions in HIV Disease
Authors: Penheiro Romeo , Webber Troy A , Woods Steven P
Published: September 2024

Objective

Among persons living with HIV (PLWH), higher levels of intraindividual variability (IIV) across a battery of neuropsychological measures (i.e., dispersion) increase the risk of dependence in everyday functioning. Higher levels of dispersion are theorized to reflect lapses in executive aspects of attention, but few studies have directly evaluated the construct validity of dispersion.

Method

72 PLWH completed the Cogstate battery (www.cogstate.com). Exclusion criteria were inability to provide informed consent, psychosis, active substance use disorders, and major neurological conditions. Dispersion was operationalized as a coefficient of variance (CoV) across age-adjusted scores on six tests from the Cogstate battery (i.e., intra-individual standard deviation divided by the intra-individual mean). The predictor variables were mean-level, demographically-adjusted performance scores from well-validated clinical measures of executive functions (Trailmaking Test B, WCST-64 Perseverative Responses, PASAT-50, and Verbal Fluency), psychomotor speed (WAIS-III Digit Symbol, Trailmaking Test A, Grooved Pegboard), and episodic memory (HVLT-R and BVMT-R Learning and Delayed Recall).

Results

A multiple regression analysis indicated that the three domain-level cognitive predictors explained 12.1% of the variance in Cogstate CoV (p = 0.03). Within this model, lower levels of executive functions were significantly associated with higher CoV on the Cogstate (p = 0.01), but the psychomotor and memory domains were not (ps > 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings from this cross-sectional study align with cognitive theory in demonstrating dispersion is uniquely associated with external measures of executive functions (e.g., cognitive flexibility) among PLWH. Future experimental studies are needed to determine the precise executive mechanism of dispersion.
B - 67 Executive Functions as a Mediator between ADHD Symptoms and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Emerging Adults
Authors: Colón-Bosques Nicole M , McLin Maia , Armstrong Kevin J
Published: September 2024

Objective

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression in emerging adults (Prevatt et al., 2012; Mochrie et al., 2020). However, there is limited research examining this association. This study explored the potential mediating role of executive functions in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Method

A sample of 842 college students (mean age of 18.96 years) completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1; Kessler et al., 2005), the Executive Function Index (EFI; Spinella, 2005), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The sample was selected from a Psychology Research Program (PRP) pool of a southern university and consisted of 630 women (74.8%), 197 men (23.4%), 13 non-binary (1.5%), and 2 preferred not to answer (0.2%).

Results

PROCESS 4.2 (Hayes, 2022) model 4 was used with 5000 bootstrap resamples to examine indirect effects. The confidence interval for the indirect effect of ADHD symptoms through executive function was significant for depressive symptoms, B = 0.85, SE = 0.20, 95% CI [0.48, 1.26], as well as anxiety symptoms, B = 1.36, SE = 0.23, 95% CI [0.94, 1.85].

Conclusion

ADHD symptoms in college students were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety when students reported having stronger executive function skills. Given this association, future research could seek to clarify the role of executive functions in protecting individuals with ADHD from impairments associated with anxiety or depression, and whether treatment that builds executive functioning skills is of value in clinical populations.
B - 70 Profile Analysis of Executive Functioning in Adults with Developmental Disorders on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition—Adult Version (BRIEF2A)
Authors: Sady Maegan D , Barrett-Clarke Adam P , Gioia Gerard A , Harrison Allyson G , Isquith Peter K , Roth Robert M
Published: September 2024

Objective

Children with developmental disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism (ASD), and learning disabilities (LD) often exhibit different profiles of everyday executive function (EF) strengths and weakness. This has not been tested in adults. We examined profiles of self- and informant-reported EF in adults with these developmental disorders on the BRIEF2A.

Method

Ratings on the BRIEF2A scales (Inhibit, Self-Monitor, Shift, Emotional Control, Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Task-Monitor, Organization of Materials) were within-subjects dependent variables in a profile analysis with diagnostic group (ADHD, ASD, LD) as the between-subjects factor in two MANOVAs (self and informant). 79 adults diagnosed with ADHD, 35 with ASD, and 24 with LD along with 165 demographically-matched healthy adults completed Self-Report forms, and 57 with ADHD, 36 with ASD, 24 with LD, and 132 healthy adults completed Informant Report forms.

Results

All effects were significant (p.40) for both self- and informant reports. Profiles of scale elevations differed between diagnostic groups for self- (ŋ2 > 0.10) and informant (ŋ2 > 0.13) reports. Adults with ADHD had highest elevations on the Working Memory and Plan/Organize scales, with the LD group showing a similar profile but to a lesser degree. Adults with ASD were characterized by highest elevations on the Shift scale.

Conclusions

Individuals with common developmental disorders report distinguishable patterns of everyday EF. Those with ADHD report substantial difficulty sustaining working memory, planning, and organizing, while those with ASD report greatest difficulty adapting to change. Individuals with LD show similar profiles to ADHD but to a lesser degree.
B - 72 Cognitive Regulation as a Predictor of Parenting Distress
Authors: Doyle Olivia , Fischer Briana Bon , Hand Phyllis , Seghete Kristen Mackiewicz
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the relationship between adverse childhood events (ACE), executive function, and parenting.

Method

Pregnant individuals with and without a history of substance use were recruited to participate in a longitudinal study on perinatal reward processing and parenting. Data were collected from 111 pregnant participants, from which 43 contributed data at six months postpartum. Childhood trauma was collected via the ACE scale, and executive function (EF) challenges were measured using the Metacognition Index of the Behavior Ratings Inventory of Executive Functions for Adults (BRIEF-A). Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Inventory, Short Form. The parental distress (PD) and parent perception of their child’s dysregulation (DC) scales were calculated from the PSI at the 6-month timepoint (N = 43 dyads, mean infant age = 27.14 (2.45) weeks.). A structural equation modeling approach was utilized to assess the direct and indirect effects of ACEs and EF challenges on PD and DC. A path mediation model was used. All models were estimated using the R Statistical Software Lavaan package. Bootstrapped confidence intervals were calculated for all paths. Missing data were handled using full information maximum likelihood.

Results

We found a significant indirect effect of ACEs on DC through metacognition (β = 0.1, 95% CI [0.01, 0.18], p = 0.026) and a significant indirect effect of ACEs on PD through metacognition (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.02, 0.23], p = 0.019). There were no significant direct effects of ACE on PD or DC.

Conclusion

This analysis supports the hypothesis that EF, specifically cognitive regulation, impacts PS in the context of a history of ACE.
B - 75 The Relationship between BRIEF-A Composite Scores with Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Kent George W , Brandys Tyler R , Clark Emilie , Naatz Lisa , Pyykkonen Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Recent studies have suggested the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) might be measuring emotional distress as opposed to objective executive functioning. The current study explored the relationship between emotional distress on the BRIEF-A - specifically anxiety and depression.

Data Selection

90 participants (75.6% Caucasian, 10.0% Hispanic, 5.6% Asian, 2.2% African-American, 2.2% Middle Eastern, 4.4% Unspecified) assessed at a Midwest clinic were selected based on the presence of relevant scores from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and BRIEF-A.

Data Synthesis

Archival data were analyzed using regression analyses, with each predictor (MMPI-2 clinical scales 2 and 7) entered as predictors of BRIEF BRI and MI composite indices. The full model accounted for 31.5% (p < 0.001) of the variance in BRI. Scale 7 accounted for 30.1% (p < 0.001) of variability in the BRI. Scale 2 was not a significant predictor of BRI and only accounted for an additional 2% of the variability. With regard to MI, the full model accounted for 33.3% (p < 0.001) of the variability in MI. Scale 7 accounted for 27.0% (p < 0.01) of the variability in MI, and Scale 2 contributed an additional 6.3% (P.005) of predictive capacity.

Conclusions

The current analysis identified that emotional distress was a significant predictor of BRIEF-A MI and BRI composite scores, accounting for 31.5% and 33.3% of the variability, respectively. This suggests that these BRIEF-A composite scores are notably correlated with emotional distress. Within this, anxiety was a more potent predictor than depression.
B - 77 Self-Reported Executive Dysfunction Is Related to Emotional Distress: Findings among University Students
Authors: Conner Rachel B , Patrick Sarah D , Richert Mallory , Waldstein Shari R , Spencer Robert J
Published: September 2024

Objective

Performance based neuropsychological tests assess executive functions (EF), but self-report rating inventories may increase ecological validity by inquiring about EF in everyday life. These sources of information often disagree, largely because subjective self-reports are influenced by emotional distress. Research has seldom explored how strongly subjective ratings of EF correlate uniquely with depression and anxiety versus flattering and unflattering self-reports more generally. This project examined the relationship between self-reported EF on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) with performances on tests of EF, as well as measures of depression, anxiety, curiosity, and anger. We hypothesized that BRIEF-A scores would share small correlations with tests of EF, medium correlations with depression and anxiety, and intermediate correlations with anger and curiosity.

Method

151 undergraduates [80% female; age 21.4 (3.8)] completed the BRIEF-A, neuropsychological tests of EF, and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, anger, and curiosity.

Results

The BRIEF-A Behavior Regulation (BRI) and Metacognitive (MI) indices shared a large correlation (r = 0.66), with internal consistencies exceeding 0.90. No correlation between BRIEF-A indices and neuropsychological performances exceeded 0.10. Problems reported on the BRI and MI were positively associated with self-reported depression (r = 0.45) and state anxiety (r = 0.29). The MI had a small correlation with state curiosity (r = −0.21), whereby more metacognitive problems were associated with less curiosity. BRI correlated with state anger at 0.19.

Conclusions

It is unlikely self-reported EF reflects generic positive self-regard and is more closely associated with emotional distress. Users of the BRIEF-A should consider depression and anxiety when interpreting this test.
B - 80 The Long-Term Memory Sign in Adults Referred for Neuropsychological Evaluation
Authors: Tyson Brad , Randolph Lynsey , Lee Jake
Published: September 2024

Objective

We investigated the clinical utility of the newly described long-term memory (LTM) sign in adults referred for neuropsychological evaluation. Individuals with dementia often report short-term episodic memory decline or no memory decline, but rarely report long-term episodic memory decline. The LTM sign refers to patient self-report of long-term episodic memory decline, that is equivalent to/or greater than, subjective short-term episodic memory decline.

Method

The LTM sign was endorsed on a pre-visit intake form and established during clinical interview in 568 patients (M age = 63, SD = 14.3) referred for neuropsychological evaluation at a large medical center in the Northwest United States.

Results

In our sample of 568 patients, 79 (14%) reported the LTM sign. In 79 patients with the LTM sign, 45 were diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder (57%), 23 were diagnosed with mild neurocognitive disorder (29%), seven had no cognitive or psychiatric diagnosis (9%), and four had dementia (5%). The LTM sign was most common in those with a history of trauma in childhood or adolescence (52/79, 66%) and substance use disorders (50/79, 63%).

Conclusions

The LTM sign was rare in dementia, but common in those with a current psychiatric diagnosis. These findings support the literature on episodic memory decline in dementia populations and suggests that encoding of early memories and/or retrieval of old memories is negatively impacted by a current psychiatric disorder, traumatic events in childhood and adolescence, and lifetime history of substance use disorder. The LTM sign is a valuable addition to the clinical interview of neuropsychological patients.
B - 82 Examining the Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Verbal Learning when Controlling for Intelligence
Authors: O’Brien Veronica , Rickard Amanda
Published: September 2024

Objective

Previous research investigated how anxiety and depression impact verbal learning, noting that individuals with higher levels of these conditions often struggle with immediate recall in verbal tasks. However, some studies propose that this impact diminishes when controlling for intelligence. This study aimed to clarify if significant differences exist in immediate recall during the initial trial of a verbal learning task among varying levels of anxiety and depression while controlling for intelligence.

Method

Archival data (n = 457) from a college-based testing center were used to construct a database, incorporating Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), and the California Verbal Learning Test –Third Edition Trial 1 data. Data were analyzed using multiple one-way ANOVAs with depression and anxiety used as fixed factors and FSIQ as the covariate.

Results

The first ANOVA revealed a significant effect of anxiety severity on trial 1 recall F(3, 452) = 2.79, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.02, with post-hoc analysis revealing participants with mild anxiety (M = 7.10) recalled significantly more words than those with minimal anxiety (M = 3.21). Conversely, the second ANOVA, showed no significant effect of depression level on trial 1 recall F(3, 444) = 0.921, p = 0.43.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that, when IQ is controlled for, individuals with mild anxiety recall significantly more words than those without anxiety during the first trial of a verbal learning task, suggesting some anxiety may enhance verbal learning. However, no effects of depression on verbal recall are observed.
B - 83 Associations between Memory Aid Use, Memory Complaints, and Meta-Prospective Memory Accuracy
Authors: Schmidt Brianna M , Liming Kathleen D , Fulton Erika K , Huber Becca N
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study examined differences in associations between memory aid usage, memory complaints, and meta-prospective memory (PM) accuracy between healthy and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups.

Method

Participants aged 60–90 were recruited from a rural community and neuropsychology clinic and separated into healthy (n = 50) and MCI (n = 31) groups using the MMSE and historical diagnoses. Measures included memory complaints, pre−/postdictions of PM performance, PM performance, and memory aid usage.

Results

There was no significant difference in memory aid usage between groups (t(79) = −0.79, p = 0.43, d = 0.18), nor was aid use correlated with PM performance (r = −0.04, p = 0.71). There was a significant difference in groups’ correlations between total aids used and overall memory complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.13, p = 0.03*); the same pattern emerged for PM-only complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.18, p = 0.03*). There was a significant difference in groups’ correlations between internal aid use and overall memory complaints (Fisher’s Z = −2.40, p = 0.02*). Internal aid use was significantly negatively correlated with PM-only complaints in the MCI group (r = −0.41, p = 0.02*), revealing a significant difference between groups (Fisher’s Z = −2.79, p = 0.005*).

Conclusions

Memory aid usage was not related to meta-PM accuracy or PM performance. Groups’ correlations significantly differed between total and internal memory aid usage and overall and PM-only complaints. Overall and internal memory aid usage was associated with fewer memory complaints for MCI groups but greater complaints in controls, suggesting that aid usage may improve or worsen perceptions of memory depending on neurocognitive status.
B - 84 Memory and Attention Predict Narcissistic Personality Characteristics
Authors: Andrade Christina , Perez Susana J , Jacquin Kristine M
Published: September 2024

Objective

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) entails grandiosity, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. Research suggests a distinct cognitive profile linked to narcissistic characteristics, including facial recognition and memory issues. Our study examined memory and attention predictors of NPD characteristics in a non-clinical sample, filling a research gap.

Method

Young adult (M = 19.9, SD = 3.4) university students (N = 109) were participants. They identified primarily as women (52.3%) or men (47.7%) and White (65.1%) or African American (29.4%). Measures included Test of Everyday Attention (Robertson et al., 1996) and the Wechsler Memory Scale – IV (Wechsler, 2009) to assess memory and attention functioning. The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – III (Millon et al., 2006) was used to measure narcissistic personality disorder characteristics. The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-4 (Brown et al., 2010) was used to estimate IQ.

Results

Regression analysis revealed significant associations between memory/attention facets and NPD characteristics, F(7, 101) = 2.18, p = 0.04, adj. R2 = 0.07, 95% CI [0, 0.12]. Divided attention (β = −0.236, p = 0.02) and associative memory (β = −0.222, p = 0.04) were significant predictors. After controlling for IQ, associative memory remained significant (β = −0.257, p = 0.02), while divided attention did not (β = −0.102, p = 0.32). Verbal list learning emerged as a risk factor (β = 0.258, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Our findings align with prior research, indicating cognitive correlates of NPD, particularly poorer associative memory and better verbal list learning. These results suggest a unique cognitive profile for NPD, characterized by high verbal list learning and poor associative memory. Understanding these cognitive underpinnings sheds light on the complexity of NPD and may inform interventions.
B - 85 Verbal Memory Predicts Histrionic Personality Disorder Characteristics
Authors: Folk Kaila , Folk Kaila , Arnburg Angela , Jacquin Kristine M
Published: September 2024

Objective

Our research examined the relationship between Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) symptoms and attention and memory.

Method

Participants were 109 undergraduate students (M = 19.9 years, SD = 3.44; 52.3% women, 47.7% men; 65.1% White, 29.4% Black or African American). Researchers administered the Wechsler Memory Scale-IV and Test of Everyday Attention to measure participants’ memory and attention. Participants also completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory to assess personality characteristics.

Results

Regression was conducted with memory and attention as predictors and HPD symptoms as DV. The full model was not significant, but a model with immediate verbal memory and MCMI validity score was significant, F(2, 106) = 4.55, p = 0.01, adj. R2 = 0.06, 95% CI [0, 0.16]. Logistic regression was conducted with the same predictors and meeting HPD cutoff score as DV. Full model was not significant, but a model that contained verbal memory was significant, F(1, 107) = 5.72, p = 0.02, adj. R2 = 0.04, 95% CI [0, 0.14]. Better verbal memory was associated with more histrionic personality characteristics (beta = 0.228) and greater likelihood to exceed clinical cutoffs for histrionic personality disorder (beta = 0.225).

Conclusion

Our results were not fully consistent with our hypothesis. Verbal memory was the only predictor of HPD symptoms, with better verbal memory predicting more HPD characteristics and greater likelihood of exceeding clinical cutoff scores. Together with prior research outcomes, the results imply HPD is cognitively different from other cluster B disorders in a way that is related to better verbal memory.
B - 86 Neurobehavioral Examination Total Memory Score as a Screener for Cognitive Impairment Diagnosis
Authors: Witbeck Angelina E , Witbeck Angelina , Dodd Jonathan N
Published: September 2024

Objective

The neurobehavioral exam (NBE) quickly assesses patient’s neurological and behavioral status. This study aims to determine whether an individual’s NBE memory subtest is an effective screening tool for predicting cognitive diagnosis following a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Method

Data was collected from a clinical population of 173 adults (< 60 years old). Each patient was administered the NBE before comprehensive neuropsychological testing. The Total Memory Free Recall (TMFR) score was compared to the final cognitive diagnosis. Descriptive statistics, linear regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted with IBM SPSS.

Results

Linear regression indicates that the TMFR accounts for 26.1% of the variance in the cognitive diagnosis (F (1, 171) = 60.29, p = <0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.26). Area under the curve (AUC) indicated good discriminative ability for screening patients with and without cognitive impairment based on their total memory recall score (AUC = 0.83). A TMFR raw score of <6 was determined as the optimal cutoff point for screening cognitive impairment yielding a sensitivity of 0.96 and a specificity of 0.62.

Conclusion(s)

The analyses completed indicate that TMFR on the NBE is predictive of cognitive diagnosis following comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Total memory recall raw score can be used as a screening measure for identifying cognitive impairment and making appropriate referral for comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.
B - 89 Evaluation of the Differential Effect of Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety Symptoms as Predictors of Verbal Learning and Memory Performance
Authors: Patel Hirangi , Jennette Kyle , Urlich Devin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Anxiety is known to exacerbate cognitive difficulties associated with aging; however, little it is less clear how specific symptoms of anxiety, particularly cognitive and somatic symptoms, impact learning and memory performance among older adults. This study explored the relationship between moderate-to-severe symptoms of cognitive and somatic anxiety on auditory learning and memory performance.

Method

A sample of 95 outpatients referred for neuropsychological were administered the California Verbal Learning Test -3rd Edition-Brief Form (CVLT), Wechsler Memory Scales – 4th Edition Logical Memory (LM), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) as part of a standardized battery.

Results

The sample was 45.3% female and 50.5% black (Age: M = 64.69, SD = 8.1; Education: M = 13.60, SD = 3.0). BAI items were dichotomized into somatic and cognitive symptoms. Items rated as moderate or severe were summed to create total somatic anxiety (S-Anx), and cognitive (C-Anx), and total moderate–severe (T-Anx) scores. Regression analyses indicated that T-Anx and S-Anx, significantly predicted CVLT Trial 1 (T1) learning (β = −0.24; β = −0.24, respectively) and total learning performance (β = −0.20; β = −0.23, respectively). C-Anx predicted T1 learning (β = −0.22,), but not total learning. None of the anxiety scales predicted CVLT delayed recall, nor LM learning or retrieval.

Conclusion

Multiple regression revealed that S-Anx remained a significant predictor of total learning when controlling for C-Anx. Findings indicate that both moderate-to-severe somatic and cognitive anxiety impact unstructured auditory one-trial learning, while somatic anxiety has a more broad impact on learning over trials, which was sustained after controlling for the effect of cognitive anxiety, suggesting potentially independent symptom construct clusters.
B - 90 Establishing Cutoffs for Impaired Cognition in Virtual Reality Assessment: the Virtual Kitchen Protocol for Learning and Memory
Authors: Boynton Harrison G , Fontanese Matthew S , Zamora Joel A , Bishop Kelle N , Gamino Denise , Tran Sarah H , Langarica Ashley Arreola , Barnett Michael D
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Virtual Kitchen Protocol for Learning and Memory (VKP-LM) is a virtual-reality-based measure of everyday functioning through procedural memory tasks. Previous literature has introduced the VKP-LM and begun validation processes. This study explores cutoff scores to determine cognitive impairment across the Immediate (VKP-IR) and Delayed-Recall (VKP-DR) portions of the VKP-LM.

Method

Adults (N = 126; Mage = 70.29; 56.3% Female) completed the VKP-LM as a part of a neuropsychological evaluation in a community-based assessment center. Participants were categorized binarily as to whether they received a neurocognitive disorder (NCD) diagnosis. Discriminatory abilities and cutoffs were determined by the Receiver Operator Curve’s (ROC) Area Under the Curve (AUC) and sensitivity-specificity charts. Classification tables determined the Positive Predictive Power (PPP) and Negative Predictive Power (NPP) given the established cutoffs.

Results

ROC analysis showed the VKP-IR (Max = 70; Cutoff = 28) to have good discriminatory abilities (AUC = 0.788) and the VKP-DR (Max = 70; Cutoff = 26;) to have excellent discriminatory abilities (AUC = 0.855). The classification tables showed that the VKP-IR had a PPP = 63.0% and NPP = 87.9%, while the VKP-DR had a PPP = 86.4% and NPP = 90.4%.

Conclusion

Due to the multifaceted nature of diagnosing NCDs, single-domain measures (i.e., procedural memory) will always struggle to obtain excellent PPP, as not all NCDs have amnestic cognitive profiles (e.g., cerebral vascular, Lewy body disease, etc.). Further research should explore comparing discriminatory abilities against other measures, increasing the sample size (both groups), and comparing discriminatory abilities among only NCDs with amnestic cognitive profiles, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
B - 92 Memory Rehabilitation Following Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Perna Robert
Published: September 2024

Objective

Several Meta analyses suggest mixed but objective support for internal strategies. Typically, successful rehabilitation involves at least 8 hour of memory training and often results in 0.25 to 0.50 standard deviation (SD) improvements depending on how long post injury. Intervention dose, strategies, level of impairment, and patient self-awareness and motivation all appear relevant.

Methods

Data is taken from 21 continuous referrals. Three individuals did not want to work on memory strategies, so their data was separated from the rest. Participants: 18 individuals with acquired brain injuries, with an average age of 51.6 and about 15 years of education, who were 76.6 days post brain injury. Intervention: Each individual was involved in 8 weeks of transdisciplinary rehabilitation. Many goals were addressed and memory rehabilitation was treated via 1 or 2 weekly sessions with a neuropsychologist. Internal and external strategy use was taught. Individuals received 8 to 10 hours of memory rehabilitation involving repetitive practice of clustering, semantic clustering, organizing information into sentences or stories, rhyming, and acronyms.

Results

Delayed List Recall significantly improved from standard scores of 73.5 to 89.7 and the delayed Story Recall improved from 75 to 90. The mean improvement was nearly 1 standard deviation across measures.

Conclusions

Individuals showed significant improvement in immediate and delayed recall memory scores. These individuals showed more than 0.5 SD short-term memory (STM) gain and also self-reported improved STM. Durability of gains was not measured in follow-ups. These interventions improve memory skills, but not all patients choose to participate in this type of treatment.
B - 93 The Role of ex-Gaussian Parameters and Apathy in Reward Sensitivity Using a Modified Probabilistic Learning Task
Authors: Nabulsi Yasmin B , De Jesus Kasie , Gazzanigo Michael , Yang Xiao , Milam Alicia B
Published: September 2024

Objective

The current study examined the associations of apathy with attentional processes, indicated by ex-Gaussian (Ex-G) parameters of sensorimotor response speed and reward learning.

Methods

One hundred college-aged participants (M age = 20.32; SD = 3.69; 69 female) completed self-report measures of depression, apathy, and attentional control. Laboratory tasks included a choice reaction time (RT) task and a modified probabilistic learning task to assess sensorimotor processing and reward sensitivity. In the probabilistic learning task, participants selected the symbol associated with a high probability of gaining a monetary reward. Choice RT data were fit with Ex-G models, from which the parameter τ (bootstrapped sampling, 1000 iterations) was derived and used as the index of attentional lapses.

Results

A non-linear relationship was found between apathy and reward learning. Hierarchical regression was used to examine linear and higher-order relationships between apathy and behavioral indices (Ex-G τ and reward sensitivity). Results show that apathy explained none of the variance in reward learning (β = −0.005, p = 0.792, [bootstrapCI = −0.037, 0.026]). Incorporating apathy2 into the model led to significant R2 change (0.086), F(2, 89) = 0.4.142, p = 0.019, suggesting that as apathy increases, reward learning increases (β =0.006, p = 0.002, bootstrapCI = 0.002, 0.010]). Moreover, when controlling for depression, τ significantly contributes to the model, F(3, 89) = 4.142, p = 0.019, R2 = 0.17. Interactive effects revealed that at higher levels of apathy, higher Ex-G τ significantly decreases reward sensitivity (β = −0.003, p = 0.037, 95% bootstrapCI = [−0.006, −002]).

Conclusions

Higher levels of apathy and attentional lapses jointly reduced reward sensitivity, highlighting the role of task disengagement in apathy.
B - 94 Chronic Pain Is Associated with Greater Cognitive Variability on Neuropsychological Assessments
Authors: Wagaman Bailey , Ikonomou Vasilios , Campbell Ivan , Hernandez Katherine , Sullivan Sydney , Ton-Loy Adan , Hill Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Objective

To examine performance variability on a brief neuropsychological assessment battery associated with self-reported pain symptoms.

Methods

461 patients who were referred for a presurgical psychological evaluation as dorsal column spinal stimulator candidates (61.2% female, 86.7% white, M(age) = 53.25, SD = 13.57, M(education) = 13.10, SD = 2.66). Measures included Trail Making Tests A and B, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Pain Disability Index (PDI). Intra-individual variability (IIV) was calculated as the standard deviation around each individual’s overall test battery mean (OTBM) for cognitive tests. Coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated as IIV/OTBM.

Results

CoV was significantly correlated with PCS (r = 0.21, p < 0.001) and PDI (r = 0.18, p < 0.001) total scores. CoV was positively correlated with PDI subscales: family/home responsibilities (r = 0.15, p = 0.002), recreation (r = 0.13, p = 0.005), social activity (r = 0.13, p = 0.005), self-care as it pertains to independent daily living and personal maintenance (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), and self-care as it pertains to life supporting behaviors (r = 0.21, p < 0.001) but occupation and sexual behavior were not significantly related to CoV. CoV was significantly correlated with highest pain rating (r = 0.15, p = 0.001), lowest pain rating (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and current pain rating at the time of testing (r = 0.11, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that chronic pain was associated with greater cognitive variability. This may explain some perceived cognitive deficits in chronic pain patients.
B - 95 Cogniphobia and Psychological Factors in Episodic Migraine: a Correlational Analysis
Authors: Getz Mara , Sebrow Laura , Lacritz Megan , Maeda Kensei I , Palmeri Maria , Seng Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Cogniphobia Scale for Headache Disorders (CS-HD) was developed to assess pain-related fear as a trigger for headache pain. The study objective is to examine the bivariate correlations between cogniphobia with measures of depression, anxiety, pain anxiety, and subjective cognition to better understand relationships between psychological factors that can impact cognitive performance.

Method

Participants were recruited using internet-based methods and an existing headache research database. Baseline questionnaires on mood, including anxiety (PROMIS anxiety), pain anxiety (PASS-20), depression (PROMIS depression) and cogniphobia (CS-HD), from a longitudinal observational study were analyzed. A 4-week daily measure of subjective cognition was included in the analysis (Alertness Behavior subscale of the Sickness Impact Profile). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine relationships between cogniphobia with depression, anxiety, pain anxiety, and subjective cognition.

Results

The sample consisted of 18 participants with episodic migraine (Male = 6, Female = 12; Hispanic = 4, Non-Hispanic = 14). Results revealed significant correlations between cogniphobia and both pain anxiety (r = 0.86, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.656, 0.947]) and subjective cognition (r = 0.595, p = 0.009, 95% CI [0.178, 0.831]). Non-significant correlations were found between cogniphobia and both anxiety (r = 0.256, p = 0.305, 95% CI [−0.240, 0.646]) and depression (r = 0.418, p = 0.084 95% CI [−0.060,0.741]).

Conclusion(s)

Pain anxiety and subjective cognition are most closely related to cogniphobia. Although not statistically significant, results indicate that symptoms of depression may be more related to cogniphobia than purely anxious symptoms, however further research with larger sample sizes is needed.
B - 101 Associations between Oxygen Saturation and Neurocognitive Performance in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Pinkett Bari L , Hankins Jane , Heitzer Andrew , Kang Guolian , Longoria Jennifer L , Okhomina Victoria , Takemoto Clifford
Published: September 2024

Objective

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for neuropsychological deficits. Studies have documented that peripheral oxygen saturation is associated with neurocognitive performance, but the results are inconsistent. Our objective was to examine the associations between oxygen saturation and neurocognitive performance in SCD using several different measurement techniques.

Methods

A lifetime cohort study of 413 patients ranging from 8–25 years of age (Mean = 14.18, Standard Deviation = 4.81) diagnosed with SCD (60% HbSS) received a neuropsychological evaluation including measures of intelligence, processing speed, and working memory. Analyses were conducted separately based on SCD genotype (HbSS/Sβ0 vs. HbSC/SB+). Oxygen saturation values were examined as predictors of neurocognitive performance based on 1) mean lifetime value, 2) lifetime standard deviation, 3) most recent value (within 3 months from neuropsychological assessment), and 4) change over time. Measurement types were entered into separate multivariable models covarying for age, sex, socioeconomic status and hydroxyurea usage.

Results

Among patients diagnosed with HbSS/Sβ0genotypes, the lifetime standard deviation in oxygen saturation was associated with working memory (pFDR = 0.004) and the change over time in oxygen saturation was associated with processing speed (pFDR <0.001). There were no associations between oxygen saturation and neurocognitive performance among patients with the SC/SB+ genotypes.

Conclusions

Associations between oxygen saturation and neurocognitive performance in SCD differ based on when the values are collected and how they are analyzed. Our analyses suggest that the change over time and variability in oxygen saturation is most predictive of neurocognitive performance.