bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B - 95 A Case Study of Suspected Klein-Levin Syndrome and Associated Anxiety
Authors: Mullins Teagan , Hernandez-Vallant Alexandra , Burks Alexis , Edwards Katherine , Shendo Macaiah , Decruz-Dixon Naila , Gillezeau Christina , Schodt Kaitlyn , Abrams-Silva Lynette
Published: October 2023

Objective

Neuropsychological assessment of ethnoracially diverse patients can be challenging for various reasons, including limited normative data, differing worldviews, stigma, and mental health service utilization and access. This case study describes the use of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to assist with differential diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Method

The patient was a 25-year-old Asian and White female who was referred to rule out attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her history included homeschooling through 8th grade, uncommon sleep disturbances, seasonal allergies, and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Regarding sleep disturbance, she endorsed monthly episodes of sleeping for up to 12 hours at a time, sometimes sleeping and waking on the floor or elsewhere not in her bedroom. She underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.

Results

The patient’s cognitive profile was generally intact, with relative cognitive inefficiencies in visuospatial/visuoconstructional abilities, working memory, and processing speed domains. She also endorsed clinically significant levels of anxiety. These findings, in conjunction with family history and sleep disturbance, raised concern for Klein-Levin Syndrome (KLS) and the impact of co-occurring anxiety. A sleep study, educational/vocational accommodations, psychotherapy, and follow up evaluation in one year were recommended.

Conclusion

While sleep–wake disorders and ADHD can co-occur, sleep–wake disorders can be overlooked by mental health professionals, thus increasing the likelihood of misdiagnosis and potential for harm. Adding additional complexity, expressions of psychological distress vary cross-culturally. Taken together, neuropsychological training must include frameworks that attend to cultural and contextual factors. These cases may frequently be seen in the context of educational or vocational concern referrals.
B - 98 Interactive Effects of Sleep Apnea and Depression Symptoms on Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: Overstreet Abigail , Hollander Matthew , Hougaard Ben , Kiefer Jamie , Mo Vennisia , Gomez Rowena
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study examined interactions between symptoms of sleep apnea and depression in predicting cognition in healthy older adults.

Method

From the Memory and Aging Project (Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University, 2019), the sample consisted of 3345 community dwelling older adults including 2552 women (76.3%) and 1093 men (23.7%) with an average age of 80 years. Measures included the Berlin Questionnaire (for sleep apnea symptoms, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and neuropsychological measures of semantic memory, visuospatial ability, and processing speed.

Results

ANOVAs indicated significant main effects of depression on visuospatial ability, processing speed, and semantic memory (p’s < 0.001), and no main effect for sleep apnea. However, when sleep apnea was analyzed between those with any depressive symptoms versus those without, significant interactions were found for visuospatial ability, processing speed, and semantic memory (ps < 0.05). Sleep apnea symptoms had a detrimental effect on visuospatial skills (p = 0.027) only when any depression symptom was present. In contrast, sleep apnea symptoms predicted slower processing speed when depressive symptoms were not present (p = 0.001) Similarly, depression symptoms had a greater negative effect on semantic memory for those who reported no sleep apnea symptoms compared to those who did (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

There seems to be differential main and interactive effects of sleep apnea symptoms and depression on semantic memory, visuospatial ability, and processing speed. Clinicians may need to consider even mild symptoms of sleep problems and depression if they suspect changes in these cognitive domains in older adults.
B - 100 Principal Component Analysis of WAIS-IV Indices with the Serial Digit Learning Test
Authors: Pilavjian Haig , Moses James , Steinbaugh Ashlynn , Vang Lillian , Ellis-Stockley Michael , Tupou Talamahea , Forbes Bradley , Flowers Julius , Murley Rachel , Markiv Yelena , Hirst Rayna
Published: October 2023

Objective

Previous studies have evaluated the construct validity of the Serial Digit Learning Test (SDL) using principal component analysis (PCA; Larrabee et al., 1995; Greenman & Moses, 2016). In this study, we sought to re-investigate the SDL construct using a similar methodological approach with the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th ed. (WAIS-IV) and a performance validity measure.

Method

Sample consisted of diagnostically diverse veterans referred for clinical neuropsychological assessment as part of their standard clinical care (N = 411). SDL-8-digit raw scores were submitted to PCA where a forced three factor solution was derived. Those derived factors were submitted to a second PCA using the four WAIS-IV index scores.

Results

The SDL8 solution explained 83% of the variance, and factors reflected early, middle, and late trials. The second PCA produced an unforced four-factor solution explaining 71% of the variance. Excluding loading coefficients below +/−0.3, Component 1 showed loadings on WMI (0.805) and early trials (0.813), Component 2 showed loadings on PSI (0.800) and middle trials (0.789), Component 3 loaded on PRI (0.685) and late trials (0.829), and Component 4 loaded on VCI (0.951) and PSI (−0.348).

Conclusions

These results replicated earlier research demonstrating that earlier SDL8 trials load on attentional/working memory measures and middle trials on processing speed. Unexpectedly, late trials loaded onto the Perceptual Reasoning Index, whereas they had previously loaded onto Verbal Comprehension of the WAIS-III. As these results may reflect the updated theoretical model underlying the WAIS-IV, further research replicating results which incorporated earlier WAIS-III perceptual reasoning (POI) measures is warranted.
B - 102 Is Working Memory a more Accurate Predictor of Math Ability than Visuospatial Skills?
Authors: Rodriguez Czarinah Micah , Tsay Clay , Sidlow Eliana , Golden Charles J
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study used the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) to compare working memory (WM) and perceptual reasoning (PR) as predictors of math ability measured by the Wide Range Achievement Test-Fourth Edition (WRAT-4) after controlling for age and education.

Method

The healthy adult sample (N = 417) derived from a de-identified database in the Neuropsychology Assessment Center (NAC) at Nova Southeastern University has a mean age of 27.9 and was predominantly white (61.45), non-Hispanic (84.9%), and female (57.1%). The mean education of the sample was 15.7 years.

Results

In a multiple linear regression model, age, education, WM, and PR were used to predict math ability. These four factors combined accounted for 32.6% of the variance in the math scores. WM alone accounted for 20.8% of the variance (p < 0.001) while PR alone accounted for 9% of the variance (p < 0.001). Age did not significantly correlate with math scores. Education was significantly correlated but only explained 2% of the total variance (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

WM and PR were positively correlated with math abilities. WM accounted for 63.6% of the variance in math scores explained by the model while PR accounted for 28.0%. This suggests that WM is better than PR as a predictor of math achievement. The results support the important roles of WM and PR in carrying out basic mathematical computations and how WM is a better predictor of math performance than PR. Keywords: math ability, visuospatial skills, working memory, adults.
B - 104 Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: a Neuropsychological Case Study
Authors: Greco Steven , Raymond Michael , Sawhney Jasmin , Shah Mihir
Published: October 2023

Objectives

A neuropsychological case study of Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis (LOMS). Cognitive impairment often accompanies Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Depending on disease phase/type, 40–65% of MS patients develop various degrees of cognitive impairment. LOMS is a rare branch of Multiple Sclerosis with an onset of 50 years or older. Like MS it has demyelinating qualities, however it typically has a neurodegenerative course rather than inflammatory properties. Additionally, unlike traditional MS, LOMS presents with greater motor and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

The patient, a 61-year-old, Caucasian, right-handed male, 18 years of education initially presented with acute onset of vague cognitive changes along with significant motor dysfunction. A cerebral MRI revealed white matter disease in the cerebral hemispheres with the largest lesion adjacent to the right frontal horn. Lesions involved bifrontal/parietal lobes, specific lesion posteriorly in the left centrum and right caudate head.

Results

Patient was administered the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB). Findings were consistent with level one central processing deficits with attention/concentration and processing speed. Deficits were noted with primary and psychomotor abilities. Patient’s premorbid estimate was T-58. Overall Test Battery Mean (T-52) and Domain Test Battery Mean (T-51) were generally within the expected range. Remaining neuropsychological abilities were relatively intact (e.g., memory, abstraction, language, spatial).

Conclusions

Consistent with the literature, higher-order cognitive abilities were relatively intact. LOMS mirrored early-onset MS in this case. However, a significant risk factor for LOMS is the possibility of co-occurring neurodegenerative disease. This underscores the need for comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that includes motor testing for MS.
B - 105 Long COVID: a Pediatric Neuropsychological Case Study
Authors: Greco Steven , Frankfort Tali , Sawhney Jasmin , Greco Julianna
Published: October 2023

Objective

A neuropsychological case review of Long COVID. Long COVID remains to be a controversial topic in terms of cognitive residuals from contracting the virus. This child was referred due to acute cognitive changes post-COVID-19 contraction. Active COVID-19 infection was generally unremarkable. Patient did not require hospitalization or medication intervention.

Methods

This patient is a 14-year-old, Caucasian, right-handed male. A psychiatrist referred the patient due to emotional (anxiety and oppositionality), cognitive (attention, reduced processing, memory, “brain fog,”), and physical (disrupted sleep, fatigue) changes post-infection. The diagnostic question was to rule out ADHD and oppositionality prior to obtaining MRI results. MRI of the brain, 30 days post-infection, revealed multiple subcortical white matter lesions, located in the cerebral hemispheres near the grey-white matter junction, particularly in the frontal and parietal lobes.

Results

Patient was administered the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB). Findings were consistent with diffuse neuropsychological deficits, that is, reduced processing speed, impaired attention, and below average immediate and delayed memory (spatial > verbal). Psychological findings were consistent with an ongoing anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

Initial diagnostic impression of ADHD and oppositional defiance was ruled-out. MNB analysis revealed a pattern of findings consistent with diffuse neuropsychological deficits relating to an inflammatory condition such as Long COVID. Memory, attention, and processing speed were below the cut-off, a finding in agreement with previous research showing impaired results, especially for memory. Because memory, as well as fatigue, seems to be affected by COVID-19, future research should explore possible interactions with cognition and fatigue following COVID-19.
B - 108 The Trait Need for Cognition Moderates Story Learning but Not Other Memory Tests
Authors: Wagaman Bailey , Ikonomou Vasilios , Humphreys Franki , Myers Melissa , Pizer Jasmin , Hawley Nanako , Campbell Ivan , Asencio-Ortiz Paola , Foster Joshua , Hill Benjamin D
Published: October 2023

Objective

To examine the effect of the personality trait Need for Cognition (NFC) on memory to determine if NFC moderates memory through positive effort.

Method

Participants included 174 undergraduate students (74.1% female, Mage = 20.10, SD = 1.51). Measures included the 18-item Need for Cognition Questionnaire, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III, and the Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III).

Results

NFC moderated the relationship between Logical Memory I (LM I) and Full Scale IQ (FSIQ). LM I (B = 1.47, SE = 0.31, p < 0.001), NFC (B = 0.41, SE = 0.09, p < 0.001), and their interaction (B = 0.09, SE = 0.04, p = 0.017), accounted for 28% of the variance in FSIQ (F(3, 159) = 20.77, p < 0.001). NFC did not moderate the relationship between Logical Memory II (LM II) and FSIQ. NFC was significantly correlated with FSIQ (r = 0.41, p < 0.001), LM I (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), LM II (r = 0.26, p < 0.001), and Spatial Span (r = 0.17, p = 0.035), but was not related to other aspects of memory.

Conclusions

High NFC individuals may encode more information when initially learning a story due to higher interest in the story context. This appears to improve initial learning of the story but not later recall. Although NFC was correlated with Spatial Span and both immediate and delayed recall for LM, NFC was not related to WMS-III Faces, Family Pictures, or Verbal Paired Associates, which suggests NFC may affect learning through increased test engagement or motivation.
H - 04 Correlates of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Hispanic Older Adults: a Literature Review
Authors: Alcina Jorge , Duarte Andres , Guevara Linda Rios , Villafana Mei-Ling , Gonzalez Dayron , Perez-Haddock Yanelee
Published: October 2023

Objective

This systematic review explored correlates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hispanic older adults.

Data Selection

Peer-reviewed empirical studies published 2013–2023, in English, were searched through Google Scholar, Medline, PsychINFO, and PsychARTICLES. Keywords entailed mild cognitive impairment, MCI, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, and neuropsychology. The initial search yielded 130 articles, of which 12 were retained.

Data Synthesis

Six studies covered risk factors associated with MCI in Hispanics, with three focusing on Mexican Americans. Across studies, MCI was related to advancing age, chronic kidney disease, low education, depression with/without diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and lack of social connectivity. Two studies investigated acculturation in Hispanics with MCI, one linking reduced categorical verbal fluency to high acculturation, while the second noted no correlation between MCI and acculturation. One article dealt with functional status and brain atrophy in Hispanics with MCI, associating lower functional performance with hippocampal atrophy. Similarly, another study linked cognitive performance to neurodegeneration, finding lesser impact of atrophy in Hispanics compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. One study found that education mediates discrepant cognitive performance in Hispanic Americans depending on geographical region of origin. Lastly, another article found that tests of language, executive function and global cognition best predict progression to dementia in Hispanics.

Conclusions

The literature identified considerations relevant to Hispanics with MCI regarding risk factors, acculturation effects, neuropsychological correlates, and brain biomarkers. Limitations of the present review include knowledge gaps on regional differences represented by many Hispanics in the U.S., and small sample sizes of some of the extracted studies.
H - 07 Associations among Cardiovascular Factors, Mood, and Cognition in Older Latinos: Preliminary Results from the Boston Latino Aging Study
Authors: Bonillas Félix Nikole A , Noriega Daisy T , Fabrega Sofia , Cabrera Alex Leonardo Badillo , Castillo Crystal , Munera Diana , Martinez Jairo E , Giudicessi Averi , Ramirez-Gomez Liliana , Vila-Castelar Clara , Catalan Marta Gonzalez , Quiroz Yakeel T
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cardiovascular risk factors and depression are prevalent in Latino populations and have been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Adults with depressive symptoms also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding the link between these factors and how they impact dementia risk among Latino cohorts is critical for the development of preventative interventions. We examined the associations among cardiovascular risk factors, depression, and cognitive status in older Latinos living in Massachusetts.

Method

A total of 42 participants enrolled in the Boston Latino Aging Study (BLAST; n = 28, mean age = 65.36, SD = 7.35) and the Harvard Aging Brain Study Latino cohort (LHABS) (n = 14, mean age = 71.43, SD = 6.89) were included in the analyses. Participants completed a screening evaluation that included the Telephone Interview Cognitive Screen (TICS), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), blood sampling to assess cholesterol, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure measurements. Spearman correlations were used to determine associations among cardiovascular risk factors, depression (GDS), and cognitive status (TICS).

Results

We found that triglycerides (r = −0.424, p = 0.005) and glucose (r = −0.317, p = 0.041) were negatively correlated with TICS. Systolic blood pressure (r = 0.325, p = 0.036) and fasting glucose (r = 0.327, p = 0.034) were positively correlated with GDS scores.

Conclusion(s)

Preliminary results suggest a link between cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., elevated triglycerides and glucose) and worse cognitive status. Additionally, findings suggest cardiovascular risk factors may be related to depressive symptoms in older Latinos. Further work with larger samples of Latino participants is needed to confirm our findings and examine relevant associations with other risk factors.
H - 08 Differences in the Predictive Validity of Social Determinants of Health and all-Cause Dementia Risk in Hispanic Americans
Authors: Dimmick Andrew , Raffiudin Hanan , Su Charlie , Callahan Jennifer L
Published: October 2023

Objective

Hispanics and Latinos are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the U.S. This fact, coupled by their increased risk of developing a dementia, underscores the importance of research investigating methods to ameliorate this risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate if common social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with dementia risk were similarly predictive of cognitive decline with Mexican American clients compared to non-Hispanic White clients.

Method

Participants (M age = 65.98; 61.5% female) were non-Hispanic White (n = 1063) and Mexican American (n = 1061) community members participating in the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities study. The majority (77.9%) of participants were determined by diagnostic consensus to have normal cognition. Information gathered included SDOH factors—income, attained education level, social support, and physical exercise—in addition to information relating to informant-reported cognitive and functional impairment (CDR).

Results

Although higher levels of social support and income were related to less cognitive and functional impairment across participants, more physical exercise (β = −0.09, p = 0.006) was only predictive of less impairment for non-Hispanic White participants. Further, more attained education level (β = −0.08, p = 0.018) was only predictive of less impairment for Mexican American individuals.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that some SDOHs, specifically exercise and educational level, differentially predict cognitive and functional impairment between Mexican American and non-Hispanic White individuals. Future studies should investigate aspects of these variables (e.g., quality of education, type of exercise, etc.) that best protect from cognitive and functional impairment.
H - 10 Misdiagnosis of Dementia in the Latinx Community: a Case Study
Authors: Piazza-Rodriguez Angely A , Saldana Daniel , Yáñez Janet , Suarez Paola
Published: October 2023

Objective

This case study will illustrate the importance of increasing health literacy regarding neurocognitive disorders to reduce emotional burden and potential functional loss. This impact will be exemplified through a case of a 56-year-old Mexican bilingual male with 16 years of education diagnosed with dementia after obtaining a 28 out of 30 on cognitive screening administered in his second language.

Method

The patient was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) at age 47, though neuroimaging was unremarkable for PD. PD was diagnosed solely on the progression of symptoms, including resting and postural bilateral tremors, mild right bradykinesia, slight rigidity, and rapid eye movement sleep behaviors. Levodopa treatment was administered without benefit. A possible transient ischemic attack at age 52 was reported. Cognitive problems included one-to-two years of stable changes in attention, multi-tasking, short-term memory, and word-finding. The patient managed instrumental activities of daily living independently. A local neurologist diagnosed the patient with dementia, resulting in applying for disability, early retirement, and emotional distress. The patient underwent a comprehensive bilingual neuropsychological assessment.

Results

Findings from neuropsychological testing revealed strengths and relative difficulties, in Spanish and English, including word retrieval, phonemic fluency, visuoconstruction, and aspects of executive functioning. The patient endorsed elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization.

Conclusions

The patient did not meet criteria for dementia; symptoms were consistent with PD. Providing psychoeducation encouraged the patient’s return to former occupational activities that he enjoyed. This illustrates the importance of providing comprehensive evaluations to increase diagnostic sensitivity and highlighting the need for psychoeducation to the community at large.
H - 11 Bilingualism as a Protective Factor Associated with the Delayed Onset of the Clinical Manifestation of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Delpin Gladiliz Rivera , Marrero Elixmahir Dávila , Santiago Giovanni Tirado
Published: October 2023

Objective

This systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between bilingualism and Alzheimer’s disease (ad) among individuals by synthesizing available evidence on the age at ad diagnosis, time of clinical ad manifestation, and potential protective effects of bilingualism on ad.

Data Selection

Records were obtained from 2002 to the end of December 2022 using the PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PubMed search engines. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which among other factors, compared individuals with ad who spoke two languages with those who spoke just one language.

Data Synthesis

Bilingualism was found to have a protective effect against ad, improving memory and executive function, and increasing cognitive reserve. It has also been associated with a delay in ad onset by 4–5 years, compared to monolinguals. Second language (L2) fluency and gray matter density in the left inferior parietal region are positively linked. Early bilingualism is associated with lower levels of tau in the cerebrospinal fluid ad biomarker and a lower prevalence of preclinical/prodromal ad. Lifelong bilinguals have higher neocortical gray and white matter volumes, especially in the temporal lobe, which increases neuronal connections between brain regions.

Conclusion

The cognitive benefits associated with bilingualism may contribute to the delay in the onset of ad symptoms. Bilingualism has been linked to higher cognitive reserve, greater gray matter density, and increased neural activity in regions associated with executive control and attention. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of bilingualism in ad and to develop appropriate interventions that can leverage its benefits.
H - 12 Bienestar Psicológico Y Aflicción en Cuidadores Informales de Adultos Mayores Con Demencia en Puerto Rico, Durante Tiempos de Pandemia
Authors: Rivera Zulmarie Rodríguez , Arias Franchesca , Guzmán Yazdel , Vega Mairim
Published: October 2023

Objetivo

Los objetivos del estudio fueron describir los niveles de aflicción y bienestar psicológico en cuidadores informales (CI) de personas diagnosticadas con demencia en Puerto Rico, así como determinar la relación entre estos, durante el periodo de pandemia por COVID-19.

Método

En este estudio descriptivo y correlacional participaron 84 adultos puertorriqueños entre las edades de 21 y 65 años. El 92.9% se identificó con el género femenino. Se administró un cuestionario sociodemográfico, la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff (EBPR) y el Inventario de Aflicción del Cuidador Marwit y Meuser (IACMM), formulario corto, a través de Psychdata.

Resultados

Un 70.0% de la muestra (n = 59) reportó presentar niveles de aflicción promedio, un 19.0% (n = 16) bajos, y 11.0% (n = 9) altos. El promedio de aflicción reportada en la IACMM fue de 63.89 (DE = 13.31). Un 61.0% (n = 51) de los participantes reportó niveles bajos de bienestar psicológico. La EBPR reflejó un promedio de 70.39 (DE = 13.09). Se llevó a cabo un análisis de correlación Pearson para evaluar la relación entre puntuaciones en la IACMM y la EBPR. Los resultados reflejaron una correlación negativa, moderada baja y estadísticamente significativa, r = −0.374 (p < 0.01).

Conclusión

La muestra reportó niveles de aflicción comparables con los reportados por muestras de CI en tiempos pre-pandemia. También reportaron niveles de bienestar psicológico por debajo de lo esperado para la población puertorriqueña en general. Los resultados apoyaron la correlación inversa entre aflicción y bienestar psicológico documentada previamente en la literatura. Se discutirán implicaciones de estos hallazgos para la población puertorriqueña de CI.
H - 15 Leveraging Community Health Care Workers in Rural Communities to Address Brain Health Equity
Authors: Punt Stephanie , Caicedo Mariana Rincon , Bessette Katie , Engel Ilana , Giovanetti Annaleis , Izzo James , Stiles Robert , Gagnon Kristy , Koob Chase , Loyd Sonita , Zhang E , Maras Melissa , Nelson Eve-Lynn
Published: October 2023

Objective

To address brain health in rural communities, Telehealth ROCKS developed a service delivery program with local partners. Community healthcare workers (CHWs) assess and provide students with referrals to address social determinants of health (SDoH) and mental health needs.

Data Selection

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. This program serves seven school districts and 6876 students in an area historically reliant on a mining/factory economies with high concerns for environmental exposures. Students were from diverse backgrounds with a range of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. To close SDOH gaps, CHWs utilized Community CareLink (CCL), an online platform tailored for rural communities that documents, tracks, and identifies SDOH gaps.

Data Synthesis

Since 2022, 85% of families elected to pursue CHW support. To date, 10 CHWs have worked directly with approximately 10% of the school population with 80% of encounters having an attendance component. Thematic analysis shows building trust has been an important encounter theme: “Building that trust within the families is so important. By being able to help them with housing, utility assistance or getting access to Medicaid can be a huge relief. . .”

Conclusions

The pandemic impacted SDOH domains, further exacerbating rural and other systemic disparities that will have long-lasting impact on brain health in rural communities. For neuropsychologists, adopting this program design may help to foster trusted relationships and community partnerships, improve culturally informed referrals, and provide scaffolding/coaching around referrals so that our expertise can aid patients and families where and when it is needed most.
H - 19 “Clinical Validation of a Video- Based Instrument to Assess Social Cognition: INEVICS”
Authors: Jimenez Betsmarie , Oliveras Rafael , Deliz Laura
Published: October 2023

Objective

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS), are characterized by the lack of social cognition (SC). The evaluation instrument used in this study has the purpose of contributing as an evaluation method directly to the various components of S.C. and demonstrating the possible clinical and discriminatory validity of this audiovisual instrument in the Puerto Rican (P.R.) population with ASD.

Methods

Exploratory quantitative approach was implemented. This pilot project used 9 videos to assess components of SC, administered virtually. Correction: sum of the results of all the videos, max.81 points. The population selected based on availability: participants with a diagnosis of ASD level one (clinical group) and participants with neurotypical development (control group). Groups were constituted of P.R. males and females between the ages of 8 to 12 years.

Results

A total of forty-one participated (n = 41). significant difference component: Theory of mind: control group (x-=12.1, SD = 2.84), (x-=14.74, SD = 2.1) clinical group (x-=7.65, SD = 3.07), (x-=10.6, SD = 2.95), t (39) = 4.82 = P < 0.0000 and t (39) = 5.19 = P < 0.0000. Significant difference: S.C.: control group: (x-=56.83, SD = 8.11) clinical group: (x-=40.7, SD = 10), t (39) = 5.68 = P < 0.0000. Discriminant validity video 1: least (0.343) video 3: highest (0.716). Internal consistency: (α = 0.86).

Conclusions

INEVICS discriminated against difficulties with S.C. in participants with ASD. The theory of mind component was the most captured. The evaluation of social cognition cannot be dependent on a single social situation but rather requires the identification of the different components in different social situations.
H - 24 The Role of Bilingual Neuropsychologists in Presurgical Epilepsy Evaluations: La Evaluación Comprensiva en Español
Authors: Winstone-Weide Laura K , Chiang Jenna A , DeLeon Rosario C
Published: October 2023

Objective

As neuropsychologists continually work to establish clinical standards of practice for evaluation of linguistically and culturally diverse children with epilepsy (Berrios-Siervo et al., 2023), this case study supports efforts to document complex assessment procedures with an adolescent who recently immigrated from Mexico to the U.S.

Method

A 16-year-old, right-handed, primarily Spanish-speaking, Hispanic male with intractable epilepsy (complex partial seizures) was referred for a presurgical neuropsychological evaluation. Medication was initiated in Mexico at age 11 years, but increased frequency and severity of seizures prompted immigration to the U.S. at age 14 for further treatment. EEG and brain MRI indicated left hemisphere involvement. Magnetoencephalography results indicated right-hemisphere dominance for receptive language. Functional MRI (fMRI) indicated left-hemisphere dominance. Subsequent Wada and bilateral language mapping results supported left-hemisphere dominance. Personal history was significant for anxiety and depressed mood. Bilingual neuropsychologists completed a presurgical evaluation, fMRI, stereo EEG language mapping, and Wada in Spanish. He was seizure-free 6 months post selective left temporal resection. He recently completed his1-year post-op evaluation.

Results

Baseline testing indicated average neurocognitive functioning, with select relative weaknesses lacking strong evidence for lateralization/localization. Post-operative consultation/ evaluation at 6 and 12 months, respectively, revealed the patient was doing well academically with perceived improvements in attention and memory and minimal language difficulties. Reported improvements in mood were attributed to family reunification and increased social engagement.

Conclusions

In addition to pre/post-surgical assessment in Spanish, bilingual neuropsychologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to the establishment of culturally-informed, standardized approaches to essential aspects of the presurgical workup (e.g., language mapping, Wada).
H - 27 TBI and PTSD in an Indigenous Patient: It’s Complicated
Authors: Burks Alexis , Solis Isabel , Shendo Macaiah , Decruz-Dixon Naila , Edwards Katherine , Gillezeau Christina , Hernandez-Vallant Alex , Mullins Teagan , Schodt Kaitlyn , Abrams-Silva Lynette
Published: October 2023

Objective

Neuropsychological assessment of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients presents challenges due to limited normative data, stigma, possible differential validity of measures, and limited access to healthcare. Additionally, differentiating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly important for proper diagnosis and treatment of indigenous patients. This case study describes the use of comprehensive neuropsychological testing across two timepoints to assist with treatment planning.

Methods

The patient was a 38-year-old Native American male referred by primary care to assist in educational, career, and treatment planning. His history was remarkable for TBI status post craniotomy and craniectomy. The patient completed initial and follow-up comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Follow-up was completed at 9-months following cranioplasty.

Results

On initial evaluation, the patient demonstrated deficits in immediate learning, delayed recall, executive functioning, processing speed, and fine motor abilities consistent with major neurocognitive impairment due to TBI. On follow-up evaluation, the patient demonstrated variable processing speed and executive functioning. Follow-up testing showed improvements in encoding of verbal information and immediate learning of visual information. Modest improvements were noted in processing speed, executive functioning, and fine motor skills. Follow-up testing evidenced declines in immediate learning, spontaneous recall, verbal fluency, and worsening PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion

While TBI and PTSD can co-occur, understanding how to differentiate cognitive profiles of each, while considering linguistic, sociocultural, and educational differences, is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Adherence to treatments following TBI can promote physical and cognitive improvements, though certain symptoms may worsen due to psychological symptoms, which may present differently across cultures.
H - 33 Lesión Cerebral Traumática: Calidad de Vida en Un Grupo de Pacientes puertorriqueños
Authors: Sanchez Zuleyka Lorenzo , Guzmán Yazdel , Vega Mairim
Published: October 2023

Objetivos

Adultos con lesión cerebral traumática (LCT) pueden sufrir de una disminución en calidad de vida (CAL) asociada al desarrollo de diagnósticos comórbidos. En Puerto Rico (PR), la información sobre esta población es limitada. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las características sociodemográficas, diagnósticos comórbidos y CAL reportados por un cohorte de pacientes con LCT en PR.

Metodología

En este estudio de tipo no experimental transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo y alcance descriptivo, participaron 40 adultos puertorriqueños (23–63 años de edad) con historial de LCT y al menos un año de recuperación. La muestra fue reclutada a través de anuncios virtuales en las redes sociales, anuncios presenciales en reuniones de un grupo de apoyo para personas con LCT, y un Hospital de Trauma. Su participación consistió en completar un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la Escala CAVIDACE-Autoinforme, diseñada para evaluar CAL en adultos con LCT.

Resultados

La mayoría de los participantes reportó estar soltero, divorciado o separado (72.5%). Veintisiete participantes (59.5%) reportaron tener bachillerato o grado asociado, y el restante reportó tener un nivel de educación de escuela superior o menor; el 65% reportó estar desempleado. De los participantes, 47.5% reportó LCT severa, 22.5% moderada y 30% leve. Trastornos psiquiátricos comórbidos reportados incluyeron depresión (47.5%), trastornos de ansiedad (40%), trastorno bipolar (10%), trastornos del sueño (32.5%), abuso de alcohol o drogas (10%), psicosis (5%), entre otros. El 70% de los participantes reportó tener CAL a nivel promedio en comparación con la norma (M = 96.58, SD = 13).

Conclusiones

Esto datos ayudarán a guiar servicios y futuros estudios con esta población.
H - 34 Impact of Education, Mood and Anxiety on Self-Management and Self-Efficacy in Spanish-Speaking People with Epilepsy
Authors: Morales Jill , Gomez Jaqueline Abrisqueta , Castillo Ana , Johnson Erica K , Fraser Robert T , Smith Jason A D
Published: October 2023

Objective

Explore relationships between the years of education, mood, and anxiety with self-efficacy and self-management in Spanish-speaking people with epilepsy (PWE). Higher education was hypothesized to be associated with higher Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) and Epilepsy Self-Management (ESM) scores, while lower mood and anxiety may be linked to lower ESE and ESM scores.

Method

Spanish-speaking PWE completed the ESE, ESM, PHQ-9 andGAD-7. Participants were primarily monolingual, immigrant patients at a public, safety-net hospital in Dallas, TX enrolled in a self-management intervention study, PACES in Español.

Results

Participants (n = 19, >18 years-old) had an average age (M = 41.6 years, SD = 13.1) and reported years of education (M = 9.79, SD = 3.3). Participants were mostly male (73.7%) and born in Mexico (83.9%). Pearson and Spearman correlations were run for comparisons, as appropriate, after determining variable normality of distribution. Education was negatively correlated to GAD-7 (M = 5.1, SD = 4.3), r(17) = −0.48, p = 0.04. ESM was negatively correlated to PHQ-9 (M = 5.8, SD = 4.8), r(17) = −0.46, p = 0.04. Predictable significant correlations between PHQ and GAD; r(17) = 0.71, p = 0.00, and the ESE and ESM r(17) = 632, p = 0.004 were observed. Moderate to Severe levels of depression (21.1%) and anxiety (15.8%) were observed.

Conclusion(s)

Education was not related to ESE or ESM; however, higher education was associated with lower anxiety severity. Higher ESM was associated with lower depression symptoms. While initial results are limited by the sample size, further exploration between level of education, mood, and anxiety and PWE’s and their epilepsy self-management.
H - 35 Anti-N-Methyl D-Aspartate Receptor (Anti-NMDAR) Encephalitis in a Spanish Monolingual Immigrant Adjudicated Incompetent to Stand Trial
Authors: Piña Niko N , Andresen Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Objective

Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare, recently discovered condition that typically presents initially with psychiatric disturbances followed by neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. Little is known about neuropsychological outcomes with this condition. This poster will expand our knowledge by presenting a monolingual Spanish male who emigrated to the US from Latin America and was arrested on multiple offenses during psychiatric symptom onset of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Methods

He was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis while incarcerated and experienced severe medical complications while hospitalized during the acute phase. He was subsequently adjudicated incompetent to stand trial (ICST) and sent to a state hospital for competency restoration. During the patient’s sub-acute recovery phase in the state hospital, he was administered a limited neuropsychological battery in Spanish to characterize his cognitive functioning and assist in the competency restoration process.

Results

Most cognitive scores were in the below average range, consistent with neuropsychological profiles of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Virtually all scores on measures of executive functioning were in the exceptionally low range. While immediate and delayed memory were low to below average, recognition memory was qualitatively better. He was diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder due to anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Conclusions

This case study highlights a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with multiple intersecting factors (i.e., immigrant status, monolingual Spanish speaking, < 12 years of education, adjudicated ICST, etc.) that made it difficult to judge the true etiology of the patient’s deficits, or even whether some of the weaknesses found actually represent normal cognition given his background and limited availability of appropriate norms.
H - 39 Clinical Utility of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and Neuropsi a & M Semi-Complex Figure in Spanish Language Neuropsychological Evaluations
Authors: Saldana Daniel G , Magana Tatiana , Ruiz Kevin , Suarez Paola
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) is a widely administered neuropsychological instrument. The clinical utility of using the RCFT to assist with interpretation of cognitive profiles has been well-documented; however, the utility of Spanish-language administrations is less well-known. One common adaptation for patients with lower educational attainment is the use of a simpler, semi-complex figure. These adaptations are notable for differences in administration (i.e., copy and delay with no immediate trial) and more lenient scoring criteria.

Methods

This qualitative case series comparison samples both the construction of the RCFT and semi-complex figure in three adult patients with lower education. All administrations of the RCFT and semi-complex figure were given in Spanish as part of a larger comprehensive neuropsychological battery. One example is a 56-year-old, monolingual, Spanish-speaking man with six years of education. He presented with a history of right frontal glioblastoma resection and diffuse cerebral volume loss and hyperintensities; alcohol use, and poor adherence to antiseizure medications.

Results

His performance on the RCFT was well below expectations in the less than 1st percentile. Qualitative analysis of his construction revealed a piecemeal approach with poor approximation to the gestalt. Overall, his construction implicated non-dominant hemisphere and was consistent with other neurodiagnostic and neuropsychological data.

Conclusion

Research to replicate the clinical utility of the RCFT and semi-complex figure in Spanish-language administrations is helpful for improving diagnostic sensitivity in minority patient populations. Through case examples, this case series illustrates the clinical utility of the RCFT and semi-complex figure as comparable across languages (i.e., English versus Spanish-language administrations).
H - 40 The Role of Neuropsychology in Solid Organ Transplantation Candidacy in a Patient with a Diverse Linguistic and Sociocultural Background
Authors: Basurto Karen , Jennette Kyle
Published: October 2023

Objective

Candidates for transplantation with end stage organ failure (ESOF) undergo extensive pre-surgical medical and psychosocial evaluations, however neuropsychology is rarely required. This is concerning, as patients with ESOF often have cognitive deficits that may impact their ability to safely manage post-transplant care and are at increased risk for morbidity/mortality. This case highlights the novel perspective a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation provides, especially in patients of diverse sociocultural backgrounds.

Method

The patient is a 37-year-old monolingual Spanish-speaking woman referred for evaluation in the context of liver transplant candidacy due to apparent inability to follow medical guidance, medication adherence, and continued alcohol consumption. Medical history includes autoimmune hepatitis, multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma, and diabetes. The patient reported problems with remembering information from providers even with compensatory strategies. Her family assists heavily with scheduling and transportation. When asked about alcohol use, she reported recent use of a few beers due to very hot weather, limited access to clean water, and the death of a family member despite providers urging her to remain abstinent. She was not aware of the hazard that even minimal alcohol use presented to her candidacy.

Results

She did not meet criteria for a neurocognitive disorder. The etiology of her noncompliance was secondary to poor social support, limited coping skills, and feeling overwhelmed by team instructions.

Conclusions

Conducting a culturally informed evaluation in the patient’s native language provided clear evidence of intact cognition and a nuanced understanding of her limitations that would not be appreciated in a more limited evaluation.
H - 41 Examining Cross-Phasic Mechanisms of Verbal Working Memory Capacity Consumption in Monolingual Spanish-Speakers of Latin American Descent
Authors: Celaya Roberta D , Moore Raeanne C , Lincoln Alan J , Perez Veronica B
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cross-linguistic evidence suggests that the word length effect (WLE; rate of syllables, phonemes, or pronunciation times per word) significantly contributes to capacity estimates in the storage, but not manipulation, phase of verbal working memory (WM). However, the role of the WLE on WM limits across these phases has not been reported in monolingual Spanish-speakers.

Method

Latin American-born, monolingual Spanish-speakers (N = 84) age 18–65 were administered forward and backward directions of the digit span test across three cognitive load conditions of Spanish syllabic word length: Mexican WAIS-IV Digit Span (“Standard Load”), and two modified measures with relative ~20% decrease (“Low Load”) or ~ 20% increase (“High Load”) in total syllables/digit.

Results

A reverse WLE was observed during storage WM (digit span forward), where Spanish-speakers attained higher capacity estimates (p < 0.01) in High Load relative to Low Load syllabic word length. The WLE was detected during manipulation WM (digit span backward), where lower capacity limits (p < 0.001) were observed in the High Load, compared to Standard Load, condition.

Conclusions

Unexpectedly, high loads did not yield a WLE in the storage phase, but evidence of the WLE was present in the manipulation phase. Executive-function mnemonic strategies (chunking) may have superseded the role of a WLE on storage memory, whereas a traditional WLE was observed when chunking strategies were more difficult to implement during manipulation memory. These findings aim to reduce cultural disparities in estimates of WM performance in neurocognitive and neuropsychological research with Hispanics.