bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A - 154 Neuropsychological Profile of a Patient Post Anoxic Brain Injury with Balint Syndrome: a Case Study Five Years Post-Injury
Authors: Moncivais Jacqueline A , Piszczor Justyna , Yang Jessica , Fink Joseph W
Published: October 2023

Objective

Cerebral anoxia is the absence or near absence of oxygen in the brain’s arterial blood supply. One cause of cerebral anoxia is acute cardiorespiratory failure, which, if left untreated, can lead to brain tissue necrosis, causing an anoxic brain injury (AnBI). AnBI causes a range of motor and cognitive deficits, though long-term (> 2.0 years) neuropsychological sequelae of AnBI are not well understood.

Method

A 66-year-old female presented for a neuropsychological evaluation 5.4 years status post myocardial infarction complicated by cardiac arrest requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for one hour. The patient was comatose for two weeks and initially exhibited a 20-year- retrograde amnesia (RA). She reportedly reached a cognitive plateau approximately 2.5 years after the original insult. 4.9 years after the original insult, a new emergence of severe functional impairment was observed. Relevant medical history was significant for hypertension, hypocholesterolemia, and coronary artery disease. Neuroimaging revealed mild cortical atrophy and mild microvascular ischemia.

Results

Her neurocognitive profile demonstrated impairments in all assessed cognitive domains. Her MMSE score declined 11 points in 2 months. Behavioral observations and assessment findings demonstrated features of Balint’s Syndrome (e.g., optic apraxia, optic ataxia, simultanagnosia).

Conclusions

The patient’s AnBI was severe, given multiple markers: CPR duration, coma length, and RA. Moreover, her decline in functional ability demonstrates that a resurgence of functional impairment 5.4 years status post a severe AnBI is possible, highlighting the importance of neuropsychological monitoring over time.
A - 164 Executive Functioning Predicts Comparable Autobiographical Memory Accuracy in Severe TBI Adults and Controls
Authors: Stepien Danielle , Armstrong Sharon , Lindgren Karen , Wilson Patricia
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated the association between executive functioning (EF) and cognitive script accuracy for autobiographical events in adults with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Sequelae of sTBI commonly disrupt brain areas responsible for EF and retrieval of autobiographical knowledge, but script impairments are not consistently found, likely due to protocol differences, sample heterogeneity, and failure to assess for event exposure pre-injury. The present study remedied these issues obtaining a realistic assessment of script knowledge and its relation to EF. Twenty sTBI adults and 20 healthy controls recruited from a post-acute neurorehabilitation facility completed tasks evaluating autobiographical knowledge (central actions [CAs], trivial actions [TAs]) for three common events using multiple memory measures (recall, prediction, recognition). EF was assessed with standardized neuropsychological tasks of verbal fluency and social judgment. Controls performed better than sTBI adults on all EF measures (p < 0.001), and recalled a greater proportion of CAs (F[2,19] = 4.63, p < 0.05) but similar proportions of TAs (p = 0.952). Groups did not differ in predicting (p = 0.989) or recognizing (p = 0.202) autobiographical events. EF predicted CAs (R2 = 0.425, F[2,37] = 13.66, p < 0.001) and TAs (R2 = 0.201,F[2,37] = 4.66, p < 0.05) in both groups after controlling for estimated premorbid functioning. Severe TBI adults are fairly knowledgeable about common events. Executive dysfunction may inhibit successful initiation and completion of such events. Errors rarely occurred with these familiar events and within easier memory paradigms. Thus, development of therapies introducing a graded integration into novel events is a realistic goal. Because results are based on confirmed autobiographical events, these conclusions elicit greater confidence than ever before.
A - 166 Predictors of Intention to Participate in Programmed Exercise for Postconcussion Recovery
Authors: Sullivan Karen , Jaganathan Kannan Singaravelu , Greenslade Jaimi , McMahon Katie , Mitchell Gary , Kerr Graham
Published: October 2023

Objective

Programmed exercise has been proposed for postconcussion recovery, but willingness to engage in such programs has not been explored. This study investigated sociocognitive factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and their relationship to exercise intention for postconcussion recovery (intention).

Method

Four hundred and fifty-nine adults completed an online survey (Age = 18–72 years, 34% concussion history). All participants received information about mTBI, postconcussion symptoms, and programmed exercise. The measures assessed TPB constructs including intention, and evaluated program design features that could affect engagement (e.g., session frequency).

Results

Structured equation modelling found that intention was significantly predicted (p < 0.05) by subjective norms (strongest predictor) and perceived behavioral control (weaker predictor). Attitudes did not significantly predict intention. The model accounted for approximately half of the variance in exercise intention (R2 = 0.506). The addition of moderators (habitual exercise, concussion history) did not have any effect. Key program design features were personalization and supervision.

Conclusions

People’s intention to undertake programmed exercise for postconcussion recovery is shaped by individual psychological factors, especially subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. This could be considered in the program design (e.g., building program connections with significant others; fostering a sense of control through personalization/session timetabling). Further research is needed to establish the effect of such additions on engagement with programmed exercise for postconcussion recovery.
A - 171 Neuropsychological Performance Relates to Observed Risky Driving in Healthy Adults
Authors: Lyons Rachel , Ang Jocelyn , Split Molly , Gonevski Aleksandar , Ogunkoya Oluwatoniloba , Hasan Tasmia , Devlin Kathryn , Schultheis Maria
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study uses video telematics to examine relationships between neuropsychological performance and directly observed naturalistic driving-as-usual in healthy adult drivers. We hypothesized that visual attention and executive function measures would have the strongest associations with unsafe driving behaviors.

Method

Twenty-five healthy drivers (ages 23–61, 62% women) were recruited from the general community into this cross-sectional study. They completed neuropsychological testing and 28 days of naturalistic driving with an in-vehicle video telematics platform that detected unsafe driving behaviors. The neuropsychological battery measured driving-relevant domains, namely visual attention, processing speed, executive function, and visuospatial memory. We examined correlations between neuropsychological measures and unsafe behaviors.

Results

Unsafe following distance correlated with better performance on Useful Field of View Selective Attention (r = 0.55, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.19–0.77), Symbol Digit Modalities Test Written (r = 0.51, p = 0.009, CI = 0.13–0.76) and Oral (r = 0.51, p = 0.010, CI = 0.13–0.75), Trails B (r = 0.42, p = 0.035, CI = 0.02–0.70), and Stroop Color (r = 0.46, p = 0.022, CI = 0.06–0.72). Speeding correlated with better Spatial Recall Test Immediate (r = 0.48, p = 0.015, CI = 0.10–0.73) and Delay performance (r = 0.42, p = 0.038, CI = 0.02–0.69).

Conclusion

In healthy adult drivers, better performance in the domains of visuospatial memory, processing speed, and attention is associated with greater engagement in unsafe driving behaviors. In the absence of concern about cognitive compromise, individuals may feel more comfortable making risky behaviors. We plan to expand this work to broader samples and clinical populations to increase generalizability and applicability to clinical driving evaluations.
A - 172 STEP-Home Intervention Improves Inhibitory and Anger Control, Reintegration, and Neurobehavioral Symptoms in Post-9/11 Veterans with TBI and Other Common Comorbidities
Authors: Sablone Caroline A , Knight Arielle , Currao Alyssa , Lebas Adam , Katz Dylan , Kenna Alexandra , Fortier Catherine B
Published: October 2023

Objective

Post-9/11 U.S. Veterans are clinically complex with multiple co-occurring health conditions contributing to morbidity/mortality and decreased quality of life. TBI diagnosis can worsen these outcomes. STEP-Home is a cognitive-behavioral transdiagnostic intervention for TBI and common comorbidities. This study determines if STEP-Home improves anger control, frontal system function, civilian readjustment, neurobehavioral symptoms, and work/life functioning in post-9/11 Veterans. TBI may influence Veterans’ ability to learn core skills and, thus, impact response to treatment. Treatment outcomes for Veterans with and without TBI will be explored.

Methods

56 (39 M/17F; mean age = 39.9) post-9/11 Veterans with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, with and without TBI received 12 weeks of the STEP-Home cognitive-behavioral intervention. Assessments at baseline, posttreatment (12 weeks), and follow-up (12 weeks posttreatment) included: State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2); Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2CQ); Post-Deployment Readjustment Inventory (PDRI); Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale (FrSBe); Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI); World Health Disability Scale (WHODAS); PTSD Checklist (PCL-5); Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results

STEP-Home significantly improved anger expression (STAXI-2 p = 0.0320), inhibitory control (FrSBe p = 0.0001), and reintegration status (MC2Q p = 0.0001; PDRI p = 0.0097) posttreatment. Similar improvements were seen in neurobehavioral symptoms, work/life functioning, PTSD, depression, and stress (p’s < 0.01). Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up (p’s < 0.001). Treatment response did not differ by TBI status.

Conclusion

STEP-Home teaches Veterans cognitive-behavioral skills to improve anger and impulse control, executive functioning, reintegration, and work/life functioning. Treatment gains were comparable for Veterans with and without TBI. This is critical given TBI prevalence among post-9/11 Veterans and the need for additional palatable treatment options.
A - 176 The MIL Test: Validation of a Web-Based Performance Validity Test
Authors: Leese Mira I , Roseberry Jarett E , Hill Scot K
Published: October 2023

Objective

Establish validity of a web-based performance validity test (PVT) in a mixed-clinical sample of outpatients referred for a neuropsychological evaluation using a known-effort design.

Method

Participants were 110 adults (75.4% female, 89% white) classified as valid (i.e., /= 2 PVT failures; M age = 50.75, SD = 12.51, n = 16) based on five well-established PVTs. The MIL Test is a web-based PVT designed to identify noncredible memory performance on a 50-word recognition test that was also administered.

Results

ROC curve analyses yielded a significant area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.92, p 0.05).

Conclusion(s)

Initial support for the validity of the MIL Test was promising in terms of psychometric properties (i.e., classification accuracy, strong convergent and discriminant validity). Future research may benefit from exploring further psychometric development (e.g., item analysis) and validation in larger, more diverse demographic and clinical populations.
A - 180 Anosognosia across the Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Pathology and Validation of a New Measure
Authors: Terry Christian , Lecci Len
Published: October 2023

Objective

Two studies were performed to validate a brief, new method for assessing informant-patient discrepancies to quantify cognitive insight, and to compare it to an empirically supported model – the Cognitive Awareness Model (CAM).

Method

Study 1 included 31 (52% male; Mage = 69.42) patients from an outpatient neuropsychological assessment clinic. Seven patients were diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s dementia (PAD), 15 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 9 no diagnosis (i.e., healthy controls; HC). The Cognitive Coding Form (CCF) was compared with several measures to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Study 2 entailed archival data extraction of 240 patients (80 HC, 80 MCI, and 80 PAD; 53.3% female; Mage = 72.8) to examine the ability of the CCF to predict various cognitive domains, including executive functioning (Trail-Making Test Form B).

Results

In study 1, the 8-item CCF demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity with established measures. Study 2 identified that both patient-reported cognitive concerns and, to a greater degree, CCF informant-patient discrepancy scores, can distinguish HCs from those with MCI and PAD. Further, a regression indicated that depression (Geriatric Depression Scale; 5.5%; β = −0.38, p < 0.001) and TMT-B (13%; β = −0.43, p < 0.001), together accounted for 18.5% of the variance in insight (R2 = 0.19, F(2,219) = 26.10, p < 0.001), supporting the CAM.

Conclusions

In addition to establishing an efficient measure of insight with high clinical utility (the CCF), these studies inform the literature on the role of insight in predicting performance in those with Alzheimer’s pathology.
A - 182 Comparison of the Short Test of Mental Status to Traditional Neuropsychological Tests
Authors: Reinhart Clare , Parks Adam , Brunette Amanda , Ecklund-Johnson Eric , Stroescu Ioan
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Short Test of Mental Status (STMS) was developed by Kokmen and colleagues as a brief cognitive screening test. Existing research has found the STMS to be sensitive in detecting cognitive impairment in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The STMS has also been shown to be comparable to other cognitive screening instruments, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). However, the relationship between the STMS and traditional neuropsychological tests has yet to be evaluated. This study sought to explore the concordance between the STMS test items and neuropsychological test variables in a mixed clinical sample.

Method

Neuropsychological test data was collected from an archival database for 150 adults (Mean age = 71.4 years) referred to an interdisciplinary dementia care clinic at an academic medical center. Descriptive statistics for the demographic and test variables were produced. Pearson correlations were used to examine the relationships between the STMS total score, STMS item scores, and the neuropsychological test variables.

Results

Statistically significant correlations were found between the STMS item scores and their corresponding neuropsychological tests: Orientation (r = 0.46–0.56), Attention (r = 0.39–0.51), Registration-Trials (r = 0.32–0.50), Calculations (r = 0.30–0.41), Construction (r = 0.43), Information (r = 0.56), and Recall (r = 0.61–0.71). The STMS total score was significantly correlated with all neuropsychological test scores (r = 0.30–72).

Conclusions

The STMS shows strong concordance with traditional neuropsychological tests in a dementia clinic sample. Future analyses will include examining construct validity of the STMS with different clinical groups and diagnoses as well as an exploration of the underlying factor structure of the STMS.
A - 188 Symptom Attribution Is a Stronger Predictor of PVT-Failure than Symptom Endorsement in Veterans with Remote mTBI History
Authors: Ton Loy Adan F , Lee Jeong-Eun , Sakamoto Mckenna S , Merritt Victoria C
Published: October 2023

Objective

Prior research has shown an association between performance validity testing (PVT) and symptom endorsement following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in Veterans. However, no studies have investigated associations between PVT and attribution of symptoms to mTBI. Therefore, we examined relationships between PVT, symptom endorsement, and symptom attribution in Veterans with mTBI history.

Method

Participants included treatment-seeking Veterans (n = 37) with remote mTBI histories who were referred to a neuropsychological clinic at a VA Medical Center (91.9% male; 64.9% white). Veterans underwent a neuropsychological assessment and completed a modified version of the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory to assess symptom endorsement and symptom attribution (the latter evaluated by having Veterans indicate whether they believed each symptom was caused by their mTBI). Veterans were divided into two subgroups, PVT-Pass (n = 25) and PVT-Fail (n = 12), based on their Test of Memory Malingering performance.

Results

Correlation analyses revealed a significant association between PVT-failure and (a) symptom attribution (r = 0.426, p = 0.009) and (b) symptom endorsement (r = 0.373, p = 0.023). Separate logistic regression analyses controlling for PTSD symptoms showed that symptom attribution (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.279) and symptom endorsement (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.233) significantly distinguished between PVT groups. According to the Wald criterion, higher attribution of symptoms to mTBI (p = 0.045, OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.00–1.45) and greater symptom endorsement (p = 0.049, OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.00–1.18) each reliably predicted PVT-failure.

Conclusions

While both symptom endorsement and symptom attribution were significantly associated with PVT-failure, our preliminary results suggest that symptom attribution is a stronger predictor of PVT-failure. Although future studies are needed to replicate these findings, results highlight the importance of assessing symptom attribution to TBI in this population.
B - 07 Rorschach Differences between Reading and Mathematic Impairment in Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)
Authors: Schapiro Stevie Jade , Golden Charles , Nunez Christina
Published: October 2023

Objective

To identify differences based on perceptions of the Rorschach test between individuals who were diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder of Reading (LDR) and Mathematics (LDM) impairment.

Method

Participants were selected from a deidentified database from a large Southeastern university. The group assignment of the diagnoses were made according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Participants were divided into those with diagnosed LDR (n = 38, 50% white, Mage = 28, SD = 9.82, education Med = 14.02, SD = 2.05) and LDM (n = 41, 61% white, Mage = 29, SD = 11.98, education Med = 13.59, SD = 1.40). The groups were compared on demographic variables (age, education level, race, gender, and handedness) but there were no significant across the variables. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) compared the means to test the difference between groups on the Rorschach variables.

Results

Individuals with diagnosed LDR had significantly higher levels of Form-Color Ratio (FC, F(1,79) = 5.664, p = 0.02; (M = 2.4471, SD = 2.13). No other Rorschach variables were found to be significant in individuals diagnosed with LDR or LDM.

Conclusions

Overall the differences between the groups were minimal suggesting that the Rorschach variables were not important. The increase in FC may suggest individuals with LDR have increased difficulties in emotional regulation, processing speed, and executive functioning. Individuals with LDR may therefore struggle with aspects of daily living. Given the lack of differences, the Rorschach may not be the most useful assessment in understanding underlying workings of individuals with LDR or LDM. Additional projective assessments or future developments of individualized assessments would be useful in treating the learning disorder community.
B - 15 Additional Insights of the Factor Structure of the Autism Spectrum Adaptive Scale Questionnaire
Authors: Abdallah Salayna , Seeling Ashley , Poreh Amir
Published: October 2023

Objective

Autism spectrum condition(s) (ASC) a neurodevelopmental disorder with limited research on the etiological basis. Thus, diagnoses are given based on an individual’s behavior. However, the process of receiving a diagnosis can be difficult to procure. Having an accurate self-report scale for diagnosing ASC is important, and current scales have limitations. This study aims to assess the factor structure of a new scale developed by the authors, the Autism Spectrum Adaptive Scale Questionnaire (ASAS-Q).

Methods

994 adult volunteers with and without history of ASC were recruited via Research Match (391 with autism, 594 without autism). We ran an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which suggested three factors. Using a loading value cutoff of above 0.4, items that either did not load onto any factor or cross loaded were deleted. The final analysis converged in six iterations. Finally, we ran a reliability analysis to test the internal consistency.

Results

In its current experimental form, ASAS-Q has 38 items. Bartlett’s tests of sphericity was significant (χ2 (780) = 24860.18, p = 0.000) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy indicated a high relationship among variables (KMO = 0.97). These tests indicated that a factor analytic model was acceptable for this dataset. Cronbach’s Alpha indicated that the ASAS-Q has excellent internal consistency overall (α = 0.97) as well as among each of the three subscales: (1) (α = 0.87), (2) (α = 0.90), and (3) (α = 0.94).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the ASAS-Q may serve as a useful new self-report scale for diagnosing ASC in adults.
B - 22 Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Stafford Claire , Aronson Rebecca , Golden Charles , Willeumier Kristen , Amen Daniel
Published: October 2023

Objective

The current study aims to investigate whether hyperactivity is present in the parietal lobe of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

The data for this study was derived from an archival SPECT database. Participants in the ASD group (n = 91, Mage = 10.07, 78% male, 20.9% female, 1.1% others) were like those in the control group (n = 2983, Mage = 12.20, 69.7% male, 30% female, 0.3% other). Multiple independent t-tests were performed between the ASD and control groups on CBF levels in the left and right sides of the parietal lobe.

Results

Statistically significant differences existed between the ASD and control groups on CBF levels as follows: left and right side of the cerebellum, frontal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, vermis, and subcortical areas. In all cases, CBF was higher in the control group than in the ASD group.

Discussion

Findings suggest lower CBF within these areas in individuals with ASD may lead to why children with ASD have difficulties regulating emotions, over sensitivity to auditory stimuli, hand posturing, toe walking, or repetitive behaviors (such as flapping). These areas with lower CBF also lead to poorer memory functioning; these findings may suggest children with ASD have limited ability to remember large amount of information which may suggest why children with ASD have specific interests.
B - 35 An Application of the ECLECTIC Framework to Neuropsychological Evaluation of a Korean-Speaking Older Adult with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): a Case Study
Authors: Lunia Palak , Seidel Gregory , Stepien Danielle
Published: October 2023

Objective

The ECLECTIC framework (Fujii, 2018) provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to addressing ethnic diversity in neuropsychological assessment, moving beyond a focus only on test and normative group. It presents a unique opportunity to gain cultural insight, establish rapport and trust, integrate contextual factors, and tailor recommendations. We present a case that illustrates the application of this framework to the neuropsychological evaluation of a first-generation Korean American, bilingual man in his mid-60s.

Methods

The patient emigrated to the United States from South Korea in his 30s. He was referred for neuropsychological evaluation for cognitive problems after ESRD diagnosis. Consistent with ECLECTIC framework, hypothesis-testing and qualitative analysis were conducted to create cultural and linguistic equivalence. Informant reports were collected and incorporated. Linguistic competency was established, and a Korean interpreter was used. The flexible battery included Korean- and English-translated measures.

Results

Cognitive performance was normed against peer groups with similar demographics (age, gender, academic level), and interpreted within cultural contextual factors (education quality, highest occupation, immigration context, linguistic competence, informant report). Results indicated significant memory impairment with relatively preserved language and visuospatial skills. He endorsed severe depression.

Conclusions

Recognizing the impact of cultural biases on the assessment of Korean-speaking individuals with medical comorbidities, we found the ECLECTIC framework to be a valuable tool in supporting careful consideration of cultural and contextual factors in the absence of a cultural broker or Korean-speaking neuropsychologist. Overall, the ECLECTIC model offers an example for clinicians and trainees to employ a culturally responsive framework for ethnically diverse patients.
B - 36 Indian Educational System and Neuropsychological Evaluation among Indian Americans: a Review with Clinical and Cultural Considerations
Authors: Lunia Palak , Hundal Jasdeep , Irani Farzin , Krishnan Kamini , Sunderaraman Preeti
Published: October 2023

Objective

India’s educational system is highly complex and intricate. Individuals who emigrate to the United States from India, commonly referred to as Indian Americans, demonstrate a wide range of educational backgrounds. Nonetheless, little is known about the impact of their education on cognition. This study sought to investigate the association between education and cognition among Indian Americans who moved to the United States subsequent to obtaining minimum high school education in India.

Method

A literature review was undertaken to determine the extent and the nature of the relationship between education and cognitive performance in Indian Americans.

Results

No studies were identified that systematically examined the links between educational attainment and cognitive performance among Indian Americans. Previous research conducted in India found that higher educational attainment was associated with better cognitive performance in the domains of attention, memory, language, and executive functioning. However, other studies report gender and regional differences as variables influencing association between education and cognitive performance.

Conclusion

The study provides clinicians with a deeper understanding of the nuanced and multifaceted nature of educational experiences among Indian Americans. Variability in education stemming from a multitude of factors including language of instruction in the school vs. language/s spoken at home, school’s funding, location of the school, school curriculum (public vs. private schools), and societal attitudes towards gender and literacy can impact cognitive performance. These aspects need to be clearly parsed out for accurate selection of the test battery and interpretation of the test performance.
B - 53 Effects of Personality on Response Speed
Authors: Verani Saba , Golden Charles J , Harrigan D'Shawn , Rodriguez Czarinah M
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to measure how personality features reported on the MMPI-2 predicts response speed measured on a test of attention.

Method

Data was selected from a de-identified database of clinical adults. The sample chosen (N = 508) comprised of mixed psychiatric adults consisting of Caucasians (N = 224, M_edu = 13,42% male & 58% female), African Americans (N = 103, M_edu = 12, 52.1% males & 47.8% females), Hispanics (N = 126, M_edu = 13,53.5% male & 46.4% female), and Other (N-55, M_edu = 13,38.4% male & 61.6% female). All participants were administered the CPT-II and MMPI-2.

Results

Multiple hierarchical regressions were run to test what personality factors predict significant incremental variance on a measure of attention when controlling for age and education. In the final model, the Depression scale was a significant predictor accounting for approximately 0.8% of the variance. The Schizophrenia scale was a significant predictor accounting for approximately 2.2% of the variance. The Paranoia scale was a significant predictor accounting for approximately 1.7% of the variance. The Social Introversion scale was a significant predictor accounting for approximately 1.3% of the variance.

Conclusions

The study found that individuals reporting psychosis, paranoia, and depressive-like symptoms including social introversion on the MMPI-2 demonstrate inattention via slower response time. Comorbidity of psychosis and depression exhibits poorer cognitive performance likely responsible for the slower response rate to targets. Experiencing paranoia and/or hallucinations during the test pulls full attention further missing targets or responding with significant time in between. The low mood with anxious and intrusive thoughts interrupts their ability to focus and process targets efficiently on the CPT-II.
B - 57 An Analysis of the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ): Is Executive Dysfunction Associated with Functional Decline?
Authors: Berry Matt , Sylvester Doug , Morales Sandra , Stoll Matt , Renteria Laura , White Natasha
Published: October 2023

Objective

The ADLQ measures the ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs). Several factors, including cognition, may play a role in someone’s ability to perform ADLs. The purpose of this study was to understand how executive functioning (EF) impacts abilities measured by the ADLQ.

Method

Data were retrospectively collected from a mixed sample of patients with cognitive impairment (MCI: 29; dementia: 34) who underwent neuropsychological evaluation at a private practice in the Portland, Oregon area (n = 63, mean age = 76.65, mean education = 14.92 years). Patients with a history of moderate-to-severe TBI or severe psychiatric history were excluded. Six ADLQ scales and measures of EF (phonemic fluency, DKEFS Tower, Trails B, Stroop Interference) were analyzed using nonparametric Spearman’s rank correlations. A p-level of 0.01 was used to reduce likelihood of type I errors.

Results

There was a negative correlation between phonemic fluency and both self-care (ρ = −0.485, p = 0.002) and shopping (ρ = −0.474, p = 0.003). There was a negative correlation between travel and performance on both Trails B (ρ = −0.490, p = 0.009) and Stroop Interference (ρ = −0.634, p = 0.000). For the above EF tests, worse performance was associated with more impairment in the associated ADLs. Other correlations were not significant.

Conclusions

Performance on certain EF tests is associated with impairment in the domains of self-care, shopping, and travel. Executive dysfunction appears related to functional decline on the ADLQ, but further analysis using larger samples is warranted to better understand this relationship.
B - 70 Left-Sided Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease Are Associated with Impaired Social Cognition: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Wagner Daymond , Eslinger Paul , Lewis Mechelle , Huang Xumei
Published: October 2023

Objective

Disruption of frontostriatal pathways underlies working memory and executive function impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD), including theory of mind (ToM). PD symptoms appear on one side and remain lateralized, suggesting greater dysfunction in the contralateral basal ganglia. Previous studies have suggested the right hemisphere, particularly right frontal lobe, has greater involvement in ToM processing. We hypothesized PD subjects with left hemi-motor symptoms, indicating right hemisphere involvement, would show greater deficits on a ToM task.

Method

Fourteen PD subjects with lateralized symptoms (9 left, 5 right) and 12 controls were selected from an ongoing NIH-funded study. Participants were right-handed and free of other neurological conditions. Groups did not differ on age, education or sex. Participants completed a ToM story task, neuropsychological measures (Visual-Verbal test, verbal and design fluency, and digit span) and a depression scale.

Results

Relative to controls, PD subjects with left-sided symptoms had trouble deciding if the character was lying or joking (p = 0.001 95% CI[1.002, 4.277]) and trending difficulty discerning a character’s second order belief (what another character was thinking) when the intent was humorous (p = 0.077; 95% CI[−0.122, 3.055]), after accounting for age. ToM story performance correlated with cognitive measures in PD subjects with right-sided symptoms, but not in those with left-sided symptoms or controls.

Conclusions

Individuals with PD and demonstrating left hemi-motor symptoms may have greater difficulty in social cognition beyond executive function or working memory disorders, impacting interactions with caregivers and their quality of life. Investigation with a larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.
B - 77 Memory Testing in an Intractable Epilepsy Sample
Authors: Burks Alexis , Verney Steven P , Abrams-Silva Lynette , Lega Brad
Published: October 2023

Objective

Epilepsy affects 3.4 million people in the United States and 70 million globally. A third have intractable epilepsy, epilepsy that is not well-controlled by medication. Understanding memory and cognitive functioning in this population will further comprehension of cognitive changes in this population. However, few neuropsychological measures can be administered on a regular basis without compromising reliability. This study investigated experimental and standardized memory measures in patients with intractable epilepsy.

Methods

Individuals with intractable epilepsy (n = 188; mean age = 37.5 years) scheduled to undergo depth electrode surgery were given a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including Rey-Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) or California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). During their stay in the hospital following surgery, participants were also given an experimental computerized verbal list learning test multiple times throughout their stay.

Results

The experimental task and standardized task were significantly associated on total recall (r = 0.348, p < 0.01) and immediate learning (r = 0.383, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Understanding memory in individuals with epilepsy will help further clinical treatment and outcomes for these individuals. A task such as our experimental verbal list learning task that can be administered frequently and consistently could make serial testing possible. This would be particularly helpful in situations where rapid change occurs, or regular monitoring of symptoms is needed. Clinically, this type of testing could lead to better understanding of cognitive symptoms over time.
B - 78 Virtual Reality Versus Analog Performance and the Age-Related Paradox of Prospective Memory
Authors: Hulsman Erin E , Boynton Harrison G , Lopez Christian , Gerrels-Hinkle Sarah E , Cornwell Hannah E , Bishop Kellee N , Barela Lance , Coldiron Allyson M , Barnett Michael D
Published: October 2023

Objective

A prospective memory (PM) task in virtual reality (VR) was developed to investigate whether older adults perform better when tested in true-to-life environments, as they do in naturalistic environments according to the age-related paradox. The purpose of this study was to compare younger and older adults on PM tasks in analog and VR environments.

Method

Older adults (N = 87; ages 60–90) and younger adults (N = 54; ages 18–26) were administered PM tasks using analog and virtual reality environments, as part of the Virtual Kitchen Protocol.

Results

A two-way, mixed-subjects analysis of variance indicated that both age groups performed better on the analog PM task than on the VR task (F[1, 139] = 48.32, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.26), and that younger adults performed better than older adults on both PM tasks (F[1, 139] = 76.90, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.36).

Conclusion

While PM performance was higher on the analog task for both age groups, performance on the VR task decreased similarly for younger and older adults. The life-like distractors in VR appeared to impact both age cohorts equivalently, suggesting that VR assessment is equally valid with older adults as it is with younger adults. Although the VR setting was selected to imitate real life, the environment details did not appear specific enough to replicate the boost found in older adults’ PM in naturalistic environments. Future research on PM should model VR tasks after individuals’ home environments to tap into the over-learned habits utilized in individuals’ everyday lives.
B - 79 Response Time to Derived Relations Is Related to Episodic Memory Performance
Authors: Kadey Kylie R , Dixon Bradley J , DeBrito Marci , Woodard John L
Published: October 2023

Objective

After two stimulus pairs with a common stimulus are presented, healthy adults readily derive multiple indirect associations between each stimulus without explicit training. Factors related to this ability to derive new associations are relatively unstudied. We investigated the effects of sex and episodic memory performance on response times (RT) for different stimulus types (letters versus symbols) during trained and derived relational responding.

Method

Ninety-four cognitively healthy young adults were administered a relational responding (RR) task and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R) remotely via videoconferencing. In the RR task, two associations were directly trained in a single learning trial (A → B; A → C). Four other associations can be derived (B → A; C → A; B → C; C → B). Moderated multiple regressions examined main and interaction effects of sex and HVLT-R performance on correct RTs for trained and derived relations between letters and symbols, separately.

Results

Higher HVLT-R immediate and delayed recall scores were associated with faster RTs for all derived, but not trained, relations in the letter (p = 0.001–0.022) and symbol (p = 0.006–0.043) conditions. There was no main effect of sex, but significant sex by HVLT-R interactions were observed for several derived relations in the symbol (p = 0.032–0.044) and letter conditions (p = 0.035). Only males showed a significant RR-HVLT-R association.

Conclusions

After a single presentation of two stimulus pairs, participants learned the two trained associations and independently derived four new, untrained stimulus relations. Better HVLT-R performance predicted faster RT uniquely for derived relations between letters/symbols. This relationship was more robust in males. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of RR-based interventions for memory rehabilitation.
B - 83 A Case Study of Suspected Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia in an Older Adult with a Prior History of Seizures
Authors: Smith Alphonso , Hicks Cullen
Published: October 2023

Objective

Progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by agrammatism and apraxia of speech. Other features include impaired comprehension of syntactically complex structures, intact object knowledge, and spared single-word comprehension. Given the complexity of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) syndromes, neuropsychologists can play a vital role in differential diagnosis, particularly when there are comorbid medical factors.

Method

This case study presents on a 74-year-old female with progressive language and cognitive impairment over the past 8 years whose care was jointly managed in specialty neurology clinics (e.g., Epilepsy and Memory Disorders) at a university medical center. She had a history of generalized convulsive seizures but with none occurring in several years. She was weaned off phenobarbital over the course of a few months to help rule out any adverse effects on functioning but her deficits persisted. Follow-up MRI showed mild-to-moderate diffuse atrophy. Her cognitive neurologist raised concerns for PPA which prompted the neuropsychological evaluation 3–4 months later.

Results

Testing showed prominent impairments in fluency, naming, repetition, oral reading, and comprehension for grammatically complex questions while semantic knowledge for objects was preserved. Conversational language was halting, effortful, dysfluent, and anomic. Broader cognitive deficits were also observed during testing which was suggestive of more generalized cerebral dysfunction.

Conclusions

The patient’s profile was highly concerning for PNFA. Further work-up at the institution’s Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic along with an FDG-PET scan were recommended to help further clarify her profile. Overall, this case highlights the utility of neuropsychology in the differential diagnosis of complex neurodegenerative disorders with comorbid medical factors.
B - 86 Association of Fronto-Parietal Network White Matter Tract Connectivity with Executive Functioning and Working Memory in a Diverse Sample
Authors: Campbell Ivan , Ikonomou Vasilios , Myers Melissa , Hawley Nanako , Pizer Jasmin , Wagaman Bailey , Hill Benjamin D
Published: October 2023

Objective

We evaluated whether Fronto-Parietal Network (FPN) connectivity is associated with cognitive performance within an ethnically diverse sample.

Method

Linear regression modeling of 50 FPN white matter tract connectivity measures (volume, anisotropy, diffusivity) predicted executive functioning (EF) and working memory (WM) data including Trails Making Test parts A and B (TMTA/TMTB), Digit Span (DSF/DSB/DST), and Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) in an ethnically diverse sample (n = 2715, African American = 515, Non-Hispanic White = 1096, Mexican American = 1104). Maximum Likelihood Factoring (MLF) controlled for collinearity within connectivity measures.

Results

The best predictors of cognitive performance were thickness of the right caudal anterior cingulate (CAC) (p < 0.001 with DSF, DST, DSS) and mean diffusivity of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (rSLF) (p < 0.001 with DSF, DST, TB). Within cognitive tests, DSF had the greatest number of significant relationships with connectivity measures (mean diffusivity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus, thickness of the right caudal anterior cingulate, and thickness of the right rostral anterior cingulate, each at p < 0.001). Three factors emerged from MLF which each had multiple significant relationships with cognitive task variables. However, variance accounted for was minimal (R2 < 0.01).

Conclusions

Relationships between FPN white matter tract connectivity with EF and WM scores are replicable in ethnically heterogeneous samples. Both the CAC and rSLF have previously been shown to be implicated in frontoparietal working memory functionality, however the lateralization of the functional relationship shown above appears to be unique to this sample. Further ethnically heterogenous neuroimaging studies are necessary to determine the uniqueness of these findings.
B - 87 Investigating Acceptance as an Incremental Predictor of Perceived and Actual Cognitive Performance
Authors: Fraga Kylie , Erickson Thane M , Wee Janelle Y
Published: October 2023

Objective

Depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue are highly prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and these factors are associated with perceived cognitive functioning (Middleton et al., 2006). Acceptance is an appraisal that is consistently linked to favorable outcomes and is vital in many psychological interventions for individuals with MS (Wilski, et al., 2019). Cognitive changes are prevalent in MS and appraisals may influence perceptions of these changes. Thus, investigating modifiable factors that influence perceived and actual cognition is important for clinical purposes. However, the co-occurrence of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in MS complicates the evaluation of differential impact of acceptance on cognitive functioning. This study aims to assess the unique contributions of acceptance on perceived cognitive impairment and neuropsychological performance. We hypothesized acceptance will contribute significantly to perceived and actual cognitive performance beyond the effects of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Participants include individuals diagnosed with MS at an outpatient MS clinic (N = 116). Participants completed a cognitive battery and self-report measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, appraisals, and perceived cognitive deficits. Hierarchical regression analyses in R showed that fatigue predicted lower cognitive performance (b = − 0.03, SE = 0.01, p = 0.03) and greater perceived cognitive deficits (b = 1.05, SE = 0.14, p < 0.001). Anxiety predicted greater perceived cognitive deficits (b = 0.97, SE = 0.27, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mental fatigue remains crucial to perceived and actual cognitive impairment, even beyond acceptance. Anxiety is an important intervention target when there are high levels of perceived cognitive impairment.
B - 88 The Role of Cognitive Functioning on Trauma and Suicidality in Inpatient Cisgender and Gender-Minority Youth
Authors: Gonzalez Katie , Dotti Rebecca , Thomas Hannah , Holler Karen
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine how executive functioning (EF) and processing speed (PS) moderate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and suicidality in cisgender and gender-minority youth (GMY) in an inpatient setting. We hypothesized that neurocognitive domains will moderate the relationship between ACE’s and suicidality in GMY.

Methods

An inpatient psychiatric sample of 43 GMY and 43 cisgender adolescents ages 13–19 (M = 15.02, SD = 1.57) participated in this study. Participants completed the ACEs to measure cumulative trauma exposure, and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory that assessed suicidality. EF and PS composite scores were used as moderators.

Results

Two regression models were conducted to examine how EF, PS, ACEs, and the ACEs*EF and ACEs*PS interactions predicted suicidality for cisgender and GMY respectively. For cisgender adolescents, no significance was found in the regression model (F(5,36) = 1.11, p = 0.370) or interactions between ACEs and EF (b = −2.24, p = 0.122) or PS (b = 2.14, p = 0.390). Although the regression model was not significant (F(5,37) = 1.52, p = 0.207) for GMY, there were significant crossover interactions between ACEs and EF (b = −3.50, p = 0.013; 95%CI = −6.20, −0.80), and PS (b = −3.67, p = 0.027; 95%CI = 0.44, 6.90) on suicidality.

Conclusion

These results suggest that EF and PS meaningfully attenuate the relationship between ACEs and suicidality for GMY in an inpatient setting whereas this attenuation is not seen in their cisgender counterparts. Such findings can lead to better indicators and interventions for GMY in inpatient settings.