bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B-76 Benefits of Solution Focused Therapy for Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Mara P , Shumway K , Andrews G
Published: August 2019

Objective

Collegiate athletes experience competition anxiety as their greatest impedance to optimal performance. Competition anxiety encompasses both somatic and cognitive symptoms (Smith, Smoll, Cumming, & Grossbard, 2006). Somatic symptoms are more likely to impact performance (Mabweazara, Leach, & Andrews, 2017). Solution-Focused Therapy is an effective intervention used to decrease competition anxiety (Bell, Skinner, & Halbrook, 2011). This study sought to discover if Solution-Focused Therapy decreases anxiety levels in team sports athletes compared to individual sports.

Method

The study consisted of college athletes (7 women, 10 men) who volunteered to participate. Anxiety was measured through self-report questionnaires (General Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Sports Anxiety Scale) measured both pre and posttest. Solution-Focused Therapy was administered through 5 hour-long sessions by Masters level clinicians-in-training. The independent variable was sport (team or individual). The dependent variables included level of anxiety, worry, and concentration disruption.

Results

A MANOVA was used to analyze the data. A main effect for time occurred for anxiety scores (p = .006, n2 = .422). A main effect for time was found for worry (p = .027, n2 = .302) and a significant interaction occurred between type of sport and time (p = .044, n2 = .260). Those in individual sports had larger decreases in worry. There were no significant differences in concentration difficulties (p = .770).

Conclusion

Participation in Solution-Focused Therapy decreased anxiety overall for athletes in both team and individual sports. Athletes in individual sports appear to benefit from Solution-Focused Therapy to decrease worry more than those in team sports. Solution-Focused therapy is beneficial for managing anxiety in collegiate athletes.
C-01 An Evaluative Study of a Cognitive Training Program on Cognitive Outcomes in Older Adults with Moderate to Severe Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Dye A , Gehling J , Buchanan J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Because medical interventions for persons with dementia have limited effectiveness, there is a need to evaluate non-pharmacological interventions designed to support individuals with cognitive impairment. Cognitive training is a non-pharmacological approach aimed at improving or maintaining cognitive functioning through practice. The current study evaluated the effects of a cognitive training program in older adults with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

Method

Data were collected from seven females and one male with a mean age of 83.1 who met criteria for moderate to severe cognitive impairment as defined by a Modified Mini-Mental Status Exam score between 49-77 (M = 54.5). Participants were recruited from two organizations that provide housing and supportive services for older adults with cognitive impairments. Cognitive changes were measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status-Update.

Results

Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated to measure the magnitude of change from pre- to post-intervention. Results indicated no change in the domains of immediate memory (d = -0.08) and attention (d = -0.17). A medium effect size was found in delayed memory (d = 0.68), while large effect sizes were found in language (d = 1.70), visuospatial/constructional (d = 0.89), and the total scale index (d = 1.40).

Conclusion

The results provide tentative support for the effectiveness of cognitive training in maintaining or improving some cognitive abilities in older adults with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Further research with larger samples sizes and control groups are necessary to verify these preliminary findings and to determine if benefits generalize to everyday life.
C-07 Global Precedence: Examining Contributing Effects of Age and Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Johnson M , Lai J , Corona M , Lupas G
Published: August 2019

Objective

Global precedence (GP) is an individual’s ability to readily identify global (gestalt) features when both global and local (internal) details are presented. Prior research shows that both age and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, affect GP. The goal of the current study is to examine differences in GP between individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD; before age 65) and healthy controls (HC).

Method

Fourteen EOAD patients and 6 HC’s recruited from Behavioral Neurology at an academic medical center were included in the current analysis. EOAD participants were diagnosed by clinical history, routine labs, neuroimaging, and neurological examination. Exclusion criteria included unstable medical conditions and history of severe head injury, psychotic disorder, or psychoactive substance use. All participants completed a Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) to assess overall cognitive functioning and a 4-item Navon's paradigm task (consisting of a larger letter whose shape is composed of smaller repeats of a different letter) to assess for GP.

Results

Linear regression analysis was performed, with the total score on Navon task as the dependent variable and age, MMSE score, and study group as predictor variables. Analysis yielded significant findings, suggesting a difference in GP performance between the two groups. However, coefficients suggested that while age did not contribute to the between-group difference, MMSE scores significantly accounted for our findings. In fact, when effects of MMSE scores were controlled, the between-group difference was no longer significant.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that individuals with EOAD perform worse on tasks of GP, which may be secondary to overall cognitive decline.
C-11 Neurocognitive Differences in Alzheimer’s Dementia Compared to Healthy Controls on the WAIS-IV
Authors: Burger C , Berger R , Marker C
Published: August 2019

Objective

The present study seeks to identify neurocognitive patterns of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) compared to those with no diagnosis (ND), potentially aiding in the diagnostic process. Previous research found visuospatial differences, but on previous versions of the WAIS.

Method

Participants (n = 580) were referred to a large assessment outpatient clinic with a variety of presenting problems, such as neurological diagnosis, personality functioning, and ADHD assessment. To measure cognitive functioning, participants were administered the WAIS-IV. Participants included individuals diagnosed with AD (n = 43) and those with ND (n = 40).

Results

Subtest scores for those diagnosed with AD were lower than participants with ND. We adjusted the mean level difference using vocabulary (VC). Using regression, variance associated with VC was pulled out, as it is not susceptible to cognitive decline. Both Matrix Reasoning (MR) (r-square = .04; p =.001) and Digit Span (DS) (r-square = .04; p = .001) were significantly different for the two groups even after controlling for VC. Block Design (BD) was not significantly different (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

While previous research indicates patterns of visuospatial difficulties in neurocognitive functioning among those with AD, the current findings suggest impairments in perceptual reasoning and working memory. Previous research also suggests that BD predicts AD. However, the current study indicates MR and DS predicts AD, whereas BD does not. While these results may be due to small sample size, this study did control for intellectual functioning. Additional research involving an extensive test battery is needed to further examine these findings.
C-21 Emotional Predictors of Self-Reported Frontal Behavior Disruption in Older Adults
Authors: Dorenkamp M , Irrgang M , Jacova C , Reohr P , Smith S , Vik P
Published: August 2019

Objective

Behavioral manifestations of executive dysfunction (e.g., apathy) include internal experiences subject to informant misinterpretation. Self-reports of these functions, however, may be influenced by subjective cognitive concerns (SCC). The purpose of this study was to assess emotional distress and SCC as predictors of self-reported frontal behavior disruption.

Method

Twenty-one women and 18 men aged 55 to 83 (M = 66), completed measures of emotional functioning and SCC. The Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) measured frontal behavior concerns, which provided three subscales (Apathy, Disinhibition, Executive Function) and a total score. Emotional functioning was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 7-item (GAD-7), and the Dementia Worry Scale (DWS). SCCs were measured using the Cognitive Function- Short-Form 6a (CFSF).

Results

FrSBe scores were regressed on PHQ-9, GAD-7, CFSF, and DWS. Apathy was predicted by PHQ (B = 1.02, CI: .49 to 1.55, sr2 = .151), CFSF (B = -.42, CI: -.75 to -.10, sr2 = .071), and DWS (B = .14, CI: .02 to .26, sr2 = .052). Disinhibition was predicted by CFSF (B = -.61, CI: -1.06 to -.15, sr2 = .134). Executive dysfunction was predicted by DWS (B = .22, CI: .02 to .41, sr2 = .080). Trends were found for PHQ and CFSF to predict Executive Dysfunction.

Conclusions

Depression, dementia worry, and SCC predicted aspects of perceived frontal behavior disruption, particularly apathy. Subjective cognitive concern predicted perceived apathy ad disinhibition; dementia worry predicted perceived apathy and executive dysfunction. Depression was only predictive of perceived apathy. These findings support the relationship between depression, dementia worry, SCC, and self-reported behavioral disruption emphasizing the importance of emotions and SCC in self-reported behavioral functioning.
C-33 Abnormal MoCA Scores in a Clinic-Referred Sample
Authors: Marceaux J , Bain K , Fullen C
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) performance and frequency of low scores among veterans with primary diagnoses of cognitive disorder, psychiatric disorder, or no disorder.

Method

A clinic-referred sample of veterans (n = 214; Mage = 66.1, SD = 15; Medu = 13.3, SD = 2.7) diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 97), dementia (n = 47), depression (n = 18), PTSD (n = 22), or no cognitive or psychiatric disorder (n = 30) were included. All participants were administered the MoCA as part of a larger battery of tests. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and education, was conducted (Bonferroni correction applied) to compare diagnostic groups on MoCA uncorrected total score.

Results

Across groups, mean MoCA scores were significantly different using ANCOVA, F(4, 207) = 31.5, p < .001. As expected, those with no diagnosis (M = 24.7, SD = 2.1) or psychiatric disorders (PTSD M = 24.4, SD = 4.1; Depression M = 23.9, SD = 3) scored higher than those with cognitive disorder (MCI M = 21.7, SD = 3.1; Dementia M = 17.4, SD = 4.1), p < .001. While both psychiatric groups scored higher than those with dementia (p < .001), the depression group did not significantly differ from those with MCI (p = .11). Examination of scores across all groups revealed a majority of participants scored below the recommended cutoff of < 26. Specifically, 100% of dementia cases, 89.7% of MCI cases, 63.3% of no diagnosis cases, 50% of PTSD cases, and 72.2% of depression cases scored < 26.

Conclusion

Abnormal MoCA scores are common, even in the absence of cognitive impairment. Individuals with PTSD or depression are likely to score below the publisher's recommend cutoff. While this may reflect cognitive symptoms of psychiatric conditions, it may also reflect normative limitations as identified in past studies.
C-35 Clinical Diagnosis of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia with Underlying Primary Age-Related Tauopathy
Authors: Carlew A , Fields L , White C , Evers B , Lacritz L
Published: August 2019

Objective

Primary age-related tauopathy (PART) is a neuropathologic entity characterized by neurofibrillary tangles in medial temporal regions comparable to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but with few or no amyloid plaques. A definitive clinical phenotype for PART has not been determined. Some studies report milder deficits and a longer course compared with AD. In the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database, the most common clinical diagnosis of PART cases classified as dementia is AD, though primary progressive aphasia/behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is also common. We describe 3 patients diagnosed with bvFTD later found to have PART to further describe possible PART phenotypes.

Method

Charts of 3 autopsy-proven PART cases clinically diagnosed as bvFTD by consensus conference were reviewed. All patients (A, B, C) were male and presented with behavioral changes. Only B was APOE4+. Neuroimaging was mostly unremarkable (ventriculomegaly in patient C).

Results

All subjects presented with anosognosia, fatigue, and behavioral changes, 1 (A) with pronounced apathy and 2 (B, C) with disinhibition, impulsivity, and mood swings. Onset was early 70’s for A & C, and 50’s for B. Patients B & C had gradual onset/course (~20 years) with initial subtle executive (EF) dysfunction and intact memory. Patient A had a 6-year course and initial deficits in EF and memory.

Conclusion

This review underscores the varied presentation and clinical course of PART, including presence of early behavioral changes. Slower progression as previously reported was seen in 2 of 3 patients. Future research is warranted to better characterize the entire spectrum of clinical presentations in subjects with PART neuropathology.
C-36 Montreal Cognitive Assessment for Dementia Severity Rating in a Diagnostically Heterogeneous Clinical Cohort
Authors: Stewart P , Swartz J , Tapscott B , Davis B
Published: August 2019

Objective

The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) has enjoyed widespread use as a dementia severity staging instrument (Perneczky et al., 2006). More recently, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Nasreddine, 2005) has been advanced as a potentially superior measure with enhanced sensitivity to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). To the authors’ knowledge, there are no published guidelines for staging dementia severity with the MoCA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the MoCA for dementia severity staging.

Method

Participants (N = 162) were drawn from a diagnostically heterogeneous retrospective sample of referrals to a multidisciplinary memory clinic. Participants were categorized as MCI, mild dementia, or moderate dementia using the Quick Dementia Rating System (QDRS) sum of boxes score. Receiver operating characteristics of the MoCA were calculated using MATLAB and optimal cutpoints were determined using Youden’s Index.

Results

The MoCA demonstrated some utility in differentiating MCI from all severity dementia as defined by the QDRS, with an optimal cutpoint of 17 (AUC = .75). Cut points of 17 and 14 best separated MCI from mild dementia (AUC = .72) and mild from moderate dementia (AUC = .66), respectively. These cutpoints were associated with modest sensitivity (.50 - .53) and reasonable specificity (.76 - .87). Average diagnostic accuracy was 69.5%.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the MoCA has some utility for dementia severity staging. Future work should replicate these findings in other clinical cohorts. The use of the QDRS (an informant report measure) as the severity criterion is a significant limitation of the present study.
C-39 Utility of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam III (Singapore-Chinese Version) for Cognitive Screening and Correlation with Standardized Neuropsychological Tests
Authors: Koay W , Tay S , Ting S , Hameed S
Published: August 2019

Objective

Dementia is a public health priority worldwide. Early screening of cognitive impairment and locating of specific impaired areas are essential for timely intervention and prolonging independence. The commonly-used Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is inadequate. Alternatively, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam III (ACE-III) that assesses five domains (attention, memory, verbal fluency, language and visuospatial abilities) is recommended.

Thus, we aim to examine the utility of Singapore-Chinese version (ACE-III-SG-C) for case finding of cognitive impairment, and its correlation with the respective standardized neuropsychological tests.

Methods

22 participants were referred by neurologists for comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at public healthcare institution. Participants were categorized into three groups (No Cognitive Impairment, NCI: 6; Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI: 9; Dementia: 7). The ACE-III-SG-C and MMSE were administered. ACE-III-SG-C total and individual domain scores were computed.

Results

No significant difference in age and education across three groups. The MMSE scores (F(2,19) = 5.005, p = .018) and ACE-III-SG-C total scores (F(2,19) = 21.296, p < 0.001) were significantly different across three groups. Post hoc comparisons indicated that dementia (p < .001) and MCI (p = 0.046) groups had significantly lower ACE-III-SG-C total scores than NCI group. However, the MMSE scores of the MCI and NCI groups were comparable (p = 0.850). The Modified Boston Naming Test were significantly correlated with ACE-III-SG-C language domain scores (r = .605, p = .003), but not MMSE (r = .400, p = .065).

Conclusions

ACE-III-SG-C demonstrated its usefulness for early screening of MCI and dementia. Its correlation with language test suggested potential detection for disorders with language impairment. Further research is needed to unravel its utility of describing other specific impaired areas.
C-46 Assessing Global Delays in Corpus Callosum Agenesis: Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Andrews G , Eddy K , Gibson A
Published: August 2019

Objective

Corpus callosum agenesis (ACC) is a congenital birth defect in which the corpus callosum fails to fully form (Badaruddin, et al., 2007). The partial or complete absence of a corpus callosum affects specific functioning (Brown, Jeeves, Dietrich, & Burnison, 1999) resulting in behavioral, social, and cognitive difficulties (Badaruddin, et al., 2007). We evaluated the development of infants and toddlers with ACC in cognition, language, and motor functioning.

Methods

Boys (n = 6) and girls (n = 4) ages 3 to 41 months were assessed utilizing the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition, a test designed to assess the developmental functioning in 5 domains: motor, social-emotional, adaptive behavior, cognitive, and language (Bayley, 2006). Volunteers were assessed during ACC conferences.

Results

Cognitive, language and motor index scores were significantly correlated but not age. Moderate to large effect sizes (Cohens d) were found. Girls had lower Cognitive Index scores and were below average; boys mean score was within the average range. Large effect sizes for receptive and expressive language. Boys scored within the low average range; girls below average for receptive language. For expressive language, girls fell in the borderline range, boys were low average. Gross motor was very low compared to age norms. Girls showed deficits in fine motor skill development; boys within the average range.

Conclusions

Global developmental deficits and gender differences occurred for infants and toddlers with ACC. Girls show more delays than boys. Outcomes suggest that delays can be measured well before entering school and supports early intervention services.
C-48 Attachment and SES at Newborn, Two, and Four Months Related to Communication Development at Nine and Twelve Months
Authors: Oard K , Goldstein S , Flores A , Swick C , Reed R , Brooks J , Lukomski A , Huth-Bocks A , Lajiness-O'Neill R
Published: August 2019

Objective

Previous literature linked secure infant attachment to subsequent communication competency (Murray & Yingling, 2000). Less is known about that relationship in families of varying SES. This study explores how attachment and income at newborn, two, and four months correspond with communication development at nine and twelve months.

Methods

Longitudinal (n = 30) and cross-sectional (n = 102) reports from PediaTrac□, a parent-report web-based survey to track development (Lajiness-O’Neill, et al., 2018), were collected at newborn (NB; n = 41), two (2m; n = 38), four (4m; n = 37), nine (9m; n = 38), and twelve months (12m; n = 36). The cross-sectional sample had higher income (p = .01). Attachment was measured using PediaTrac□ and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ; Brockington, Fraser & Wilson, 2006). Communication was measured using PediaTrac□.

Results

A linear regression model predicted communication development at 9m and 12m from attachment and income at NB, 2m, and 4m. PBQ attachment at 2m significantly predicted communication at 9m (b = 0.12, t = 2.28, p = .049). However, income was not significant, and neither attachment nor income at NB, 2m, or 4m predicted communication at 12m.

Conclusions

More secure attachment at two months was related to better communication outcomes at nine months regardless of SES. This finding highlights the importance of parent-infant relationships at two months of age on development, indicating further research on methods to promote secure attachment and positive parent-infant interaction in families of varying SES.
C-50 Influence of Childhood Maltreatment on Decision-Making in Adolescents
Authors: Olsen A , Marr M , De Boer D , Jackson E , Mackiewicz Seghete K
Published: August 2019

Objective

Decision-making requires weighing potential gains and losses. Adolescents who have experienced maltreatment may be more sensitive to potential gains or losses than other adolescents. The aim of these analyses was to examine trajectories of decision-making over time in adolescents based on maltreatment history and severity.

Method

The study included 69 adolescents 13 to 17 years old (M = 14.9). Maltreatment history and severity were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Adolescents also completed a modified Iowa Gambling Task (mIGT). Outcomes of interest were the percentage of advantageous responses and net score (measure of overall performance integrating advantageous and disadvantageous plays) for each of three blocks.

Results

The trajectory of performance across blocks was defined using a conditional linear growth curve model with factor loadings fixed at block 1, block 2, and block 3. Greater maltreatment severity was associated with less increase in net score over time (M = -4.453, p < .001). In contrast, abuse severity (M = 6.675, p = .002) and the presence of neglect (M = 13.058, p = .002) were associated with sharper increases in net score. A regression revealed maltreatment severity, presence of abuse, presence of neglect, and abuse severity significantly predicted the percentage of advantageous plays only during the second block of the mIGT (R2 = .180, p = .030).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that maltreatment history and severity are associated with the trajectory of decision-making over time. It also provides support for the importance of examining performance trajectory and heterogeneity in maltreatment regarding cognitive processing.
C-55 Normal Brain Cells in Abnormal Places: Contributions of Conjoint Neuropsychological, Pediatric, Neurologic, and Psychiatric Assessment in the Diagnosis and Behavioral Management of Pediatric Subependymal Heterotopia
Authors: Lewandowski A , Brown S , Lewandowski C , Jacob J , Tross B
Published: August 2019

Objective

Subependymal heterotopia (SH) is a development brain malformation from abnormal neuronal proliferation and migration resulting in developmental delays and focal childhood epilepsy (Barkovich, 2000). SH results from the interruption of normal gray matter migration beneath the ependyma of the lateral ventricles. Most males are spontaneously aborted, and although there is some genetic uncertainty, affected females are thought to be X-linked (Xq28) recessive (Mitchell, et.al., 2000). SH prevalence in epileptic children with brain dysgenesis is between 13-20% and manifests in motor, visual-spatial, cognitive, and psychological deficits (Data, et.al., 2018).

Method

We present a case study of a seventeen-year-old female who was diagnosed at age eight with ADD and LD by self-report check-lists and achievement tests. Behavioral irregularities and seizure onset lead pediatrics to request neuropsychological testing. Findings revealed cognitive and emotional impairment and consequently further medical evaluation was recommended. Pediatric, neurological, and psychiatric examination, EEG, and MRI confirmed SH along the lateral margin of the right lateral ventricle.

Results

Psychometric testing revealed low average FSIQ, PRI, and PSI, impaired arithmetic operations and problem solving, graphomotor deficits, motor speed and executive/planning difficulties, emotional dysregulation, age-inappropriate interpersonal skills, and social-behavioral regression.

Conclusions

Neuropsychological assessment provided clear evidence of cognitive impairment beyond the initial diagnoses, suggested lateralized dysfunction, and implicated frontal and subcortical behavioral correlates not explained by other dispositional variables. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment provided detailed information toward conjoint treatment planning by pediatrics, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, and teachers. Findings provided meaningful diagnostic clarification of SH and furthered clinical understanding of this adolescent’s social, academic, neuropsychological, and psychiatric needs.
C-56 Predictors of Social Outcomes for Individuals with RASopathies: A Systematic Literature Review with Implications for Assessment, Intervention and Education
Authors: Mission P , Foy A , Pierpont E
Published: August 2019

Objective

This review sought to provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to social functioning outcomes in individuals with these RASopathies (i.e., genetic syndromes caused by disruption to the RAS-MAPK cellular signaling pathway).

Data Selection

A systematic literature search in the PubMed electronic database yielded 462 articles on social functioning in individuals with RASopathies. An additional five articles were identified through hand searches. Two researchers reviewed each article abstract, resulting in 58 full-text articles to be assessed for eligibility. Thirty-one articles met full criteria for inclusion in the review. For inclusion, studies were required to include at least three participants with a common RASopathy and had to examine the relationship between an aspect of social functioning and a factor that might influence social functioning.

Data Synthesis

The 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria were classified based on the predictors studied. Components examined during full review included: the syndrome(s) studied, participants, the aspect of social functioning assessed, the factor(s) studied in relation to social functioning, study measures, and key findings and limitations. Predictor variables were classified into the following categories: cognitive, affective, communicative, medical, and environmental.

Conclusions

Individuals with RASopathies are at higher risk of social functioning deficits. The majority of studies examined social functioning in NF1. Though a number of neuropsychological, medical, and environmental risk factors correlate with social deficits in this population, the majority of research has focused on cognitive and affective predictors. Symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and social processing difficulties had the most evidence as predictors of social outcomes.
A-22 Interference from Alcohol Stimuli Predicts Executive Control Performance in Alcohol Users
Authors: Von Nordheim D , Cortese M , Heaps-Woodruff J
Published: August 2019

Objective

To investigate cognitive impairments associated with binge drinking, 78 college undergraduates (ages 18 to 50, M = 21, SD = 5.23) were recruited and categorized into alcohol use groups based on their reported consumption patterns (non-drinking, social drinking, or binge drinking).

Method

Participants completed a modified Stroop task to examine differential interference between alcohol and neutral targets and an attention network task (ANT) to measure within and between group variance in attentional performance across the alerting, orienting, and executive control networks.

Results

There were no significant performance differences between alcohol use groups on either task. However, a significant negative association between alcohol Stroop interference and executive control performance was observed for both the binge and social drinking groups, β = .033, t(48) = 3.81, p < .001, 95% CI [.016, .051]. This was a moderately large effect (η2p = .23) which was not significant for non-drinking individuals.

Conclusions

This experiment provides evidence that attentional interference from alcohol stimuli indicates broader executive control impairment in alcohol users, further illustrating the role of this domain in problematic drinking behaviors. Our findings affirm the significance of executive control assessment in the screening and treatment protocol for alcohol use disorders.
C-58 Reliable Change Index to Monitor Executive, Adaptive and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Perinatal Complications
Authors: Hill D , Gore C , Lee S
Published: August 2019

Objective

Research demonstrates that children with perinatal complications (i.e., extreme prematurity, hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic injury) are at increased-risk for behavior, executive functioning, and adaptive independence problems in their everyday life. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of monitoring for changes in these domains as these children reach school-age.

Method

The current study reviewed retrospective neuropsychological evaluations for a sample of 8 children (ages 5-10 years) evaluated in an outpatient neurodevelopmental follow-up program for children with perinatal complications. Re-evaluation was completed 1-2 years later. Children with the following standardized parent-report measures were included: Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2,3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF, 2), and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3). A reliable change index was calculated for each child to compare individual change in subscales/indices using gender/age standard error of measurement from test manuals.

Results

BRIEF subscale RCI values (≥ 1.96) indicated that most children showed increased problems with inhibition, shifting, working memory, and planning/organizational (range -13 to 13), whereas most showed improved emotional control (range -12 to 3). BASC indices revealed stability in behavioral and externalizing symptoms (range -3 to 2). ABAS RCI values indicated that children tended to improve across skills (range -19 to 27). Figures and tables will be displayed.

Conclusions

This study highlights the utility of RCI values in monitoring neuropsychological changes during the early school years, as this sample of children showed changes across several developing skills. Early identification of behavioral or adaptive deficits allows providers to make recommendations for clinical management and academic planning.
C-64 The Verbal Shift Social Assessment: Examining Differences in Emotion Recognition, Attention, and Event Prediction Between Children with HFASD, ADHD, and Typically Developing Peers
Authors: Ryan T , Wexler D , Wawrzonek A , Mahdavi S , Westdal J , Fine J
Published: August 2019

Objective

A pilot study of an experimental instrument extending the ‘verbal shift’ hypothesis indicating HFASD bias towards language over nonverbal cues (Grossman, Klin, Carter & Volkmar, 2000). We hypothesized HFASD differentiates from ADHD in social video interpretation in the degree of reliance on semantic content for correct responses.

Method

68 children ages 7-13 were recruited from the community (21 HFASD, 20 ADHD, 27 Control). Children viewed video pairs of social interaction. A “masked” version preserved prosody and visual cues, but not words. An “unmasked” version was naturalistic, with interpretable spoken language. Three questions were asked following each video scene (masked presented first): 1) the emotion of an actor, 2) a question to verify child was attending, 3) prediction about what might happen next. MANCOVA with post-hoc analysis was used to examine the between-group differences on performance as measured by the number of correct responses gained when the videos were unmasked.

Results

There were no group differences in age, gender, and WASI PRI. With WASI VCI controlled, emotion recognition and prediction questions differed significantly between groups (F = 3.907, p = .025, pEta2 = .109; F = 4.725, p = .012, pEta2 = .129), with ASD having the largest unmasked>masked correct gain compared to ADHD (p = .05; p = .029) and controls (p = .009; p = .004) There were no differences between ADHD and controls. The attention question did not differ among groups; focus on the details of the videos was similar in participants regardless of diagnosis.

Conclusions

Results of this pilot study indicate that emotion recognition and event prediction may be useful diagnostic predictors when differentiating HFASD from ADHD using naturalistic video stimuli.
C-70 Neuropsychological Profiles of Patients With SCN8A-Related Epilepsy
Authors: Medlin L , Bello-Espinosa L , Desire N , MacAllister W
Published: August 2019

Objective

Two cases of SCN8A-related epilepsy (a sodium-channelopathy) are presented. SCN8A-related epilepsy with encephalopathy (SCN8A-REE), the most common form, is typically characterized by refractory seizures, developmental delays, and intellectual disability (ID) but recently discovered variants have shown broadly normal cognition. Current cases highlight the heterogeneity seen with differing de-novo pathogenic variants.

Method

Case 1, a 6-year-old right-handed girl, presented with SCN8A-REE and a missense pathogenic variant (c.802A>C), not previously documented. History includes speech and motor delay, with focal motor seizures starting at 4-months. Early EEG showed bilateral centroparietal epileptiform discharges. Case 2, an 8-year-old right-handed girl, presented with SCN8A-related epilepsy with c.5630A>G pathogenic variant with seizure onset at 5-months. Initial EEG showed right occipital spikes.

Results

Case 1 currently shows motor and language delays and prominent motor tics. Testing documented ID with fairly global neuropsychological deficits (i.e., academics, attention/executive functions, memory, visual-spatial skills, fine motor, language). In contrast, Case 2 shows low average intellect and average academics, but evaluation documented attention deficits, fine motor delays, and behavioral issues in addition to tics; she was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette’s.

Conclusion

These cases expand limited knowledge regarding neuropsychological functioning of children with SCN8A-related epilepsy with unique de-novo pathogenic variants. While SCN8A-REE is clearly associated with ID, other pathogenic variants may show better preserved intellect, despite other neuropsychological and behavioral concerns.
A-26 Performance on Design Fluency and Visuoperception Measures is Related to Single and Dual Task Treadmill Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults
Authors: Wadia L , Higginson C , Bifano M , Seymour K , Orr R , DeGoede K , Higginson J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Research suggests a link between gait and cognition. Executive functions have been related to gait speed, however the relation between design fluency and visuoperception and other spatiotemporal gait characteristics that are related to falling is unclear. The objective of the study was to determine whether performance on design fluency and visuoperception tasks is related to spatiotemporal gait parameters during single and dual task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults.

Method

Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age completed cognitive measures of design fluency, visual attention, and visuoperception. They underwent gait analysis while walking on an instrumented treadmill in single task and dual task conditions.

Results

Performance on Spatial Span significantly correlated with single task stride length, r = 0.47, p = 0.043. Performance on Block Design significantly correlated with dual task stride length, r = 0.46, p = 0.049. Performance on Design Fluency significantly correlated with single task stride length variability, r = -0.50, p = 0.030, dual task stride length variability, r = -0.62, p = 0.005, and dual task step width variability, r = -0.56, p = 0.012. Performance on Picture Completion also correlated with dual task step width variability, r = -0.54, p = 0.017.

Conclusions

Design fluency and visuoperception appear related to spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. Worse cognitive performance was related to greater variability in dual task stride length and step width, gait characteristics associated with falling in aging and neurological populations.
A-38 Examining Cognitive Differences of Pre- and Post- Surgery in Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Cernokova I , Bearden D , Gordon A , Ono K
Published: August 2019

Objective

Intractable epilepsy is often associated with cognitive difficulties in the language domain. Few studies examining verbal domains of cognitive functioning indicate a small increase of verbal skills post-surgery. The current study compared Verbal IQ and Performance IQ domains in pediatric populations before and after open resection surgery.

Method

Participants included 31 epilepsy patients (age 5-20 years old; M = 12.23 years pre-surgery; M = 14.72 years post-surgery; 20 males, 11 females) who underwent neuropsychological evaluations prior to and following an open brain resection surgery (i.e., temporal lobectomy, temporal resection, frontal lobectomy). Cognitive ability was assessed by Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) in order to analyze differences between pre-surgical and post-surgical cognitive function, specifically verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning ability.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found, using a One-way ANOVA, between the two groups; however, a downward trend was noted for the Verbal IQ (VIQ) domain, F(1, 25) = 2.624, p = 0.118, including the verbal subtests vocabulary, F(1, 23) = 2.203, p = 0.151, and similarities, F(1, 24) = 1.678, p = 0.207. No differences or trends were noted within the Performance IQ (PIQ) domain, block design, or matrix reasoning.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that participants verbal ability decreased after epilepsy surgery when compared to prior evaluations. This is not consistent with previous research, which stated an increase in verbal abilities following surgical resection. Variable time between surgery and re-evaluation might account for discrepancies. Further, no differences in nonverbal reasoning abilities were noted. Results indicated a need for further research in open brain resection surgeries and the outcome of verbal processing.
A-41 Verbal Fluency and Switching Accuracy Differences in Pediatric Epilepsy Pre- and Post- Surgery
Authors: Gordon A , Cernokova I , Bearden D , Ono K
Published: August 2019

Objective

In patients with epilepsy, research is variable with regard to language difficulties. Previous research generally focuses on phonemic and semantic verbal fluency in pediatric populations post-surgery; however, few studies examine category switching accuracy. This study compared phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, switching accuracy, and the number of switches among pre-surgical and post-surgical groups.

Methods

Participants included 31 epilepsy patients (age 5-20 years old; M = 12.23 years pre-surgery; M = 14.72 years post-surgery; 20 males, 11 females) who underwent neuropsychological evaluations prior to and following open brain resection surgery (i.e., temporal lobectomy, temporal resection, frontal lobectomy). Verbal Fluency was assessed by the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS), measuring phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, switching accuracy, and the number of switches.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between groups on the D-KEFS Verbal Fluency subtest using a one-way ANOVA. Specifically, switching accuracy decreased following surgery, F(1,25) = 6.470, p = 0.02 (M = 104.44 pre-surgery, M = 89.44 post-surgery). Further, a downward trend was noted regarding the number of switches between the two groups, F (1, 26) = 3.172, p = 0.09; however, no differences were found in phonemic, F(1,34) = 0.854, p = 0.63, and categorical, F(1,35) = 0.828, p = 0.37, fluency tasks.

Conclusions

Results from this study revealed a decrease in the participants ability to accurately switch between verbal categories following brain resection surgery. Similarly, a downward trend was noted for number of switches completed pre- and post- surgery. Consistent with previous research, phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks remain unchanged post-surgery. Implications of this study highlight the need to assess executive functioning after surgery as it has an impact on treatment outcome and school planning.
A-44 Categorical Errors on the Benton Visual Retention Test are Systemically Related to Specific Factorial Components of Intelligence
Authors: Gukasyan M , Moses J , Greenman K
Published: August 2019

Objective

We investigated the factorial relationship of the six categories of memory errors of the BVRT to the four factorial variables of the WAIS to determine the relationship between cognitive and nonverbal memory variables.

Methods

A sample of 134 diagnostically mixed ambulatory American Veteran patients with a wide variety of mixed neuropsychiatric diagnoses and with or without general medical problems who had completed the WAIS-3, and the BVRT were examined. There were no demographic or diagnostic exclusion criteria.

Results

The 6 types of BVRT memory errors (omissions, distortions, perseverations, rotations, misplacements, and size errors) were factored using principal component analysis. The four WAIS 3 and six BVRT components were jointly factored to examine for systematic relationships between memory and cognitive domains. The analysis identified specific factorial relationships of BVRT error type to each of the four factorial components of the WAIS. POI was related to rotation errors, VCI was related to size errors, PSI specifically related to omissions and WMI to distortions. Misplacement and perseveration errors were related to each other but not to factorial constructs of the WAIS.

Conclusions

There are specific and robust relationships among BVRT errors and dimensional cognitive variables.
A-45 Systematic Relationships of the Benton Visual Retention Test to Intelligence, Language and Demographics
Authors: Gukasyan M , Moses J
Published: August 2019

Objective

We investigated the factorial relationships of WAIS 3, BVRT, Visual Naming and demographic variables to better understand factorial relationships among those variables.

Methods

A sample of 126 ambulatory American Veteran patients who presented for clinical evaluation with a wide variety of mixed neuropsychiatric diagnoses and general medical diagnoses were studied. There were no demographic or diagnostic exclusion criteria.

Results

Our first analysis demonstrated robust independent relationships of age to a late occurring BVRT item group and education to an early occurring BVRT item group. A two factor solution for the items of the multilingual aphasia exam visual naming subtest from previous research showed systematic and robust relationships of one visual naming factor to VCI and the other visual naming factor to PSI only. Factor scales were computed to represent the orthogonal factors for the new variables in each of these analyses. Factor scales from the first two analyses were factored together to produce a four-part solution that explained 86% of the variance. POI was related to the late BVRT item group and age. The early BVRT item grouping was related to educational level, VCI, PSI and both visual naming components. WMI was independent of demographic, linguistic and BVRT variables.

Conclusions

There are factorial relationships between factorial components of nonverbal memory, intelligence, naming and demographic variables.
A-48 The Role of Processing Speed in Verbal and Nonverbal Learning within a Clinical Sample of Older Adults.
Authors: Hawley N , Brunet H , Miller J
Published: August 2019

Objective

Prior research revealed that processing speed predicts nonverbal learning in healthy older adults (Tam & Schmitter-Edgecombe, 2013). This study aims to examine the role of processing speed in both verbal and nonverbal learning in a clinical sample. We expect that processing speed will lend the most variance to the initial learning trials.

Method

Records from 718 patients were reviewed (mean age = 74). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using Brief Visuospatial Memory Test –Revised (BVMT-R) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test –Revised (HVLT-R) learning trials as outcome variables. Demographics were entered in a first step followed by BVMT-R copy or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Digit Span –longest digit span forward raw score, to account for visuoconstruction or simple auditory attention for nonverbal and verbal learning outcomes respectively. A processing speed composite of sample-standardized raw scores was entered in a final step.

Results

Processing speed accounted for 5.4% of the variance in BVMT-R trial 1, 7.5% of the variance in trial 2, and 8.5% of the variance in trial 3, all p < .001. Processing speed accounted for 6.6% of the variance in HVLT-R trial 1, 11.1% of the variance in trial 2, and 11.5% of the variance in trial 3, all p < .001.

Conclusions

Processing speed significantly predicted all verbal and nonverbal learning trials. Contrary to our hypotheses, processing speed actually had a greater contribution during subsequent learning trials. These findings have implications for evaluating memory performance in patients with syndromes where processing speed is typically affected (e.g., cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease).