bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-024 The Relationship Between Levels of Insight and Memory Performance in Patients with Dementia
Authors: C Cohen , L Guidotti Breting , K Klipfel , E Geary , J Sweet 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Impaired awareness of cognitive and functional decline is common in dementia syndromes. Insight into cognitive changes is often assessed during a clinical interview, questioning of independent activities of daily living, or via self-report measures of functional abilities. Few studies have examined patient insight in a neuropsychological test performance. The current study investigated the relationship between memory performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale Fourth Edition(WMS-IV) and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised(HVLT-R) with level of insight in patients with dementia. Insight was determined from the clinician-based insight rating item on the Behavioral Dyscontrol Scale-II(BDS-II).

Method
Patients with dementia (ages 50–91) from an outpatient clinic referred for memory testing were divided into groups based on their BDS-II insight score: intact(n = 52), moderate(n = 30), and none/poor(n = 29). One-way ANOVA and post hoc analyses examined the insight differences for immediate recall(IR) and delayed recall(DR) trials on the WMS-IV Visual Reproduction(VRI/II) and Logical Memory(LMI/II) subtests and the HVLT-R. No group differences were found for age or education.

Results
Analyses revealed significant group differences on the HVLT-R IR [F(2,96) = 5.33,p &lt; .01] and VRI [F(2,100) = 4.88,p &lt; .01], with no significant differences for LM. Post hoc analyses demonstrated poorer performance in the none/poor insight group compared to the moderate (HVLT:p &lt; .05,Cohen’s(d) = .95;VR:p &lt; .05,d = .67) and intact insight groups (HVLT:p &lt; .05,d = .75;VR:p &lt; .05,d = .71). Performance between moderate and intact groups did not differ. There were no significant group effects in the three DR measures.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that patients with poor insight performed worse on IR measures. The presence of poor insight, in the context of impaired IR performances, may assist in recommendations regarding future functional supports.
A-029 The Clinical Utility of the Trail Making Test- Part B Efficiency Score in a Memory Disorder Clinic
Authors: K Grueninger , M Yousif , A Denny , R Sohoni , F Webbe , A Logalbo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Trail Making Test—Part B (TMTB) is a common neuropsychological instrument measuring aspects of executive functioning such as set shifting and cognitive flexibility. Typically, TMTB is discontinued if not completed within 300 seconds, limiting variability in interpretation for individuals who discontinue. This study aims to alleviate this limitation by examining whether a TMT-B Efficiency (TMT-Be) score can provide useful clinical information in a memory disorder clinic population.

Methods
TMTB was administered to 167 patients (101 females, 66 males) as part of a neuropsychological evaluation. Diagnostic groups included: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD; N = 83), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI; N = 58), and Normal Cognition (N = 26). Ages ranged from 65–94. Participants completed TMTB according to standardized instructions. TMT-Be scores accounted for time, number of errors, and number of incomplete moves.

Results
TMT-Be scores differed significantly across diagnostic groups (ANOVA, F (2, 164) = 44.81, p &lt; .001). Post-hoc tests using the Bonferroni correction revealed TMT-Be scores in the AD group (M = 17.48, SD = 9.23) were significantly higher than scores of the MCI group (M = 7.91, SD = 5.68) and WNL group (M = 4.65, SD = 1.67). Significant correlations between TMT-Be score and other neuropsychological measures were also found and will be presented and discussed.

Conclusion
Results support clinical utility of TMT-Be scores for diagnostic purposes, such as differential diagnosis of normal cognition, MCI, and AD. Further research with a larger number of participants and other populations may lend further support to the clinical utility of the TMT-Be scoring method.
A-030 Sensitivity and Specificity of Measures for Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: A Duarte , J Alcina , M Rodriguez 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The present review aimed to examine sensitivity and specificity across neuropsychological tests for Dementia with Lewy Body (DLB), to enhance diagnostic utility. A systematic search of the literature was conducted. Databases used: PsycInfo, Discovery Service for Carlos Albizu University-Miami, PsycARTICLES. Data selection criteria entailed articles from 2010–2020. Search terms included: Dementia with Lewy body, sensitivity, specificity, neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological testing. Original search yielded 27 results, from those, only 8 articles contained sensitivity and specificity regarding DLB. The target population of review were older adults 65 and older. The assessment measures analyzed were the BSID, HVLT, MMSE QSPT, SAI, MMSE, and ICS, and others. Findings of eight studies were evaluated regarding sensitivity and specificity across neuropsychological assessments for DLB. Among the most specific and sensitive measures were the Alba Screening Instrument (ASI; sensitivity 90.7%, specificity 93.6%), and a combination of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) percent retention, Block Design, Trail Making Test--Part A, and Benton Visual Form Discrimination (specificity 96.1% and sensitivity 88.6%). Lower specificity and sensitivity were found in Illusory contour (ICs-4; specificity and sensitivity of 37.1% and 88.6%) and the Minimental State Examination-Pentagon Test (MMSE-QSPT; specificity 78.67% and sensitivity 70.29%). Other tests and combinations were explored. Specificity ranged from 76% to 96.1%, while sensitivity ranged from 37.1% to 90.7% throughout the neuropsychological tests examined. One major limitation across the studies constituted lack of pathological, post-mortem, confirmation. Additionally, while the use of cutoff scores across assessments appeared to enhance the sensitivity and specificity, it seemed to compromise the diagnostic accuracy of AD.
A-038 Aggressive Behaviors in Dementia
Authors: N Kaplan , J Caldwell 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The present study investigated neural correlates of caregiver-reported aggression/agitation in older adults with memory complaints. We hypothesized that individuals rated as more aggressive/agitated would exhibit poorer executive and daily skills functioning, and show reduced volumes in brain structures implicated in aggressive behavior.

Methods
We examined 1207 patients (mean age = 66.91; 587 women) who completed neuropsychological evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health due to memory complaints. A subset of 252 also had brain MRI scans within six months of neuropsychological testing. Mann–Whitney and Chi Square tests examined association of caregiver-reported agitation/aggression on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) with daily skills functioning (Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire), executive function (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Color-Word Inhibition (CWI), Color-Word Inhibition/Switching (CWIS), Category Switching (CS), and Trail Making Test Part IV (TMT4)), and volume or thickness of brain regions associated with developmental presentations of aggressive behavior, including the hippocampus (HC), amygdala, lateral and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), frontal poles, and insula.

Results
Greater caregiver-reported agitation/aggression was associated with poorer multitasking (TMT4: z = −2.222, p = 0.026; CS: z = −3.014, p = 0.003), inhibition (CWI: z = −4.211, p &lt; 0.001), and inhibition with embedded multitasking (CWIS: z = −2.898, p = 0.004). More caregiver-reported agitation/aggression also related to poorer daily skills functioning (X2(N = 1207,1) = 96.454, p &lt; 0.001) and thinner bilateral medial OFC (Left: z = −2.040, p = 0.041; Right: z = −2.246, p = 0.025), right frontal pole (z = −2.993, p = 0.003), and right insula (z = −2.185, p = 0.029).

Conclusions
Present findings show similarities between cognitive and neural correlates of caregiver-reported agitated/aggressive behavior in individuals with memory concerns and individuals with developmental aggressive behavior.
A-039 Adherence and Executive Functioning in an Elderly Population with Type 2 Diabetes in México
Authors: C Ibarra , A Giudicessi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Diabetes is a prevalent chronic illness that can impact Executive Functioning (EF). Adherence to treatment is an important aspect in diabetes management however little published research addresses the relationship between adherence and EF in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The objectives of this study are: compare the levels of adherence and EF between T2DM and a control group. Analyze the relationship between adherence and EF in individuals with T2DM.

Method
The present study included 10 participants with T2DM and 10 control participants with Hypertension (HTN) all between the ages of 61–76. Participants were recruited through “Casa del Abue” a public center offering medical/social services to geriatric populations in Puebla, México. Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes was administered to all participants, along with adherence measures specific to diagnosis: Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities or Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects. Informed consent was obtained prior to participation.

Results
Results show significant differences in adherence between T2DM and HTN U = 1.0 p = &lt; 0.001 and also between groups in EF measures related to medial Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) U = 21.0 p = &lt; 0.05. The relationship between adherence and EF in T2DM participants was moderately correlated r(10) = 0.32, p = 0.36. Descriptive statistics found in Table 1.

Conclusion
T2DM participants demonstrate significantly lower adherence levels and deficits in EF compared to the control group as expected. Given only a moderate correlation between adherence and EF was found, further research including a larger sample and more precise adherence measures such as HbA1c is suggested to further understand this relationship.
A-046 The Need to Regulate Affect and Behavior Before Prescribing Stimulants
Authors: K M Chustz , C Capps , D G Nemeth 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
The 3q29 Deletion Syndrome, first described in 2005, is a rare chromosomal disorder which results in a wide array of symptoms. Affected individuals present with complex neuropsychiatric profiles. The associated phenotype for this syndrome may include developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, attentional deficits, behavioral disturbances, and social and emotional issues. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing autism or schizophrenia. This case study describes the neuropsychological profiles of two fraternal twin girls, age 7, only one of whom was diagnosed with 3q29 Deletion Syndrome.

Methods
Both girls received comprehensive neuropsychoeducational evaluations to compare and contrast the following dimensions: Neurocognitive, Intellectual, Educational, Attentional, School Behavioral, Affective, and Personality Functioning.

Results
Twin 1, positive for 3q29 Deletion Syndrome, exhibits significant affective, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties secondary to her chromosomal disorder, which included learning disabled and oppositional presentations and emotional dyscontrol. Twin 2 exhibited superior intellectual and social functioning.

Conclusions
This study contributes to the understanding of the clinical presentation of 3q29 Deletion Syndrome by examining the relationship between fraternal twin sisters. Findings are consistent with earlier reports of the chromosomal disorder’s phenotype, yielding neurocognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Though the twins have widely different neuropsychological profiles, they have a close relationship. Twin 2, who models excellent prosocial behaviors, will be an asset to Twin 1 in all spheres. Ongoing efforts to improve Twin 1’s neuropsychological, social/emotional, and behavioral functioning will be facilitated via both psychological and psychopharmacological interventions.
A-047 Examining the relationship between Learning Diagnoses and Social Skills Deficit subscales within the Personality Inventory for Children, Second Edition
Authors: B Trinidad , L Stebbins , C Golden 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
The present study examined the relationship between the Social Skills Deficit (SSD) subscales obtained on the Personality Inventory for Children, second edition (PIC-2), and diagnoses of three major Learning Disorders (LD) of Math, Reading, and Writing.

Method
Participants in the present study consisted of 523 children from a mixed clinical sample who were between the ages of 3 to 17 years (M = 9.897, SD = 3.130). Participants were referred to a south Florida neuropsychology community assessment center and completed a full neuropsychological battery. Males composed 64% of the sample. Measures included SSD subscales, limited peer status and conflict with peers, within the PIC-2.

Results
To evaluate the relationship between scores on SSD subscales from the PIC-2 on three LD diagnoses, a Pearson Correlation with 2-tailed significance was used. Limited peer status was significantly correlated with a LD of Reading (r = −.160, p = .001) and Writing (r = −.160, p = .001). Additionally, conflict with peers was significant correlated with a LD of Reading (r = −.139, p = .001) and Writing (r = −.125, p = .004). There were no SSD subscales that were significantly correlated with a diagnosis of LD of Math.

Conclusion
From these results, the SSD subscale had the strongest correlation with diagnosis of a LD of Reading followed by LD of Writing. This study explicates the issue of reduced language-based skills and its impact on social skills. Due to the association between reading and writing and social skills, academic intervention should also include social skills training to increased peer interactions and reduce peer conflict.
A-048 Semantic, Not Phonetic, Working Memory Performance Predicts Variation in Reading Comprehension in a Mixed Sample
Authors: L Bandel , H Travis-Judd , J Schlak , M Kibby 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Reading comprehension (RC) is the result of a combination of interrelated abilities including decoding, linguistic processing, and higher-order cognitive functions such as working memory (WM). Problems with RC are associated with deficits in verbal WM, especially on tasks involving semantic processing. Hence, this study’s aim was to determine which is the better predictor of RC when controlling for basic reading ability: semantic or phonetic WM. Semantic WM was hypothesized to be the better predictor.

Methods
Participants included 258 children (aged 8-13 years) with ADHD, reading disability (RD), or comorbid ADHD/RD, and typically developing controls (53.6% Male, 87.8% Caucasian). Participants completed a neuropsychological battery as part of a larger, grant-funded study (R03HD048752, R15HD065627), including the WJ-III Letter-Word Identification and Passage Comprehension subtests that were utilized to assess basic reading and RC, respectively. Participants also completed the Rhyming Words and Semantic Association subtests of the Swanson-Cognitive Processing Test, which measure phonetic WM and semantic WM, respectively.

Results
Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that worse performance on the semantic WM task was associated with poorer RC (Beta = 0.15; p &lt; 0.001) above and beyond basic reading (R2 change = 0.02, p &lt; .001). Phonetic WM was not related to RC when decoding was controlled despite the zero-order correlation being significant (p &lt; .001), showing much of phonetic WM’s relationship to RC may be due to basic reading requiring this skill.

Conclusion
Findings suggest differences in RC may be related to semantic WM functioning in children with and without RD, but not phonetic WM, when basic reading is controlled. Replication with a longitudinal design is warranted.
A-05 Dyadic Influence on Levels of Depression in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: K Conniff , R Gomez 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Two people who are significantly linked, such as in a husband and wife relationship, are known as a dyad. Dyadic units are helpful to look at as members influence the function of one another. This study looks at families where one member is the caregiver and the other has Alzheimer’s disease and receives care (labeled here as Alzheimer’s disease care recipient or CR). Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include cognitive and functional impairment, social withdrawal, impaired judgment, and mood changes. Notably, there is little research examining how Alzheimer’s dyads influence one another’s level of depression. This study examines how the influence of cognitive and psychosocial variables from the dyad impact depression severity in CRs.

Method
Archival data of 670 Alzheimer’s disease community-dwelling care recipients from several major cities throughout the United States from the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health II (REACH II) study was analyzed. The measures included: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (RMBPL), Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Caregiver Burden, Social Support, and Positive Aspects of Caregiving.

Results
A multiple regression found that caregiver burden (β = 0.34, p &lt; .001), IADL (β = 0.14, p &lt; .001), and positive aspects of caregiving (β = 0.10, p = .02) significantly predicted CR depression ratings.

Conclusion
Increased positive aspects of caregiving, caregiver burden, and higher levels of CR functional decline were associated with significantly increased levels of depression in CRs. Increased CR depression could correspond with higher levels of awareness during earlier stages of the disease process regarding their impairment and impact on their caregiver.
A-059 Gender-Related Behavioral Differences in Children with Partial or Complete Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: Exploring Attention, Rule Breaking, and Aggressive Behaviors
Authors: N Rich-Wimmer , R Tanios , Y Qu , G Andrews 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Gender-related connectivity differences result from variability in structure of the corpus callosum in children 8 years and up (Ingalhalikar et al., 2014). However, children with complete or partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) exhibit structural differences that disrupt the connectivity of cerebral hemispheres, causing behavioral challenges (Young et al., 2019). We explored the relationship of behavioral differences across genders, partial and complete ACC diagnoses, and age.

Method
Initial data included the completed Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) provided by care-providers (ages 2 to 17) diagnosed with ACC. Follow-up data was obtained four-years later from the original sample (n = 29), which included 20 males (12 complete, 8 partial) and 9 females (5 complete, 4 partial).

Results
A repeated measures MANOVA was conducted with attention problems, rule-breaking, and aggressive behavior for gender, age, and diagnosis (i.e., partial or complete ACC). A significant interaction diagnosis by gender interaction over time was found for each dependent variable.

Conclusion
Results indicate females with partial ACC exhibit worsening attention problems with age, while males with partial ACC decrease over time. Complex social interactions among females pose greater challenges due to difficulties integrating information between cerebral hemispheres. Additionally, females are at higher risk of developing internalizing problems (Eaton et al., 2012) when navigating social interactions. Nevertheless, females with partial ACC exhibited significant reductions in aggressive behaviors over time. This perhaps resulted from lower social tolerance of aggressiveness in females, as well as expectations of compliance and obedience. Consequently, mood-related difficulties decrease executive functioning skills, specifically attention and concentration (APA, 2013).
A-06 MRI and Neuropsychological Change During Conversion from Normal/MCI to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: J Paredes , T Prince , A Simpson , M Daniel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
Analyze neurocognitive and structural brain changes associated with conversion from normal cognition/MCI to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Method
Thirty-two participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center included 22 women; mean (SD): age = 77.06 (8.1); education = 14.59 (3.5). All had either normal cognition or MCI at first visit when MRI was obtained and were diagnosed with AD at follow-up MRI; mean time between MRI’s = 4.1 years. Imaging of Dementia & Aging lab performed calculations for MRI structural change using Linux-based software. Participants took neuropsychological tests within three months of each MRI visit.

Results
MRI structural degeneration occurred in: left (d = .46) and right (d = .47) entorhinal cortical thickness; left (d = .82) and right (d = .95) hippocampal volume; left (d = .74) and right (d = .43) middle temporal gray matter volume; left parahippocampal cortical thickness (d = .55); total white matter volume (d = .55); total brain volume (d = .78); and total CSF volume (d = 1.14). Significant neuropsychological decline included Animal fluency (d = 1.02), Vegetable fluency (d = .69), Digit Symbol (d = .53), Trails B (d = .42), and Digit Span Backward (d = .56). There was not a significant change in Logical Memory.

Conclusions
Participants who converted from normal cognition/MCI to AD showed MRI degeneration in medial temporal structures as well as generalized atrophy and white matter loss. These structural changes accompanied a significant decline in semantic verbal fluency, working memory, and processing speed. There was not a significant change in verbal memory.
A-065 Weakness in Holistic Processing in Preschool Children is a Risk for SLI
Authors: S Kiselev 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Children with specific language impairment (SLI) have difficulties with producing and understanding language. It is important to search for the risk factors for this deficit in children. The goal of this research was to examine the hypothesis that children at the age of 5 with weakness in holistic processing have a risk for emerging deficit in grammar understanding at the age of 7.

Methods
98 children at the age of 5 were assessed with the Rey-Osterieth Complex Figure Test to reveal children with weakness in holistic processing. It was proposed that part-oriented strategy in copying Complex Figure is related to weakness in holistic processing (Luria, 1973). We have revealed 19 children with weakness in holistic processing. These children were included in the experimental group. The control group included 19 children with typical level of holistic processing. Children from experimental and control group were matched for IQ and gender. Children at the age of 7 from both groups were assessed by Grammar Understanding Test from Luria’s neuropsychological assessment technique.

Results
One-way ANOVA has revealed significant differences [p ≤ 0,05] between groups for scores in Grammar Understanding Test. Children from the experimental group showed a lower level of grammar understanding.

Conclusion
This research has shown that weakness in holistic processing can predict the delay in development of grammar understanding in children. The received results shed light into underlying nature of SLI. It can be assumed that weakness in holistic processing is one of the risk factors for emerging deficit in grammar understanding in children.