bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-187 Lack of Agreement between Reliable Digit Span and Rey-15 Item Test as Validity Indicators for Test of Memory Malingering Performance in Youth Athletes
Authors: Murley Rachel M , Baldini Daniel , Flowers Julius , Hall Aiden , Kiefer Jamie P , Tupou Tarah A , Hirst Rayna B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
In neuropsychological assessments, it is critical to evaluate examinee performance validity. Reliable Digit Span (RDS) and the Rey-15 Item Test (FIT) are performance validity tests (PVTs) used to assess the accuracy of results during neuropsychological assessment (NA; Lichtenstein et al., 2017). While many studies have examined adult populations, few examined children to determine the base rate level of PVT failure even in a healthy population. The present study assessed RDS and FIT as PVTs in youth athletes, with valid performance operationalized by Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) performance.

Method
Youth athletes (n = 109, 79% male, Mage = 11.9) completed a NA including RDS (cutoff &lt;7), TOMM Trial 2 (cutoff &lt;50), and FIT (cutoff &lt;26) during baseline evaluation for sport participation. A stringent TOMM cutoff was used to improve sensitivity (Schroeder et al., 2012). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined whether RDS or FIT performance accurately categorized participants’ validity test performance, based upon TOMM Pass/Fail.

Results
Both RDS and FIT produced minimal accuracy in categorizing participants performance on TOMM; areas under the curve ranged from 0.41 to 0.60 and did not significantly differ from chance (0.50). Additionally, there was a lack of agreement across PVTs, as no participant failed all three PVTs.

Conclusion
RDS and FIT did not adequately predict TOMM performance in healthy youth. These findings illustrate that even in a brief NA, healthy children demonstrated variable performance across validity measures, with low consistency across three commonly used PVTs. Findings highlight the importance of clinical judgment in evaluating discrepant PVT performance in children.
A-189 Survey Findings of Challenges with Teleneuropsychological Assessment and Advice in Mitigating these Challenges
Authors: Fox-Fuller Joshua T , Rizer Sandra , Andersen Stacy L , Sunderaraman Preeti 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) has experienced tremendous uptake during the coronavirus pandemic, and there is a need to document the challenges and practical advice for conducting remote cognitive assessments.

Method
87 respondents (licensed neuropsychologists = 56; others [e.g., trainees] = 31) conducting TeleNP evaluations with adult populations in the United States completed an online survey which was distributed via social media and list-servs in winter 2020–2021. Respondents were asked about their TeleNP experiences, including issues encountered and solutions to TeleNP challenges. Frequency analyses were conducted to examine the proportion of respondents endorsing specific TeleNP challenges. TeleNP advice was thematically coded to identify the most common suggestions to overcome/navigate these challenges.

Results
The most frequently reported TeleNP challenges included: poor internet connectivity (examinee’s home: 82.8%; an unknown source 58.6%); environmental distractions in the examinee’s location (78.2%); poor audio quality (55.2%); examinee’s unfamiliarity with the videoconferencing technology (52.9%); inability to easily conduct visuoconstructional tasks (52.9%) or adapt tests/find TeleNP norms (47.1%); and examinees’ limited access to technology (57.5%) or complete lack of access (35.6%). The most common responses to mitigate these challenges included: providing detailed instructions about the TeleNP visit and examinee expectations in advance; having a clear back-up or assistive plan (e.g., telephone call); and using TeleNP sparingly (e.g., for interview only).

Conclusion
These survey results reflect widely-encountered challenges with remote cognitive assessment and identify priority targets for increasing the feasibility and reliability of TeleNP. Findings can be incorporated into discussion about formalized TeleNP competencies.
A-193 Effects of Sex on Concussion-Related Symptom Reporting in a Diverse Adult Clinical Sample Using the Texas Postconcussion Symptom Inventory
Authors: Meredith-Duliba Tawny , Longoria Anthony , Mokhtari Ben , Hershberger Mary , Champagne Tasha , Hart John , Cullum C Munro , LoBue Christian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Concussion symptoms are non-specific and various symptom inventories are influenced by sex, even in the absence of injury. The Texas Postconcussion Symptom Inventory (TPSI) is a new 66-item concussion-related symptom measure with three empirically-derived indices (Cognitive, Neuropsychiatric, and Somatic). We evaluated if symptom reporting on the TPSI related to sex in a large, mixed clinical sample.

Methods
A diverse clinical sample (N = 319, ages 17–92, M = 48.75), including patients with seizure disorders, dementias, and head injuries, completed the TPSI. Symptom reporting profiles between females (55%) and males (45%) were compared using profile analysis with age as a covariate.

Results
Although females (M = 20.62, 95% CI [18.91, 22.26]) and males (M = 19.14, 95% CI [17.32, 21.04]) endorsed higher scores on the Cognitive index (Possible Range = 0–52), no significant differences on symptom reporting patterns were seen between the groups on the Cognitive (p = 0.24) or Neuropsychiatric (p = 0.56) Indices. However, a significant difference was found on the Somatic index (Possible Range = 0–34), with females (M = 13.06, 95% CI [11.99, 13.94]) reporting higher scores [t(318) = 2.78, p &lt; 0.01, partial η2 = 0.02] than males (M = 10.98, 95% CI [10.01, 12.17]).

Conclusions
In this preliminary study, results indicated sex differences in reporting concussion-associated symptoms on the TPSI across a variety of clinical conditions. Similar to prior studies, females reported more somatic symptoms yet were similar in their reports of Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric symptoms. Because baseline data is rarely available when evaluating concussions in clinical settings, future research aims are to develop normative data stratified by sex and investigate the utility of the TPSI within a concussion cohort.
A-16 MoCA Subtest Analysis: Discriminating between Healthy Controls and MCI
Authors: Ratcliffe Lauren N , McDonald Taylor F , Marker Craig 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a suitable, sensitive, and specific cognitive screener for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Previous research has found markers to discriminate between healthy controls and MCI on MoCA subtest scores. Specifically, MCI performed worse on executive functioning and attention tasks (i.e., inverse digits, serial 7’s, repetition, fluency, abstraction, and word recall). The aim of the present study is to assess for discrimination patterns in MoCA performance between healthy controls and MCI.

Method
Data was collected through the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC). A sample of healthy controls (n = 3776, 65% female, 80% White, 17% Black, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander) and MCI (n = 1143; 51% female, 82% White, 15% Black, 3% Asian/Pacific Islander) were examined.

Results
An initial independent t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in MoCA scores for healthy controls (M = 26.18, SD = 2.78) and MCI (M = 22.01, SD = 3.49; t(4917) = 36.91, p = 0.000, Cohen’s d = 1.32). Additional t-tests were performed to compare MoCA subtest scores and domain scores for diagnostic groups. There was a statistically significant difference for healthy controls and MCI groups across all MoCA subtests and domains. Further examination using normal distribution revealed worse performance on cube copy and word recall in MCI groups.

Conclusions
Consistent with previous findings, word recall was able to discriminate between healthy controls and MCI. However, this study was able to find discrimination in cube copy performance. These findings may guide clinicians to use these interval changes as early cognitive markers for impairment, allowing for early detection and intervention.
A-17 Examining Cognitive Trajectories in SuperAgers within the LonGenity Study
Authors: Villar Daniel , Milman Sofiya , Gao Tina , Barzilai Nir , Weiss Erica F 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Rogalski and colleagues (2013) use the term SuperAgers to indicate individuals aged 80 and older who have exceptional memory with the goal of clarifying factors that impact successful aging. Using a modified definition, we explored cognitive trajectories of SuperAgers within our longitudinal study of the genetic factors associated with exceptional longevity (OPEL) in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

Method
LonGenity Study participants complete annual physical and cognitive assessments which include the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) and WMS-R Logical Memory (LMI). All participants who completed a visit at age 80 were included in the analysis (N = 230; 56.5% female; mean education 17.57 ± 2.74 years; 46.5% OPEL; median follow-up 4 years). Twenty-one participants met modified SuperAger criteria (FCSRT: &gt;38 and LMI: &gt;25; no other cognitive impairment). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and linear mixed effects models of cognitive trajectories were used to examine the differences between SuperAgers and non-SuperAgers.

Results
Although there were no differences in demographics or familial history of exceptional longevity, SuperAgers were less likely to have a history of cardiac problems (p = 0.02). Overall cognitive functioning remained stable with age in the SuperAgers, whereas non-SuperAgers demonstrated declining overall cognition with age (β = −0.029, CI: −0.036—0.022). Memory task performances demonstrated a similar discrepancy in trajectories.

Conclusion(s)
In our unique and high functioning population, SuperAgers as defined at age 80 do not demonstrate the typical cognitive declines thought to be associated with age. Vascular risk factors appear to play a role, but further investigation including exploring genetic markers and MRI is warranted.
A-22 Effect of Dementia Experience on the Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Decline, Illness Perceptions, and Dementia Worry
Authors: Lambertus Taylor D , Suhr Julie A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Dementia worry (DW) is anxious rumination about personal risk for dementia and may be related to subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Personal experience with dementia may affect DW. Another possibly related factor is illness perceptions, or beliefs about illness which can influence health outcomes. We examined whether SCD and illness perceptions, specifically personal and treatment controllability, predicted DW, and whether dementia experience moderated these effects.

Method
Ohioans (≥50 years old) completed an online survey. 60 participants reported no personal dementia experience. 100 participants endorsed having a biological relative with dementia. Illness perceptions were measured with a modified Illness Perception Questionnaire focused on cognitive decline. DW was measured with the Dementia Worry Scale and SCD was measured with the Cognitive Function Questionnaire (CFQ).

Results
In those with no dementia experience, SCD interacted with personal controllability (p = 0.016) and treatment controllability (p = 0.011) to predict DW. SCD and DW were related only in those with high belief that dementia is not personally (p = 0.018) or professionally controllable (0.002). However, in those with dementia experience, there were main effects for SCD (p &lt; 0.001) and treatment controllability (p = 0.006), but no significant interaction.

Conclusions
Dementia experience and illness perceptions (personal and treatment control) are important factors to consider in the relationship of SCD to DW. Results highlight the importance of illness perceptions and personal dementia experience in health seeking behaviors. Future research should investigate level and frequency of experience in relation to illness perceptions, and examine how educational programs about dementia may influence illness perceptions and DW.
A-24 An Evaluation of Anxiety, Depression, and Neuropsychological Performance before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Castle Mary K , Perez ElliottNell , Pugh Mickeal , Peck Edward A 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
High levels of depression and anxiety have been consistently linked to performance on neuropsychological evaluations. In this regard, recent evidence of increased emotional distress due to COVID-19 may exacerbate impairment typically demonstrated on evaluations. The current study examined differences in the severity of depression and anxiety ratings reported before and during COVID-19, and the relationship between mood and cognitive functioning before and during COVID-19.

Method
75 adults seeking neuropsychological assessment services from a private outpatient clinic in January 2020 and 2021 were included in the study. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning were measured using the BDI-II, BAI, RDS, FAS, and Trailmaking test. T-tests were conducted to examine mood and cognitive differences between groups. Correlations were used to assess the relationship between mood and cognitive functioning.

Results
T-tests revealed no significant differences between groups for anxiety, depression, performance validity, verbal fluency, and Trailmaking tests. No significant relationship was observed between reported mood level and cognitive functioning before and during COVID-19. A significant correlation was observed between age and anxiety, which showed that older adults reported less anxiety. All statistical findings will be reported fully in the poster.

Conclusions
No significant change in emotional distress was found between pre- and during COVID-19 groups. The absence of measurable change may also suggest measures commonly employed should be reviewed and possibly modified to better capture the distress experienced by patients during the pandemic.
A-27 A Pediatric Case Study of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Associated with Complete Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum
Authors: Norris Courtney L , Smith Alphonso 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
The corpus callosum is a major white matter pathway of the brain that coordinates the transfer of information between both cerebral hemispheres. Children with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy, and genetic abnormalities.

Method
This case study presents the neuropsychological profile of a 6-year-old girl in the 1st grade who was born with complete ACC and presented with a history of attention problems and behavioral-emotional difficulties.

Results
Neuropsychological testing revealed mild to severe deficits in attention, executive functioning, and self-regulation in the context of average intellectual functioning and broadly average to above-average academic achievement.

Conclusions
School recommendations included establishing a 504 plan and weekly counseling sessions with the school social worker in order to provide accommodations to support the child’s attention difficulties in the academic setting. Recommendations for genetic testing and ongoing monitoring by the patient’s neurologist were suggested given the higher rates of genetic abnormalities and seizures in children with ACC as these conditions can adversely impact neurodevelopmental outcomes. Medication management, as well as private behavior therapy with a parent-training component, were recommended for interventions to address the child’s deficits with attention and behavioral regulation. This case study demonstrates the need for prompt neuropsychological evaluation for children with ACC in order to more efficiently facilitate access to targeted assessments and treatments that can lead to improved outcomes.
A-41 Not Just a “Clumsy” Kid: A Case Study of Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Del Pozzo Jill , Weiss Erica F , Bronshteyn Diana , Masur David M , McGinley John J , Facchini Ronda F 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Developmental Discoordination Disorder (DCD) is an often overlooked and seldom diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition marked by impairments in motor skills. Lacking identifiable medical or neurological etiology, children with DCD often have preserved intellectual abilities. Comorbidity is common, including ADHD and specific learning disability. Despite extensive evidence of significant impact on daily activities and academics due to differences in motor behaviors, DCD difficulties are regularly treated as behavioral problems.

Method
Neuropsychological evaluation of an 8-year-old boy with a possible reading delay and inability to perform some age-appropriate academic and self-care tasks.

Results
Average overall ability with very strong verbal performances; intact visual perceptual processing, memory, and non-written language. Academics are within expected range, although graphomotor weakness impacted academic performances on tasks with written demands. Patient appeared clumsy and awkward with low muscle tone, poor balance, and difficulty learning new motor skills. Impaired fine motor control, handwriting, gait, gross motor skills, motor planning, coordination, and oromotor weakness as well as inferior verbal language abilities were evident. Impulsivity, inattention, poor planning, and poor self-monitoring were also evident.

Conclusions
DCD is evidenced by impairment in fine and gross motor skills, oromotor skills, motor planning, energy, and coordination with clear discrepancy between motor abilities and abilities in other areas, specifically language. In our case, DCD features were overlooked despite wide ranging impact. ADHD and SLD with impairment in written expression were concurrent. This case highlights the need for greater appreciation of DCD so that children can benefit from early detection and intervention considering the life-long implications of the disorder.
A-45 Closing the Gap in the Neuropsychology Pipeline Via Mentorship Focusing on African American Students
Authors: Reyes Anny , McBride Willie F , Anderson Kendra , Montgomery Valencia , Ray Courtney 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
A core mission of the Society for Black Neuropsychology (SBN) is to increase the representation of neuropsychologists, students, and scholars from diverse backgrounds. As such, SBN developed a 12-month mentoring program for trainees at all levels. The SBN Mentorship Program includes four components: mentoring where mentees are paired with a mentor based on interest and needs; professional development webinars; application materials resources; virtual social hours.

Methods
First, a call for mentors and mentees was distributed via SBN’s and related listservs and social media. Second, pairings were based on mentee training level, clinical/research interest, needs (e.g., applying to doctoral programs, cultural competency, securing funding), and additional preferences (e.g., matched on the same racial/ethnic background, sex/gender, geographical location). Surveys will be distributed at 6-months and upon completion of the mentorship program to evaluate pairings, webinars, and overall impact of the program.

Results
A total of 60 mentors from diverse backgrounds and different levels of training enrolled. Thirty-five underrepresented minority (URM) trainees were matched with mentors based on their level of training, interest, and needs. The mentee cohort comprised of undergraduate/post-baccalaureate (30%), masters (5%), and doctoral students (60%), and post-doctoral fellows (5%). The cohort was approximately 77% female and all mentees identified as an URM in academia (URM: 85.7% Black, 14.3% Latinx).

Conclusion
Mentorship programs represent a vital but often overlooked component of trainee success. Mentorship programs sponsored by organizations such as SBN can help increase the number of URM students in neuropsychology and provide the mentorship needed to navigate barriers URM students often encounter in academia.
A-47 The Interplay between Achievement Scores in Math Ability, Visual Working Memory, and Perceptual Reasoning across Race in an Adult Population
Authors: Harrigan D'Shawn L , Kotalik Kayla , Arias Brittny , Golden Charles J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study is to measure the associations between overall math ability, visual working memory, and perceptual reasoning.

Method
Data stemmed from an ongoing de-identified database aof clinical adults. Participants were administered the WAIS-IV, KM-3, and WMS-IV. The sample consisted of Caucasians (N = 671, M_edu = 14,45.7% males & 52.5% females), African Americans (N = 154, M_edu = 13, 43.5% males & 56.5% females), and Hispanic (N = 194, M_edu = 13,44.8% males & 53.6% females). Participant’s age ranged from 16 to 81, with a mean of 31.06.

Results
The analysis corrected for age, education, and gender. The relationship between PR and KM-3 was 0.505 for Caucasians, 0.782 for African Americans, and 0.769 for Hispanics, all p &lt; 0.05. A Fisher Z transformation indicated significance on PR and KM-3 between Caucasians and Hispanics, p &lt; 0.001. The relationship between KM-3 and VWM was 0.408 for Caucasians, 0.828 for African Americans, and 0.591 for Hispanics, all p &lt; 0.05. A Fisher Z transformation indicated significance on KM-3 and VWM between Caucasians and African Americans, p = 0.020. The relationship between KM-3 and VP was 0.349 for Caucasians, 0.584 for African Americans, and.733 for Hispanics, all p &lt; 0.05. A Fisher Z transformation indicated significance on KM-3 and VP between Caucasians and Hispanics, p = 0.04.

Discussion
Closer analysis of performance between race reveals statistically stronger associations between mathematical ability and perceptual/memory tasks that are visuoconstructional in nature for African Americans and Hispanics when compared to Caucasians. The findings of this study may allude to different approach’s African Americans and Hispanics may use (e.g., mental rotation) when solving mathematical computations.
A-53 The Relationship between Age and TMT-A Performance in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Lackey Nicholas S , Nemanim Natasha , Hauson Alexander O , Connors Eric J , Pollard Anna , Flora-Tostado Christopher , Stelmach Nicholas , Sarkissians Sharis , Walker Alyssa , Barlet Brianna 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
A previous meta-analysis utilized the Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) to measure the impact of heart failure (HF) on attention. A near medium effect size with moderate heterogeneity was observed, the HF group performed worse than healthy controls (HC). This study explores if the age of the HF group moderates differences in the performance of individuals with HF versus HC on TMT-A.

Data Selection
Two researchers searched eight databases, extracted data, and calculated effect sizes as part of a larger study. Inclusion criteria were: (a) adults with HF (New York Heart Association severity II or higher), (b) comparison to a HC group, (c) standardized neuropsychological/cognitive testing, and (d) adequate data to calculate effect sizes. Exclusion criteria were: (a) participants had other types of major organ failure, (b) the article was not in English, or (c) there was a risk of sample overlap with another included study. A total of six articles were included in this sub-study (Total HF n = 602 and HC n = 342). The unrestricted maximum likelihood computational model was used for the meta-regression.

Data Synthesis
Studies included in the meta-regression evidenced a statistically significant medium effect size estimate with moderate heterogeneity (k = 6, g = 0.636, p &lt; 0.001, I2 = 56.85%). The meta-regression was statistically significant (slope = −0.0515, p = 0.0016, Qmodel = 9.86, df = 1, p = 0.0016).

Conclusions
Individuals with HF performed worse on the TMT-A than HC. Age accounted for a significant proportion of the observed heterogeneity in the meta-regression. Future research should examine the relationship of age on cognition in individuals with HF.