bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-143 Sorry, I Wasn’t Paying Attention. The Moderating Role of Auditory Attention on the Relationship between Age and Verbal Learning
Authors: Laique Aamir , Khan Humza , Hizel Loren P , Breting Leslie Guidotti , Geary Elizabeth , Sweet Jerry J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Attentional difficulties are known to negatively impact learning (Hervey et al., 2004; Alderson et al., 2013). This study builds upon previous work examining the effect of sustained visual attention as a moderator of age and learning (Thomas et al., 2019) by examining performance on an auditory attention measure as a moderator of the relationship between age and performance on a verbal list-learning task.

Method
Archival data from 424 adults (Mage = 36.01, SD = 15.13) were collected at an outpatient clinic. Auditory attention was assessed via the Brief Test of Attention (BTA) raw score. Learning was assessed via the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II) total T-Score (Trials 1–5).

Results
Results of a hierarchical linear regression indicated a significant effect between BTA and learning, (β = 0.287, F(1, 422) = 17.993, p &lt; 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.078). There was no significant effect between age and learning, (β = 0.022, F(1, 422) = 0.204, p = 0.652, ΔR2 = 0.000). Additional results from a simple moderated regression analysis indicated a significant overall model between age, learning and BTA (F(3, 420) = 15.749, p &lt; 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.1011) with BTA having a significant positive interaction effect on the relation between age and learning (β = 0.816, F(1, 420) = 10.436, p = &lt; 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.022).

Conclusion
Sustained attention has been shown to be an important consideration when assessing verbal learning and memory performance. Present results demonstrate that when accounting for age, auditory attention is a significant positive predictor of performance on measures of verbal learning. Additionally, confirming prior research, performances on auditory attention and verbal learning measures are positively correlated.
A-150 Comparison of a Traditional and a Novel Measure of Executive Functioning in Predicting Daily Task Performance
Authors: Brothers Stacey , Suchy Yana 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Executive functioning (EF) is known to be associated with performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). However, traditional EF assessment takes place in the lab under ideal circumstances, which does not take into account the complexity of daily life, such as the need to interleave tasks. The present study aimed to examine whether a novel ecologically valid measure of EF that requires interleaving of activities, the “Night Out Task” (NOT), better predicted daily at-home IADL performance than a traditional EF measure.

Method
Participants were 49 healthy, community-dwelling older adults aged 60–95 (Mage = 69.35, SD = 6.51, 63.3% female, 100% non-Hispanic White). Participants completed both a traditional (Delis Kaplan Executive Function System; D-KEFS) and a novel measure (Night Out Task; NOT) of EF. Over the course of the next 18 days, they completed IADL tasks at home daily as part of the Daily Assessment of Independent Living and Executive Skills (DAILIES) protocol.

Results
Planning time on the NOT predicted, above and beyond the D-KEFS (p = 0.007, CI = −0.053 to −0.009), whether the DAILIES tasks were completed at all and whether they were completed during a required time frame. NOT accuracy was predictive of how accurately daily tasks were completed, but not above and beyond the D-KEFS (p = 0.131, CI = −0.266 to 1.99).

Conclusions
The NOT is a novel ecologically valid measure of EF that demonstrated incremental utility beyond the D-KEFS. While the NOT and D-KEFS predicted task accuracy, only the NOT planning time predicted whether participants completed a task.
A-151 Cognitive Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Navarro Etiane , Golden Charles J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons. This literature review examines the recurring etiology of cognitive impairments in ALS through empirical literature. The current study explores ALS across different subtypes and potential cognitive impairments. Two classifications are primarily examined ALS, and ALS with frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). Involving three categories: familial inheritance pattern, genetic mutation, or sporadic. Neuropsychological studies affirm cognitive impairments in individuals diagnosed with ALS and ALS-FTD.

Data Selection
Data was culled from the American Psychological Association (PsycInfo), PubMed, Google Scholar. Terms used in this literature review include cognitive impairment in ALS and ALS-FTD, executive function deficiencies in ALS, neuropsychology in ALS, neuropsychological deficits in ALS, neuropsychological assessments for ALS, cognitive impairments in familial ALS, genetic ALS, and sporadic ALS, familial ALS, sporadic ALS, genetic mutations involved in ALS. Search dates December 20–23 of 2020 and March 3–4 of 2021. A total of 40 studies were examined.

Data Synthesis
ALS-patients demonstrate a significant cognitive impairment. However, influencing comorbidities accompanying the disease may be contributing to these impairments. Researchers employed neuroimaging and neuropsychological batteries to further understand influencing factors involved in ALS and cognition.

Conclusions
Researchers now understand ALS as a multi-symptomatic disorder and acknowledge the presence of cognitive impairments at various encased levels. There are limitations in neuropsychological batteries that accommodate for executive dysfunctions observed in ALS patients. Future studies should explore neuropsychological assessments that accommodate for motor deficits and dysarthria when assessing cognitive impairment in ALS patients.
A-16 Impact of Modifiable Mood and Health Factors on Cognitive Functioning among Veterans with History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wisinger Amanda , Stika Monica , Gonzales Christopher , Cladek Andrea , Ellison Rachael , Riordan Patrick , Herrold Amy , Kletzel Sandra , Aaronson Alexandra , Lindsey Andre , Bender-Pape Theresa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Veterans presenting to neuropsychology clinics with subjective cognitive complaints often attribute these complaints to history of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). However, many of these Veterans also have co-occurring mood, sleep, and pain concerns – all of which negatively impact cognition, but are also modifiable. Here, we investigated the relative contributions of demographic factors, behavioral health and mood symptoms, and history of mTBI on neuropsychological test performance.

Method
Across three Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Network Sites, 250 Veterans who deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan conflicts and had not received treatment for concussion in the preceding 30 days were enrolled between 8/1/2010 and 9/30/2011. Separate multiple regression models were used to examine specified predictor variables (estimated pre-injury IQ, demographics, behavioral health ratings, insomnia, alcohol use, pain, positive mTBI history, anxiety, depression, presence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]) and their impact on neuropsychological test performances.

Results
When predicting cognitive functioning, history of mTBI was not a significant predictor in any of the cognitive models. Rather, presence of PTSD was a significant predictor for both immediate (p &lt; 0.001) and delayed (p &lt; 0.001) memory performance on the California Verbal Learning Test – 2nd Edition. Additional analyses found that mood symptoms, insomnia, and pain were also significant predictors of cognitive functioning.

Conclusion
Modifiable factors may play a greater role in objective cognitive abilities (i.e., performance on neuropsychological tests) than mTBI history. These findings inform ongoing efforts to improve patient education regarding the expected recovery course from mTBI and the relationship between mood and health on daily cognitive efficiency.
A-152 Behavioral Correletes of a Short Form Test of Executive Functioning
Authors: Horton Arthur M , Reynolds Cecil R 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
This poster explores behavioral correlates of a recently developed Short-Form Test of Executive Functioning.

Method
Subjects were 23 adults referred by neurologists and psychiatrist for neuropsychological testing to a private practice. All subjects signed informed consent documents. Subjects included 12 males and 11 females, 20 subjects were Caucasians and 3 were African-Americans, 22 were right handed. Diagnoses included Stroke-12, Traumatic Brain Injury-6, Alzheimer’s disease-2, Multiple Sclerosis-1, Parkinson’s disease-1 and Epilepsy-1. All subjects were administered neuropsychological testing including the Short-Form Test of Executive Functioning (SF-TEF) and the AD8 was independently completed by a family member or in one case a family friend. The Sf-TEF is composed of 3 card sorting subtests of the Test of Verbal and Conceptual Fluency (TVCF) but rather than administering 116 cards only 58 are administered and full scales scores prorated to save time. The scales are Number Correct, Perseveration Errors and Number of Categories. The AD8 is a widely used questionnaire assessing behavioral functioning (handling medications and finances). The 3 short form subjects were each correlated with the AD8 scores.

Results
The correlations between the Number Correct, Perseveration Errors and Number of Categories scores and the AD8 scores were − 0.215, −0.225 and − 0.256 which were all non-significant at the P,0.05 level of statistical significance. It might be noted that if the study sample size were significantly increased then statistical significance could have been obtained.

Conclusions
While the results were not statistically significant, further study with a larger sample size might demonstrate better results.
A-156 Reliability of the Oral Trail Making Test in a Teleneuropsychology Testing Environment
Authors: Helphrey Jessica H , Livingstone Julia R , Longoria Anthony J , Conley Michael A , Sawyer Jennifer D , Carlew Anne R , LoBue Christian , Cullum Munro M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Despite the growing interest and literature supporting the validity and reliability of teleneuropsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic, little research exists on the reliability of the Oral Trail Making Test (OTMT) administered via videoconference. Previous work examining telephone administration of OTMT found good reliability across formats for Part B, but not Part A, suggesting further reliability studies on OTMT are needed.

Method
119 healthy aging controls and 84 individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia (M age = 68.37, SD = 9.57; 63% female; M education = 14.08, SD 2.73 years) were administered a brief neuropsychological battery including OTMT in counterbalanced face-to-face (FF) and videoconference (VC) conditions. T-tests and intraclass correlations (ICC’s) were used to compare results between testing conditions across groups.

Results
Among controls, the mean differences (MD) between conditions on OTMT-A (MD = -1.6, SD = 1.96) and B (MD = 1.6, SD = 54.77) were small, but statistically significant for OTMT-A; p &lt; 0.001 but not OTMT-B (p = 0.749). ICC’s reflected good (0.85) and moderate (0.66) agreement on OTMT-A and B, respectively. Within the cognitively impaired group, mean differences across conditions on OTMT-A (MD = 22.74, SD = 155.44) and OTMT-B (MD = 46.87, SD = 240.65) were nonsignificant (p = 0.18 and 0.08, respectively). ICC’s showed moderate agreement on OTMT-A (0.66) and B (0.53).

Conclusions
While similar mean OTMT scores were seen across test conditions, SD’s were large. ICC’s were only moderate, and scores on OTMT-A were even more variable than OTMT-B, similar to previous reports. Results support the utility of using the OTMT in teleneuropsychological assessment, but suggest cautious interpretation of findings given the variability in scores seen.
A-159 Attention and Executive Function Predict Immediate and Delayed Verbal Memory in Healthy Youth: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Thompson Ryan C , Deneen Aubrey L , Markiv Yelena , Hall Aidan , Hirst Rayna B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Previous neuropsychological assessments have sought to understand the interrelatedness of cognitive functions when interpreting neuropsychological test performance (e.g., Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System; DKEFS), given that they rarely function in isolation. Test results may be misinterpreted if not contextualized within individuals’ overall cognitive profiles; therefore, the present study evaluated the impact of attention and executive function (EF) on verbal learning and memory (VLM) in a sample of healthy youth.

Method
Participants (n = 166, M age = 12.0 years, 79.5% male, M FSIQ = 109.6) completed a two-hour neuropsychological battery, including the Wide Range Assessment of Learning and Memory, 2nd Edition List Learning (LL), DKEFS Trail Making Test (TMT), and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition Digit Span (DS) and Letter-Number Sequencing (LNS). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the impact of attention and EF on immediate and delayed VLM.

Results
Latent factors were estimated for attention/EF (DS Forward, DS Backward, LNS, and TMT Condition 4) and VLM (LL Trials 1–4), and the model converged with adequate model fit statistics (RMSEA = 0.064; CFI = 0.975; TLI = 0.963, SRMR = 0.039). Attention and EF predicted performance on both immediate and delayed VLM (ps &lt; 0.001) when accounting for age.

Conclusions
The results demonstrated that attention and EF predicted immediate and delayed VLM in youth, suggesting that participants’ performance on VLM may be impacted by weaknesses in attention and EF. As a result, clinicians are recommended to examine patterns of performances across multiple cognitive domains when interpreting individual test scores. This is especially important in pediatric populations given the developmental changes the brain undergoes during childhood and adolescence.
A-168 Neural Network for the Virtual Environment Grocery Store for Detection of Neurocognitive Impairment among Older Adults
Authors: Persin Michael J , Hardesty Danielle , Lee Diamond C , Tran Nancy , Bayer Cameron , Childers Lucas G , Moore Jenna M , Parsons Thomas D , Barnett Michael D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Virtual reality-based neuropsychological tests offer the ability to capture a variety of data while enabling standardized administration. The purpose of this study was to create an artificial neural network to examine the predictability of the Virtual Environment Grocery Store (VEGS) for neurocognitive impairment among older adults.

Method
Older adults (N = 71; age 55–90, M = 74.38, SD = 8.32; 13 with a neurocognitive diagnosis and 58 without) completed the VEGS as part of a neuropsychological evaluation.

Results
The multilayer perceptron found a model which had a 3.4% error rate. The VEGS sum of the learning trials was the most important predictor of this model (i = 0.45).

Conclusion
Results suggest that the VEGS is sensitive to detecting neurocognitive impairment among older adults, with the sum of the learning trials making a substantial contribution to the model’s accuracy.
A-170 Socioeconomic Status as a Predictor of Fine Motor and Graphomotor Outcomes in Patients with Pediatric Brain Tumor
Authors: Carmona Viannae , Kong Dianne , Whitaker Ashley M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
As the field of neuropsychology strives to provide equitable care among diverse and disadvantaged populations, disparities in treatment and long-term outcomes continue to disproportionately impact individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES). Motor deficits are common following pediatric brain tumor (PBT) diagnoses. However, while the relationship between SES and cognitive outcomes in this population is well documented, the role of SES in predicting more basic motor outcomes is not yet understood. This retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to determine the impact of SES on fine motor and graphomotor outcomes in PBT patients to ensure appropriate interventions and accommodations for those at higher risk.

Method
225 patients with PBT (52.9% male; $ \overset{-}{\textrm{x}} $ age = 12 yrs; SD = 5.3 yrs) underwent neuropsychological evaluation, including assessment of graphomotor speed/coordination, visual-motor integration, and fine motor dexterity. Estimated median household income was used as a proxy for SES ($ \overset{-}{\textrm{x}} $=$71,543; SD = $23,480). Linear regression analyses were used to explore the role of SES in predicting motor outcomes.

Results
Lower SES predicted poorer graphomotor speed, F(1,96) = 5.205, p = 0.013, graphomotor coordination, F(1,60) = 3.890, p = 0.027, visual-motor integration, F(1,88) = 8.116, p = 0.003, and fine motor dexterity, F(1,166) = 3.755, p = 0.027. All analyses were significant even after implementing false discovery rates.

Conclusions
Consistent with lower SES predicting poorer cognitive late effects, SES also plays a role in motor-related outcomes of PBT. Unfortunately, lower SES is also associated with barriers in accessing formal evaluations and services required to mitigate such deficits. Therefore, patients with lower SES should be considered higher risk and receive interventions and accommodations even in the absence of formal assessment to prevent delays in care.
A-171 An Evaluation of Remotely Administered Reaction Time Subtests
Authors: Nunez Christina , McDonald Bailey , Spagna Samantha , Golden Charles 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services attempted to quickly transition to a remote format. A need to incorporate and evaluate a remote delivery of neuropsychological measures arose. TestMyBrain (TMB) from the Many Brains Project has been utilizing teleneuropsychology in research since 2017.

Method
Volunteer research participants (N = 176, Mage = 29, Medu = 15 years, 64.7% white, 54.2% female, 83.2% right-handed) were administered TMB Simple Reaction Time and Choice Reaction Time subtest as part of a larger battery via zoom. Participants were able to choose between completing these measures using a keyboard, mouse, or a touch screen. There were no significant differences among demographic variables across the different completion methods.

Results
An ANCOVA indicated there was not a significant difference in simple reaction time across the different response F(2,168) = 0.482, p = 0.618, ηp2 = 0.006. There was however a significant difference in choice reaction time across the different response methods F(2,168) = 11.486, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.120.

Conclusion
Results suggest different response methods maybe suitable for simpler tasks, yet there lacks consistency in response methods for more complex tasks. This medium effect size may have occurred as a result of the lack of sensitivity for devices to detect taps on different portions of the screen as effectively as various keys on a keyboard. Administrators must be aware of the limitations response methods may introduce into results. Limitation to this analysis include limited samples and not controlling for other factors that may potentially influence reaction time such as internet connection. Future research should focus on creating a standardized method for teleneuropsychology administration.
A-180 Predictors of Performance on the ImPACT Validity Indices at Baseline
Authors: Greenberg Liora , Merritt Victoria , Arnett Peter 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
To circumvent “sandbagging”, the ImPACT, a widely used computerized program in sports-related concussion evaluations, contains five embedded validity indices (VIs). This study aimed to identify variables associated with invalid performance (i.e., scoring beyond the trigger-warning threshold) on at least one VI.

Method
Analysis derived from 1287 college students was conducted utilizing a binary logistic regression. The dependent variable (the five VIs) was dichotomized into “Fail” (n = 71; 76.1% male, 66.2% Caucasian) and “Pass” (n = 1216; 69.8% male, 78.4% Caucasian) groups. Any athlete with invalid performance on one or more VIs was classified into the “Fail” group; athletes with valid performance across all five VIs were classified into the “Pass” group. Independent variables included age, sex, concussion history, depression, estimated FSIQ, learning disability, ADHD, and “post-concussion” symptoms. A SMOTE was applied to balance the dataset and 1000 iterations of the regression were applied.

Results
Significant associations across 1000 iterations of logistic regressions were found: Concussion history (p &lt; 0.05, 992/1000), estimated FSIQ (p &lt; 0.05; 997/1000), and depressive symptomatology (p &lt; 0.05; 1000/1000) were negatively associated with “Fail” group membership. Learning disability (p &lt; 0.05; 1000/1000) and post-concussion symptoms (p &lt; 0.05; 1000/1000) were positively associated with “Fail” group membership. No associations were identified with sex or ADHD and group membership.

Conclusion
Results suggest that those with fewer concussions, lower estimated FSIQ, fewer depressive symptoms, learning disability, and more severe post-concussion symptoms may be more likely to show invalid test performance (or trend toward sandbagging) at baseline. Results have important clinical implications for identifying premorbid characteristics that may be indicative of sandbagging.
A-186 Preliminary Development of an Embedded Measure of Effort on the Memory Module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB)
Authors: Rodriguez Alexandra , Carrillo Alicia , Fasnacht-Hill Lisa , Iwanicki Sierra , Lechuga David 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective
The Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) is an integrated neuropsychological battery for assessing cognitive skills in adults. The current study utilizes performance validity tests (PVTs) to interpret poor effort for scores on the NAB.

Method
Sample consisted of 306 adult civil litigants referred for a neuropsychological evaluation aged 18 to 85 years with a mean age of 43 years. Education ranged from 8 to 20 years with a mean of 14 years of education. Poor effort was denoted by “failing” 2 or more PVTs versus individuals who did not fail any PVTs (“pass”).

Results
Independent-samples t-tests were run to determine if there were differences in NAB Memory Module scores between the “pass” and “fail” groups. Multiple scores on NAB Memory Module yielded statistically significant differences. Scores were then used in subsequent ROC curve analyses to determine appropriate cutoff scores with an intent to maximally balance sensitivity and specificity. ROC curve analyses were favorable (i.e., AUC &gt; 0.70) and yielded cut scores for List Learning A Immediate Recall (≤ 18), List Learning A Short Delayed Recall (≤ 6), List Learning A Long Delayed Recall (≤ 4), Shape Learning Immediate Recognition (≤ 15), Daily Living Memory Immediate Recall (≤ 39), Daily Living Memory Delayed Recall (≤ 11), List Learning A Discriminability (≤ 7), and Name/Address/Phone Delayed Recall (≤ 4) with sensitivity values ranging from 0.70 to 0.78 and specificity values ranging from 0.70 to 0.84.

Conclusion
Results provide preliminary evidence of suggested cutoffs to identify suspected poor effort for various scores in the NAB Memory Module.