bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-14 An Updated Item Response Analysis of the Halstead Category Test
Authors: Goette W , Schmitt A , Nici J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To identify item parameter estimates for the Halstead Category Test (HCT). Previous item response analyses have been conducted on the HCT but without implementing item response theory methods.

Method
Data were collected from a diagnostically heterogenous sample of 211 adults (110 males, 101 females) referred for neuropsychological evaluation. The sample had an average educational attainment of 14.18 years (SD = 3.05 years) and an average age of 59.75 years (SD = 18.28). Responses from items on Subtests III-VII were dichotomously coded (0 = incorrect, 1 = correct). A two-parameter, hierarchical, logistic item response model was fit to the data using code in Stan, which uses an adaptive variant of Hamiltonian Monte Carlo.

Results
The model converged appropriately with posterior estimates of item parameters all demonstrating adequate effective sample sizes (min. = 3485.74) and Rhat (max. = 1.002). The range of posterior difficulty estimates follows: -1.06-2.07 (III), -1.67-1.92 (IV), -3.80-2.62 (V), -2.35-4.38 (VI), and -2.28-1.80 (VII). The range of posterior discrimination estimates follows: 0.20-5.41 (III), 0.35-8.17 (IV), 0.11-4.14 (V), 0.69-5.88 (VI), and 0.53-2.83 (VII).

Conclusions
The HCT demonstrates a wide range of item difficulties with few items being excessively difficult, though some in this range were identified in Subtest VI. Ranges for item discriminations are also wide with some estimates returning high estimates, which may be related to the smaller sample size for a two-parameter model or may be due to less-than-ideal item functioning. These findings support the longstanding sensitivity of the HCT to a variety of neurological conditions and across the severity spectrum.
A-15 Examining the Construct Validity of the Halstead Category Test - Computer Version: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Goette W , Schmitt A , Nici J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine evidence of construct validity for the Halstead Category Test – Computer Version (HCT-CV). Previous factor analyses on the HCT generally found the following structure: a Counting factor comprised of Subtests I and II; a Spatial Reasoning factor of Subtests III, IV, and VII; and a Proportional Reasoning factor of Subtests V and VI.

Method
Data were collected from a diagnostically heterogeneous sample of 105 adults (56 males, 49 females) referred for neuropsychological evaluation who completed the HCT-CV. The sample had an average educational attainment of 14.37 years (SD = 2.98 years) and an average age of 62.30 years (SD = 17.53). The total number of errors made on each of the seven HCT subtests were computed for each participant, and these data were used to complete a regularized confirmatory factor analysis based on the identified factor structure of the HCT.

Results
The confirmatory factor analysis converged normally. The model fitting the HCT factor structure demonstrated excellent overall fit to the HCT-CV data: χ2(11) = 12.20, p = .35; RMSEA = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.11); SRMR = 0.03; CFI = 1.00; TLI = 0.99. Analysis of the residuals and modification indexes further confirmed the excellent model fit.

Conclusions
The HCT-CV demonstrates what appears to be an unchanged factor structure to the HCT. This finding supports the computerized version construct validity as being seemingly unchanged from that of the slide projector version. This model fit may be viewed as promising for the comparability between the original version and the computerized version.
B-71 The Effect of Bilingualism on Verbal and Design Fluency Performance in Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors and Healthy Adults
Authors: Bueno A , Lopez Hernandez W , Litvin P , Knight J , McElwee C , Cervantes R , Rugh-Fraser R , Arzuyan A , Bichlmeier A , Fatoorechi SMangassarian S , Hardy D , Vespa P , Plurad D , Hovda D , Woo E , Fuster J , Budding D , Wright M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacts neurocognitive function. Language is also known to influence test performances. We examined the relationship between TBI and monolingualism/bilingualism on verbal and design fluency tests.

Method
The sample (N = 74) consisted of 33 healthy controls (18 bilingual; 15 monolingual), 15 acute TBI participants (6 bilingual; 9 monolingual), and 26 chronic TBI participants (15 bilingual; 11 monolingual). Acute TBI participants were tested 6 months post-injury and chronic TBI participants were tested 12 months or more post-injury. The Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Letter Fluency (DKEFS-LF), Category Fluency (DKEFS-CF), Category Switching Fluency (DKEFS-CSF), and global verbal fluency composite (DKEFS-GVF) scores assessed verbal fluency; DKEFS fill-dots (DKEFS-FD), empty dots (DFEFS-ED), dot switching (DKEFS-DS), and global design fluency composite (DKEFS-GDF) scores assessed design fluency; and global verbal and non-verbal fluency composite (DKEFS-GF) assessed overall fluency. 3X2 ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate the effect of monolingualism/bilingualism on fluency performance in TBI and controls.

Results
The groups (control and TBI groups) differed for DKEFS-LF, p = .048, ηp² = .09, DKEFS-CF, p = .000, ηp² = .21, DKEFS-GVF, p = .004, ηp² = .15, DKEFS-ED, p = .008, ηp² = .13, DKEFS-GF, p = .001, ηp² = .20, with controls outperforming TBI groups on the DKEFS-CF, DKEFS-GVF, and DKEFS-GF. Furthermore, controls outperformed acute TBI participants on the DKEFS-LF and DKEFS-ED. Main effects were found for bilingualism/monolingualism on DKEFS-CF, p = .035, ηp² = .06, with bilinguals outperforming monolinguals. No interactions were found.

Conclusion
The TBI group had poor verbal and design fluency in contrast controls. Unexpectedly, bilinguals outperformed monolinguals on a task of verbal category fluency. Revealing that in the present study bilinguals have better semantic verbal fluency abilities.
B-73 The Relationship Between Subjective and Objective Disinhibition in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Holiday K , Clark A , Sorg S , Merritt V , Nakhla M , Delano-Wood L , Schiehser D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently report cognitive difficulties, though these are not always supported by objective neuropsychological testing. The current study compared mTBI Veterans with subjective disinhibition to Veteran Controls (VC) on an objective response inhibition task while controlling for depression.

Methods
53 mTBI Veterans and 31 VC with optimal effort completed a go/no-go response inhibition (RI) task and measures of subjective disinhibition (Frontal Systems Executive Behavior scale) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II). ANCOVAs compared RI performances of VC without cognitive complaints to (1) the total sample of mTBI Veterans and (2) to mTBI Veterans with (t-score>60; mTBI+disinhibition; n = 23) and without (t-score < 60; mTBI-disinhibition; n = 30) subjective complaints of disinhibition.

Results
Relative to the VC group, the mTBI Veterans endorsed significantly greater depressive symptoms (p < .001). No significant differences in RI performance were observed when the total mTBI sample was compared to VC. However, in the three group analysis, there was a significant effect of group (p = .002) controlling for depression (p = .396). Post-hoc analyses revealed the mTBI+disinhibition group performed significantly worse than the mTBI-disinhibition (p < .001) and VC (p < .001) groups; no significance differences in RI performance were observed between the mTBI-disinhibition and VC groups (p = .914).

Conclusions
While the larger mTBI group did not differ from VC on RI performance, mTBI Veterans with subjective disinhibition complaints evidenced poorer objective RI. Findings therefore suggest that Veterans with elevated subjective complaints may be at risk for experiencing objective cognitive difficulties. Future research is needed to elucidate the neural underpinnings of these group differences as well as clinical outcomes.
C-02 An Unbiased Biomarker Approach to Neuropsychological, Behavioral, and Psychiatric Symptoms in a Mixed Clinical Sample
Authors: Hawley N , Bennett L , Ritter A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Suspected Non-Alzheimer’s Pathology (SNAPs) are individuals who present with a cognitive syndrome meeting clinical criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but are found to lack underlying AD pathology. Current clinical criteria for AD lack specificity in predicting underlying neurodegenerative pathology. With the advent of amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) the presence of amyloid pathology can now be identified in vivo. Using a biomarker-based approach, we aimed to characterize the neuropsychological, behavioral, and psychiatric profile of SNAPs in contrast to those with AD pathology (APs).

Method
76 individuals (26 amyloid-negative [SNAPs], 50 amyloid- positive [APs]) completed neuropsychological testing and a PET amyloid scan as a part of a longitudinal observational study at the Cleveland Clinic LRCBH. Individuals meeting NIA-A criteria for MCI or mild AD with a Clinical Dementia Rating score of .05 -1 were included. Amyloid status was determined via clinical read of two clinicians trained in reading amyloid scans (neuroradiologist and neuropsychiatrist). Independent samples t tests assessed group differences between SNAPs and APs across cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric measures.

Results
Mini-Mental State Examination scores were equivalent between SNAPs and APs. SNAPs performed significantly better on measures of verbal and nonverbal memory, set-shifting, and semantic fluency, as well as aspects of processing speed and working memory (all p’s < .05). Additionally, SNAPs endorsed more RBD symptoms (p < .05). No significant group differences were observed across neuropsychiatric or functional measures.

Conclusion(s)
Differences in an individual’s neuropsychological, behavioral, and psychiatric profile in consideration with a biomarker approach may provide key insights and afford greater diagnostic clarity.
C-05 Concordance of Functional and Neuropsychological Performance among Hispanics versus White Non- Hispanics
Authors: Chirinos C , Garcia P , Duara R , Loewenstein D , Robayo C , Greig-Custo M , Curiel Cid R , Rosselli M , Rodriguez M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive performance among older adults have been previously identified. This study’s aim was to examine the cognitive performance between diverse Hispanic and White non-Hispanic (WNH) older adults with similar functional performance.

Method
Groups were stratified by Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR) global score, as follows: (1) CDR score = 0 (n = 77; 70.1% female; Mean ± SD age = 70.9± 6.3 yrs; education = 17.4±9.9 yrs; MMSE = 28.95± 1.48); (2) CDR score = 0.5 (n = 179; 58.1% female; age = 74.0± 8.1 yrs; education = 16.0 ± 9.5 yrs; MMSE = 27.50 ± 2.5); (3) CDR Score = 1.0 (n = 41; 61% female; age = 73.7 ± 9.7 yrs; education = 16.7 ± 13.6 yrs; MMSE = 23.2 ± 3.8). A series of One-Way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted comparing Hispanic to WNH, with age and education as covariates.

Results
Among the CDR = 0 group, WNH performed significantly better than Hispanics on Trails-A [F(1,69) = 8.59, p < .01], Trails B [F(1,69)=4.166, p < .05], COWAT [F(1,73)=14.79, p < .001], and Category Fluency [F(1,73)=9.91, p < .01]; findings were not significant for logical memory (p=.157), or HVLT (p=.494) delayed. Among participants with CDR of 0.5, WNH performed significantly better than Hispanics on Trails B [F(1,166)=5.83, p < .05]. Among participants with CDR of 1, there were no significant differences.

Conclusion
Among older adults with similar levels of functioning, Hispanics performed worse on measures of processing speed, executive function, and verbal fluency. Future studies should evaluate the contribution of level of acculturation, social engagement and exercise to differences in cognitive scores among individuals with similar functional performance.
C-15 Serotonergic System Activity and BPSD in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lennon J , Sytsma B , Mohit A , Patel S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system is heavily implicated in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), with substantial bases for ongoing research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This system is directly tied to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This systematic review aims to accomplish the following objectives: 1) introduce noteworthy BPSD found in AD; 2) synthesize research on 5-HT and BPSD in AD; 3) discuss neuropsychological sequelae of serotonergic dysregulation in AD; and, 4) report future research directions.

Data Selection
Data Selection: We conducted a literature search of the Medline, PubMed, psychINFO, and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: Alzheimer’s*, seroton* (serotonin, serotonergic), 5-HT* (5-HTR, 5-HTT*), neuropsychology, behavior*, cogniti*. From the list of studies obtained through this search, we then employed the following inclusion criteria: 1) individuals in study had a formal diagnosis of probable or suspected AD; 2) individuals in study had not previously experienced head trauma, recurrent seizure, or other neurological insult; 3) sample did not include participants with comorbid personality disorders.

Data Synthesis
Findings suggest that serotonin’s receptors (5-HTRs), transporter (5-HTT), metabolite (5-HTP), and transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) are linked to depression, anxiety, hyperactivity/impulsivity, aggression, and apathy in AD. Further, 5-HT and resultant BPSD are implicated in numerous cognitive functions including but not limited to decision-making, visual-spatial deficits, attention and vigilance, episodic memory, global cognitive function.

Conclusions
Substantial evidence exists implicating the serotonergic system in BPSD in AD. By understanding the impact of 5-HT on disease trajectory, neurocognitive functioning, and neuropsychological test performance, clinicians can ensure that appropriate recommendations are made for psychosocial and pharmacological intervention.
C-20 Cardiorespiratory Fitness Predicts Processing Speed Performance in Urban Latin Americans
Authors: Alioto A , Conde K , Salazar-Villanea M , Moncada-Jimenez J , Cahn-Weiner D , Johnson D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
There is evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) protects against age-related declines in processing speed (PS), but studies investigating older adults living in low and middle-income countries are lacking. We used data from the Epidemiology and Development of Alzheimer’s Disease (EDAD) study to investigate the role of CRF on PS in older Costa Rican adults.

Method
306 community dwelling older adults (mean age = 69) were recruited for a study on cognition and physical fitness. We used a regression model to test the association between CRF and a composite measure of PS (Digit Symbol, Trails A, Block Design, and Stroop Color Naming). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with full information maximum likelihood was conducted in a nested multi-step process on subtest scores. We also compared the strength of the relationship between two measures of CRF: Maximal oxygen uptake (V02 peak) and a latent variable comprised of distance achieved during the 6-minute Walk Test and change in heart rate before and after walking (Modified 6-Minute Walk).

Results
Higher CRF was significantly associated with PS, and the association remained significant after controlling for age and sex (B = 0.21; p < .001). The strength of the relationship between two measures of CRF was very high, suggesting equivalence of these indices.

Conclusions
CRF and PS are clinically meaningful therapeutic targets for future prevention trials in Latin America. The modified 6-Minute Walk is an efficient approximation of the gold standard CRF measurement. The cognitive benefits of CRF should be compared to other lifestyle interventions (e.g., diet) to determine the active components of cognitive improvement.
C-28 Raven’s Progressive Matrices: Validation of a Short Form
Authors: Irrgang M , Dorenkamp M , Reohr P , Vik P 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) is a 60-item measure of non-verbal abstract reasoning. The length of the RSPM presents a potential barrier to its use. Consequently, Bilker et al. (2012) identified a 9-item short form (RSPM-SF). The purpose of this study is to (a) provide descriptive statistics for the RSPM-SF from a non-patient sample, and (b) validate the RSPM-SF by exploring correlations with congruent and divergent cognitive measures.

Method
Twenty men and 23 women, aged 55 to 83 (M = 67.79), completed a test battery that included the SPM-SF and global, memory, verbal, and executive measures.

Results
The mean score for the RSPM-SF was 4.40 (median = 4, mode = 4, SD = 1.92). RSPM-SF correlated best with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (r = .548, CI: .297 to .729) and poorest with letter fluency (r = .065, CI: -.456 to .127). Correlations with executive measures ranged from a low of .308 (Tower Test; CI: .019 to .549) to a high of .470 (Trail Making Test Part-B; CI: .197 to .675). The average correlation with executive scores was .412. Average correlation with learning (both verbal and non-verbal) was .435, and with recall was .296.

Conclusions
RSPM historically was viewed as a non-verbal global estimate of cognitive ability. Present findings support using the RSPM-SF as a global measure, as it correlated well with both verbal and nonverbal, and executive and memory tests. Descriptive data suggested that the RSPM-SF items ranged from easy to difficult.
C-38 Telehealth Dementia Management in a Memory Care Unit: Survey Response Rates and Quality of Life
Authors: Pizer J , LaRoche A , Sawyer R , Arredondo B , Mizuki B , Knoop C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

This feasibility study assessed changes in patient, staff, and family member ratings over time in a program using technology in patient care on an inpatient dementia unit in a nursing home.

Method
Dementia patients [N = 17; 50% Female; Age M (SD) = 84.56 (7.12); CDR M (SD) = 2.24 (5.17); MoCA M (SD) = 6.67 (.75)], caregivers (N = 17), and staff (N = 27) at a locked memory unit of a long-term care facility in the southern U.S. consented and enrolled in an individualized care program that implemented telehealth visits between a neuropsychologist and residents with staff. The start and end dates of the group varied due to new admissions and deaths. A feasibility study using a repeated measures design was conducted with monthly data collected from questionnaires (Quality of Life (QoL), Professional Care Team Burden (PCTB) Scale, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory).

Results
QoL in residents as rated by staff was stable over a five-month interval [Baseline M (SD) = 37.94 (7.28); Month-5 M (SD) = 37.13(5.96), p = 0.98]. PCTB and Zarit responses were adequate at baseline (96.3% and 94.4%); however, due to poor response rates at Month 5 (14.3% and 27.2%), comparisons weren’t possible.

Conclusion
Changes in patient quality of life were not found over a five-month period. However, due to the severity and progression of dementia, a neutral finding may be positive. Anecdotally, perceptions of the program were positive. However, due to low survey response rates, we cannot accurately translate the benefits to the staff and family. Future studies should assess improving response rate or alternate forms of data collection. Generalizability is limited by size and setting.
C-43 The Relation Between Executive Functioning and Fluid Reasoning Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Coultis N , Brown A , Heideman E 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5% of school-aged children.4 Fluid reasoning (FR) tasks assess one’s ability to detect underlying conceptual relationships and use reasoning to identify and apply rules to problem solve.4 Previous research has demonstrated that children with ADHD perform more poorly in FR, though the mechanism behind this is unclear.3,4 The literature suggests that FR is reliant on executive functioning skills such as inhibitory control, working memory, and planning.1,4 Therefore, this study examines how performance on FR from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is related to measures of executive functioning (EF) and attention in children with ADHD.

Method
Participants were children aged 8 to 16-years with ADHD (N = 75) referred for neuropsychological testing. Participant demographics: males (N = 50, 65.8%), females (N = 26, 34.2%); African American (5.3%), Asian (1.3%), Caucasian (52.6%), Other (39.5%). Measures included the WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Color Word Identification (CWI) and Tower subtests, omissions/commissions on the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) subscales.

Results
Bivariate correlations showed that the FRI was only significantly positively correlated with CWI Inhibition/Switching Time (r = .246, p = .047). Commission errors on the CPT approached significance (r = .217, p = .145).

Conclusion
The WISC-V FRI may be vulnerable to weaknesses in EF or behavioral control in children with ADHD and should be interpreted in that context. Findings suggest the FRI may be particularly impacted by weaknesses in inhibitory control.
C-57 Prematurity and Perinatal Insult: Examining the relationships between parent and teacher ratings of executive functioning and academic readiness
Authors: Gore C , Hill D , Lee S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Extremely preterm children and those with a history of perinatal insult (e.g., hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic injury) show higher rates of cognitive and academic problems, including executive functioning (EF). EF becomes increasingly important in elementary school as curriculum demands increase. The current study examines the relationship between parent- and teacher-reported EF and early academic performance in this population at school-age.

Method
This study reviewed retrospective neuropsychological evaluations in a sample of 135 patients (ages 3:9-10:5 years, M = 5.8) from an outpatient neurodevelopmental follow-up program for children with perinatal complication. Parent and teacher measures included: Behavior Assessment Scale for Children (BASC-2, 3) and Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF, P, 2). Standardized child measures included: Bracken School Readiness (BBCS-III), and subtests from Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III) and Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP-2).

Results
BRIEF parent ratings of working memory (p = 0.34) and emotional control (p = .025) were negatively correlated with school readiness. BRIEF teacher inhibition and working memory ratings were negatively correlated with math performance (p = .004 to p = .044), as well as rapid naming (p = .002 to p = .047) and school readiness (p = .048). BRIEF teacher ratings of planning/organization (p = .027), shifting (p = .024), and emotional control (p = .010) were negatively correlated with pre-reading measures. A 95% confidence interval was used.

Conclusions
Parent and teacher ratings of EF were significantly correlated with measures of academic readiness, early math skill, and pre-reading measures in this sample of children with a history of perinatal complications. Caregiver ratings can be useful in identifying children at-risk for academic problems upon school entry and requiring further neuropsychological evaluation.