bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-10 Interaction of ApoE4 and Gender in Neuropsychiatric Presentation in Probable Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Alexander C , Suhr J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Individuals with probable Alzheimer’s disease (pAD) often have neuropsychiatric symptoms; however, the relationship of these symptoms and ApoE4 status is unclear. Recent research suggests gender moderates the relationship of ApoE4 to AD. We examined how ApoE4 genetic status and gender predict neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with pAD.

Method
Data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Centers (NACC) was utilized in the present study. We included only individuals diagnosed with pAD with collaterals who were judged reliable by clinical NACC staff and who saw the participant at least three times per week. The selected sample (N = 6943) was 52% male; 85.6% White, 10.2% African American; and 7.5% Hispanic. Average age was 73 years. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire, completed by the participant’s collateral, was used to assess symptoms. Analyses controlled for age and cognitive impairment as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Results
The presence of at least one ApoE4 allele predicted higher severity of delusions, p = .04. Males had higher severity of agitation, apathy, and irritability; females had higher delusions, depression, and anxiety, all p’s < .05. Gender moderated the relationship of ApoE4 with disinhibition, night disturbances, and appetite, all p’s < .05. In all three cases, for males, scores were higher for non-carriers than for ApoE4 carriers; however, for females, differences did not exist between carriers and non-carriers.

Conclusions
Differences between ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers as well as between genders are demonstrated, and evidence supports the hypothesis that gender and ApoE4 status interact to predict some pAD neuropsychiatric symptomatology.
C-12 Race and Sex Differences in Cognitive and Neurobiological Markers of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: O'Hara J , Norton D , Koscik R , Lambrou N , Wyman M , Johnson A , Bouges S , Zuelsdorff M , Flowers-Benton S , Jonaitis ECarlsson C , Johnson S , Asthana S , Gleason C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Intra-Individual Cognitive Variability (IICV) previously demonstrated predictive power similar to AD biomarkers (i.e., CSF and hippocampal volume (HV) loss). Previous work suggested sex differences in relative HV and IICV. Additionally, IICV differs in whites and underrepresented racial groups (URG). Our objective was to analyze these sex differences in white and URG participants.

Method
Baseline neurocognitive test and neuroimaging data from 335 cognitively healthy participants with ≥2 visits enrolled in the Wisconsin ADRC Clinical Core were included. Z-scores were calculated comparing individual performance to group performance by test (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Learning and Delayed Recall), Trail Making Test (A and B), and either Boston Naming Test (BNT) or Multilingual Naming Test (MINT)). MINT scores were converted to BNT scores using the NACC Crosswalk Study. The standard deviation of z-scores across tests was calculated to determine IICV. Characteristics by race and sex were compared using Mann-Whitney, Fisher’s Exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Spearman’s Rho was calculated to compare baseline IICV and relative HV.

Results
At baseline (Table 1), differences across racial groups in age, years of education, relative HV, and IICV were identified. Sex and racial group differences were identified (Table 2). A weak positive correlation between HV and IICV was seen in white females (Figure 1).

Conclusions
IICV has potential to become a cost-effective, non-invasive marker of preclinical AD. Again, correlation between HV and IICV was seen, but only in white females. Analyses suggest group differences between white and URG males and females. However, more data is needed to further explore these differences.
C-13 Sex Differences in Cognitive and Neurobiological Markers of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: O'Hara J , Norton D , Koscik R , Lambrou N , Wyman M , Adrienne J , Bouges S , Zuelsdorff M , Flowers-Benton S , Jonaitis ECarlsson C , Johnson S , Asthana S , Gleason C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Previous work has demonstrated that intra-individual cognitive variability (IICV) has predictive power similar to traditional Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, such as CSF or hippocampal volume (HV) loss. Genetic factors, such as sex, have been identified as predictors of cognitive decline. Analysis of sex differences in IICV and other biomarkers may elucidate additional dimensions of this metric.

Method
Baseline neurocognitive test and neuroimaging data from 335 participants with ≥2 visits enrolled in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Clinical Core were included. Z-scores were calculated comparing individual performance to group performance by test (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Learning and Delayed Recall), Trail Making Test (A and B), and either Boston Naming Test (BNT) or Multilingual Naming Test (MINT)). MINT scores were converted to BNT scores using the NACC Crosswalk Study. The standard deviation of z-scores across tests was calculated to determine IICV. Characteristics by sex were compared using Mann-Whitney and Fisher’s Exact tests. Spearman’s Rho was calculated to compare IICV and HV (relative to intercranial volume).

Results
At baseline (Table 1): (1) Males had more education than females; (2) females had both higher relative HV and IICV; and (3) in females, relative HV demonstrated a weak positive correlation with baseline IICV (Figure 1).

Conclusions
IICV has previously demonstrated potential as a cost-effective non-invasive marker of preclinical AD. In females, larger relative HV and its correlation with IICV may be due to differences in metabolic brain age or concurrent progression of HV and IICV through the AD process. Analyses of other biopsychosocial factors are needed.
C-16 Assessment of 9-Year-Old, Nonverbal Female with Spastic Cerebral Palsy & Seizure Disorder
Authors: Lennon J , Berreman L , DiMaggio E , Vincent K , Lambert A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Case serves to illuminate how complex medical/neurological/motor history can be assessed creatively/thoroughly while maintaining standardization in an effort to determine true abilities of young girl. Earlier evaluation suggested NVIQ scores in the 30th percentile, however more recent school testing suggested performance in 2nd percentile.

Method
Nine-year-old, Caucasian, right-handed female with diagnoses of spastic CP, recent seizures with LOC, GERD, assessing functioning/academic needs. Pt born 40-weeks gestation via c-section due to fetal heartbeat loss resulting in emergency CPR/NICU admission for six weeks. MRI suggests significant hypoxia-related prenatal damage to right frontal/temporal regions. Nerve/muscle development results in leftward preference permitting rightward movement. Pt is nonverbal, implanted gastrostomy tube, utilizes modified sign-language/augmentative, alternative communication device (AACD). Current behavioral concerns in multiple settings. Pt prescribed esomeprazole, baclofen, oxcarbazepine.

Results
Results suggest deficits in adaptive functioning, set-shifting, language. Sustaining gaze was difficult, with subsequent invalid scores on numerous measures. Even with incorrect responses, Pt understood TEACh tasks. Given tools (calculator) at her disposal, Pt scored in 30th percentile on Math Computation. Further, TONI-4 nonverbal index was stronger than school expectations (10th percentile). PTONI negatively impacted by motor deficits. AACD offered limited vocabulary – Pt appeared well-aware of missing words when they arose (small vs. thin). Pt demonstrated high frustration-tolerance and ability to joke with examiners.

Conclusions
Conclusions: Pt’s performance and motivation were highly impressive given circumstances. Even with limiting factors, standardized measures can be utilized with critical qualitative observations to acquire more representative test results, provide adequate recommendations for ongoing care/accommodations, thereby advocating for academic success and improving Pt well-being.
C-17 10 Minutes Too Late: Using the Clock Drawing Test in the Era of DSM-5
Authors: Gold D , Coolbrith N , Cobb R , Piryatinksy I 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is among the most researched measures of cognitive functioning and is frequently used by clinicians as a screening instrument for cognitive impairment. Nearly all the existing research on the CDT involves groups of patients diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia; however, recent updates to the diagnostic system (i.e., DSM-5) saw the creation of the mild and major neurocognitive disorders (NCD), designed to replace MCI and dementia diagnoses. These new diagnoses are similar to their predecessors, however, distinct differences exist that drastically alter the characteristics of these groups. Therefore, this study aimed to examine if qualitative errors on the CDT as described by Rouleau et al. (1992) are consistent with a diagnosis of mild or major NCD according to DSM-5.

Method
Data was retrospectively collected from a sample of patients seen at an outpatient clinic in eastern Massachusetts. CDTs from 14 healthy controls, 31 patients with mild NCD, and 18 patients with major NCD were made available for analysis.

Results
Contingency analysis revealed no significant differences in error frequencies when comparing mild NCD to healthy controls. Patients with major NCD committed significantly higher rates of specific stimulus bound (p = 0.021), conceptual (p = 0.026), and spatial/planning (p = 0.037) errors compared to others in the sample.

Conclusions
While CDT errors do not appear to distinguish mild NCD from healthy controls in our sample, our findings suggest that certain errors may serve as a warning sign to incipient major NCDs. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
C-18 A Distributional and Theoretical Analysis of Reaction Time in the Reversal Task Across Adulthood
Authors: Leclaire K , Osmon D , Driscoll I 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Reversal learning (RL) tasks, known to be frontal-lobe dependent, are frequently used in experimental paradigms to assess components of executive function. Extant literature has historically focused on measures of accuracy as their primary outcome, but reaction time (RT) has not yet been well examined. The present study thoroughly examines RT in order to better characterize RL performance and how it changes with age.

Method
182 healthy aging participants completed a RL task, including 43 young (ages 18-30) and 139 community dwelling middle-aged adults (ages 40-61). In order to identify the best predictors of age among RL performance, an adaptive elastic net generalized regression with Poisson distribution modeling and Akakie information criteria (AIC) penalty was utilized. Variables were included from the Diffusion model (a, v, t0), ex-Gaussian distribution (mu, sigma, tau), Normal-3 Mixture distribution (location1-3, dispersion1-3, probability1-3), and RL trials-to-criterion.

Results
A Generalized R2=.83 demonstrated good prediction of age with 7 of 17 variables being significant predictors, including, in order of significance: Mu, Sigma, Dispersion1, Location1, Dispersion2, t0, and Tau. Only two of those predictors had Independent Resampled Variable Importance values greater than .1 (Mu=.645, Dispersion1=.221), indicating older age is associated with slower and more variable efficient responding.

Conclusions
RT adds unique variance to explaining age differences in reversal learning performance which suggests it’s important to measure RT as a fractionated construct. Older adults showed slower efficient mean RT and increased intra-individual variability, which has been linked to poorer frontal lobe processes and age-related cognitive decline.
C-19 An fMRI Study of Age-Associated Changes in Basic Visual Discrimination
Authors: Seider T , Porges E , Woods A , Cohen R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The study was conducted to determine age-associated changes in functional brain response, measured with fMRI, during visual discrimination with regard to three elementary components of visual perception: shape, location, and velocity. A secondary aim was to validate the method used to isolate the hypothesized brain regions associated with these perceptual functions.

Method
Items from the Visual Assessment Battery (VAB), a simultaneous match-to-sample task, assessed visual discrimination in 40 healthy adults during fMRI. Participants were aged 51-91 and recruited from a larger community sample for a study on normal aging. The tasks were designed to isolate neural recruitment during discrimination of either location, shape, or velocity by using tasks that were identical aside from the perceptual skill required to complete them.

Results
The Location task uniquely activated the dorsal visual processing stream, the Shape task the ventral stream, and the Velocity task V5/MT. Greater age was associated with greater neural recruitment, particularly in frontal areas (uncorrected voxel-level p < .001, family-wise error cluster-level p□.05).

Conclusions
Results validated the specialization of brain regions for spatial, perceptual, and movement discriminations and the use of the VAB to assess functioning localized to these regions. Anterior neural recruitment during visual discrimination increases with age.
C-22 Examining the Factor Structure of the Clock-In-the-Box in Older Adults
Authors: Sabbah-Talasazan L , D'Orio V , Grande L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the factor structure of the Clock-In-the-Box (CIB), a cognitive screening measure, and compare it to the original CIB subscores (Working Memory and Planning/Organization) that were created based on clinical observations. The new factor structure was used to determine the predictive validity of the CIB subscores, in predicting cognitive diagnosis in an older veteran population.

Methods
Neuropsychological evaluations conducted at VA Boston Healthcare System were reviewed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and logistic regression were employed to determine the predictive validity of the new CIB subscores compared to the original subscores.

Results
The cohort had a mean age of 69.77 years (SD = 10.12), 97% male and mainly white (84.9%). EFA revealed a best fit two-factor model, explaining 60% of the variance (Factor 1 - 46% and, Factor 2 - 14% of the variance). Factor 1 reflected conceptual items (i.e., numbers, resembles clock) while Factor 2 reflected planning/organizational items (i.e., hand length, number spacing). Factors were moderately correlated (r = .456). Logistic regression revealed the original and new subscores were equivalent in predicting cognitive impairment when controlling for age and education; correctly classified 82% of the cases. When controlling for age and education, only Factor 2 remained predictive of impairment.

Conclusions
Analysis of specific task items resulted in subscores that differ from those initially generated based on clinical experience, with both providing clinically useful information. The CIB is a brief instrument with good predictive validity of cognitive impairment and clinically useful as a first line screening to inform the need for further assessment.
C-25 Neurocognitive Correlates of Chronological and Subjective Age Differences in Persons Living with HIV compared to those without HIV
Authors: Kohli M , Kamalyan L , Pasipanodya E , Moore R , Letendre S , Jeste D , Moore D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Investigate the discrepancy between subjective and chronologic age by HIV-serostatus, and the association of this discrepancy with subjective neurocognitive functioning (NCF) and objective NCF.

Methods
One hundred nineteen persons living with HIV (PWLH) and 98 HIV-uninfected (HIV-) adults (Mage = 50.9; SDage = 7.9) completed a comprehensive neurobehavioral battery. Subjective age was assessed using a single-item question (i.e., “how old do you feel?”). The difference between chronologic and subjective age resulted in subjective age discrepancy scores (SADS). Subjective NCF was measured using the Patient’s Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory; objective NCF was measured using global demographically-corrected T-scores. Linear regressions examined the association between subjective and objective NCF with SADS, covarying for significant PLWH and HIV- group differences (i.e., education, sex, ethnicity, and lifetime Major Depressive Disorder).

Results
PLWH reported lower SADS (indicating closer correspondence between chronologic and subjective age) than their HIV- counterparts, who reported feeling much younger (p = .05; 95% CI: -5.4, .001). Among PLWH, better subjective NCF was significantly related to greater SADS (p = .0002; 95% CI: -.48, -.16). Objective NCF was not associated with SADS among persons with and without HIV.

Conclusions
Adults without HIV reported feeling younger than their chronologic age, whereas PLWH felt significantly closer to their chronologic age. SADS were negatively associated with only subjective NCF, among only PLWH. This suggests perceived cognitive functioning has a greater impact on psychological well-being among this group. Future research is warranted to delineate the relationship between HIV, subjective neurocognition, and psychosocial factors related to daily functioning to improve successful aging outcomes among this vulnerable population.
C-26 Neuro-Exergaming for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Single Bout of Interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise (iPACES v2.5)
Authors: Puleio A , Wall K , Anderson-Hanley C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may be a precursor Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). Identifying effective interventions to prevent or remediate cognitive decline is imperative given the increasing older population. Prior research has shown benefits to cognition of physical exercise, but only a fraction of older adults actually achieve recommended levels. Researchers have explored the use of potentially more motivating exergames and found benefits above and beyond physical exercise alone, perhaps due to synergistic effects of physical and mental engagement. The current study attempts to replicate and extend prior research by examining the impact on cognition of a single bout of a neuro-exergame in which older adults engaged interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercise (iPACES v2.5).

Method
The iPACES neuro-exergame (v2.5) involves pedaling an under-table elliptical while playing an iPad-based videogame, which simulates an everyday function of independent living: running errands and retracing one’s path home. Eighteen older adults (mean age = 68.4 years old) were assessed pre- and post-exercise with neuropsychological tests of executive function (Stroop and Trails) as well as verbal memory (ADAS Word Recall).

Results
A repeated measures ANOVA (controlling for age) indicated significantly greater benefit to verbal memory for MCI participants in contrast with normative older adults (p = .008; Figure 1).

Conclusion
Further research is needed to confirm this finding in a larger sample, but it is consistent with some prior research on single bouts of exercise benefiting cognition of MCI more than normative older adults. Follow-up trials are needed to examine long-term use, factors affecting outcomes, and underlying mechanisms.
C-27 Neuropsychological Differences in 10 Year Long-Term Stable Mild Cognitive Impairment and Converting Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sharma M , Varatharajah B , Wall A , Callahan B 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine baseline differences in neuropsychological performance between long-term stable mild cognitive impairment (sMCI) and those who convert from MCI to dementia (cMCI), hypothesizing sMCI will perform better on memory measures. While conversion has been previously examined, none examined sMCI with over 10 years follow-up.

Method
Data from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center were used. Participants were defined as sMCI (n = 29) if cognitive status was MCI at first visit and at least 9 subsequent visits (10 total) and cMCI (n = 1887) if cognitive status was MCI at first visit and the participant converted to dementia at any subsequent visit. Participants with any history of stroke, traumatic brain injury, alcohol or drug abuse, or other neurological disorder were excluded. Participants completed neuropsychological measures of global cognition, immediate and delayed verbal memory, working memory, mental manipulation, semantic fluency, processing speed, and confrontational naming. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The Mann-Whitney-U non-parametric test was used to compare both groups at baseline on all measures. Predictors of sMCI were explored using binomial logistic regression.

Results
Participants did not differ significantly in age, level of education, or depressive symptoms. Comparison between groups at baseline indicate sMCI participants performed significantly better than cMCI on global cognition U = 13673,p < .001, delayed verbal memory U = 14549,p < .001, and semantic fluency U = 15538.5,p < .001. Of these significant measures, none predicted sMCI.

Conclusions
As hypothesized, sMCI performed better on delayed verbal memory, but also semantic fluency and global cognition, though none predicted sMCI. Future research must examine neuropsychological measures of other cognitive domains and their predictive value.
A-19 Inhibition in Metabolic Syndrome and its Relationship to Orbitofrontal Cortex Activation During Sucrose Evaluation
Authors: Slonim T , Jacobson A , Haase-Alasantro L , Marvin M , Frank C , Murphy C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Metabolic syndrome(MetS) is associated with disinhibited eating,executive dysfunction,and increased risk of dementia. The orbitofrontal cortex(OFC) has been implicated in literature as an area involved with decision making and reward. Decreased OFC volume has been linked to disinhibited eating and poorer executive functioning skills.However,research examining executive functioning in individuals with MetS fails to address the role of inhibition as it pertains to consumption and risk of developing MetS. We examined the relationship between neuropsychological performance and OFC activation after receiving and rating a sucrose stimulus to determine if OFC activation is associated with executive functioning deficits that may lead to developing MetS.

Method
Participants were categorized by MetS status(n = 46) and Control(n = 34) with mean age of 49.13±20.29years. During an fMRI session, the Blood-Oxygenation-Level-Dependent(BOLD) response of OFC was recorded while participants rated the pleasantness of an aqueous sucrose solution. Participants were administered the Color-Word Interference Test outside the scanner. Partial Correlation analyses controlling for age examined the relationship between OFC activation during hedonic ratings of sucrose and cognitive performance.

Results
There was a significant negative relationship between left OFC activity and Color-Word Interference:Inhibition performance for Controls(r(42) = -.365, p = .015) as compared to MetS(r(30) = .141,p > .05).

Conclusions
Less activity in the OFC during sucrose hedonic rating was associated with better performance on the Inhibition condition for Controls. We speculate that decreased activation in the OFC after sucrose consumption reflects intact executive functioning and perhaps even a preventative factor to developing MetS. Alternatively, it could indicate that Controls are actively inhibiting hedonic responses to sucrose which improves their ability on a test of inhibition.