bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-66 Limited Access to Pediatric Neuropsychological Evaluations for Non-English Speakers
Authors: Bridges R , Smedley D , Hall M , Powell J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this empirical study was to examine the accessibility of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations in the state of Arizona for non-English speaking children. To date, there is very limited research that analyzes the accessibility of neuropsychological evaluations. Diversity variables, such as primary language, can negatively impact assessment scores (Norbury & Sparks, 2013), leaving diverse individuals at risk of misdiagnosis when an assessment is not conducted in one’s primary language, nor normed on similar individuals (Mindt et al., 2008). The Center for Immigration Studies (2017) found 28% of school-age children in Arizona speak a foreign language, warranting a need for culturally-appropriate evaluations.

Method
Arizona pediatric neuropsychologists in non-hospital settings were identified via electronic resources: AzNS, AAPdN, AzPA, CSN, and AACN provider lists; LinkedIn; Google search. Participants met criteria for inclusion if “pediatric neuropsychological” evaluations were provided by a neuropsychologist on staff. “Pediatrics” is defined as 0-17. Neuropsychologists were contacted directly via phone for survey participation; verbal informed consent was obtained.

Results
Seventeen pediatric neuropsychologists were found in the state of Arizona, and 52.9% consented to participate in the survey (n = 9). All participants (100%, n = 9) stated they provide evaluations in English only, and refer-out for non-English evaluations.

Conclusions
There is a severe disparity in the access to care with respect to availability of culturally-appropriate evaluations in Arizona: a state with a large population of non-English speakers. The current study adds to the limited literature in this area, and sets the stage for continued professional advocacy efforts. Goals for future national research is critically discussed.
A-23 Mental Illness and Emotional Functioning as Moderated by Executive Functioning: Incarcerated Population
Authors: Spies-Upton S , Gade S , Gonzalez J , Choi E , Becker C , Creekpaum M , Lucas E , Escher C , Gomez R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether executive functioning will moderate the relationship of a history of mental illness on aggression in a male forensic population.

Method
Using an archival database from a larger study, 232 male inmates (ages 21 and 49 years old) from three medium/maximum Maryland Correctional facilities were recruited using a pseudo-random selection process during intake. Participants were administered three EF tasks (Cambridge Decision Making Task, Logan Stop-Signal Task, and Stroop Interference Task), history of mental illness was obtained using the Symptom Checklist-90, and aggression was assessed with the Novaco Reaction to Provocation Questionnaire.

Results
Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted. For overall aggression reactivity, inhibition moderated depression (IR2 = .025, F(3, 224) = 9.977, p < .001, β = -.246, p = .015) and psychoticism (IR2 = .019, F(3, 224) = 8.216, p < .001, β = -.136, p = .031). For reactive aggression subtype, inhibition moderated depression (IR2 = .025, F(3, 224) = 2.679, p = .048, β = .071, p = .017). For proactive aggression subtype, cognitive flexibility moderated anxiety (IR2 = .018, F(3, 224) = 4.731, p = .003, β = -.014, p = .039); and depression (IR2 = .022, F(3, 224) = 3.888, p = .010, β = -.017, p = .025).

Conclusions
Overall, there was mixed findings for inhibition. On Cambridge Decision Making task, inhibition moderated the predictive relationship of depression on reactive aggression and psychoticism and overall aggression but not for other measures of inhibition. For another inhibition task (Stroop), inhibition did not significantly moderate any mental illness on severity of aggression. Cognitive flexibility moderated the predictive relationships of anxiety and depression on proactive aggression. Findings suggest targeting cognitive flexibility for inmates diagnosed with anxiety depression, and psychosis when treating aggression in a male forensic population.
A-28 Stroop Performance in Bilingual Veterans
Authors: Fullen C , Marceaux J , Dozier M , Phillips J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Stroop Color and Word Test is a well-known measure of executive functioning. The aim of this study is to determine if Stroop performance is impacted by bilingualism.

Method
A clinic-referred sample of veterans (n = 245; Mage = 55.84; Medu = 13.87) in whom a cognitive disorder diagnosis was ruled out were selected for inclusion. Participants self-identified as monolingual English (n = 192) or bilingual English/Spanish (n = 53) and were deemed appropriate for completing neuropsychological evaluation in English. All participants were administered the Stroop as part of a larger battery of tests. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine Stroop scores across monolingual/bilingual groups, controlling for age.

Results
Stroop Word (raw) was significantly lower among bilingual participants (M = 79.13, SD = 18.24) compared to monolingual participants (M = 85.22, SD = 16.7), F = 4.48, p = .035. Although Color (F = 3.01, p = .084) and Color-Word Interference trials (F = 2.36, p = .125) were not significantly different across groups, there was a trend. When scores on the Color-Word Interference subtest were corrected using the Golden Equation, there were no significant group differences (F = .002, p = .966).

Conclusions
Bilingualism was related to reduced performance on speeded word-reading. Although there were no statistical differences on color-naming or inhibition, the sample size may have impacted statistical power. Despite this, there was no evidence of even a trend towards significance when applying the Golden Equation to correct for speed of word-reading and color-naming. Findings indicate Stroop is a valid measure of inhibitory control among bilingual individuals who are appropriate for completing testing in English, so long as adjustments are made to account for speed on the Word, Color, and Color-Word trials.
A-30 The Relationship Between Mood, Cognitive Shift, and Perseverative Responses in Cognitively Impaired Geriatric Patients
Authors: Osman C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The current study investigated the relationship between age, sex, vocabulary scores, the number of comorbid medical conditions, cognitive shift scores, perseveration scores, dementia severity, and self-reported anxiety. It was hypothesized a) cognitive shift scores, age, and vocabulary would be inversely related to anxiety b) perseveration scores and dementia severity would be positively correlated to mood.

Data Selection
Utilizing archival data from a private medical clinic, a sample (N = 114) of Euro-American older adults ages 65-89, presenting for neuropsychological evaluations was obtained. Data included scores from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test -64 computerized version, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Geriatric Depression Scale- short form, and the WAIS-IV vocabulary subtest.

Data Synthesis
This study utilized a multiple regression analysis. The results suggested age, sex, cognitive shift scores, perseveration scores, and dementia severity had no relationship to anxiety. However, vocabulary was moderately positively correlated with anxiety. It is possible that those with greater vocabulary scores were less severely impacted by their dementia and consequently more aware of their symptoms.

Conclusions
Focus on neuropsychological data alone was insufficient to understand this complex and dynamic relationship. It is recommended that future research focus on the process itself to gain insight into this bidirectional relationship and various confounding factors, which might have influenced anxiety levels, such as sleep quality and dementia type. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the dynamic relationship between cognitive decline due to neurodegenerative diseases and anxiety and the impact the diseases may have on one’s emotional well-being.
A-32 Interpreting Change on the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery
Authors: Greene J , Messer M , White T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) is a comprehensive, modular battery of neuropsychological tests assessing of a wide array of cognitive skills and functions in adults. The purpose of the current study is to provide additional statistical evidence to support interpretation of NAB score changes over time.

Method
Participants were healthy community-dwelling adults, ages 18 to 97 years, from the NAB standardization sample that was assessed on the NAB a second time (n = 95). Reliable change index scores were calculated for the five domain indexes and the total index at several levels of significance. Base rates of score differences between Time 1 and Time 2 were examined.

Results
Across the indexes, significant score differences (at p < .05) ranged from 17 to 28 standard score points for adults (ages 18 to 59 years) and from 13 to 23 standard score points for older adults (ages 60 to 97 years). Approximately 67-89% of adult participants had Time 1 and Time 2 scores within 1 standard deviation (SD) of each other, while older adults ranged from 73-97%. Only 0-4% of adults and older adults had a large decline on any score (greater than 2 SDs). 1-2% of adults and 3-5% of older adults had a large improvement on any score (greater than 2 SDs).

Conclusions
These data allow clinicians to determine the statistical significance of NAB score differences, as well as quantify the frequency of the observed differences.
A-35 Assessing the Impact of Expressive Language on Performance on Conners’ Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT3) in Inpatients with Aphasia
Authors: Bare M , Cernokova I , Robbins J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The current study examined the impact of expressive language difficulties, assessed by the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) naming subtest, on the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Third edition (CPT3) in an inpatient acquired brain injury (ABI) population.

Method
A sample of 19 individuals (female n = 3, male n = 16) was evaluated through an inpatient ABI rehabilitation program. Two groups based on diagnosed aphasia (n = 7) versus no aphasia (n = 12) were used. Ages ranged from 15 to 67 (M = 38.37, SD = 16.55) and had an average level of education of 14.9 years.

Results
One-way ANOVAs were used to determine how expressive language impacts performance on the CPT3. As expected, statistically significant results revealed that having aphasia yields a lower score on NAB naming F(1,17) = 11.435, p = .004. Individuals who did not have aphasia had a higher number of Perseverations, F(1,17) = 5.295, p = .034. No differences were noted between Omissions F(1,17) = 2.060, p = .169, Commissions F(1,17) = 3.090, p = .097, and Hit Reaction Time F(1,17) = .434, p = .519.

Conclusions
In our sample, patients with and without aphasia had similar reaction times and similar performances for omissions and commissions. The aphasia group, with significantly worse expressive language abilities, did not score significantly worse on any of the CPT3-related indices. Our study supports previous literature that CPT3 is an appropriate attention measure for individuals with aphasia but adds to the literature in providing evidence for use of the measure with an acute inpatient population with aphasia. While the results are promising, our sample is small and future research would be stronger with a larger sample with more specific information provided regarding the types of aphasia.
A-36 Cognitive Differences Between Children with New Onset Seizures and Those with Longer Seizure Histories
Authors: Gordon A , Bearden D , Drane D , Ono K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Epilepsy is associated with cognitive difficulties including language and memory problems. Studies examining cognitive function in children with new onset seizures have found that they have difficulties when compared to healthy controls, but less is known about how these difficulties compare to cognitive function in children who have had seizures for longer periods. Our study compared semantic memory and verbal fluency skills in a group of pediatric patients with new onset seizures (< 12 months) to a group of presurgical epilepsy patents who had seizures for more than 12 months.

Method
Participants included 12 new onset seizure patients (age 8–15 years old; M = 12.13 years, SD = 2.4; 58.3% male), and 14 presurgical epilepsy patients (age 8-18 years old; M = 13.26 years, SD = 3.3; 64.3% male) who underwent neuropsychological evaluations as part of their standard of care. All patients were recruited from a regional children’s hospital. Outcome variables included performance on the Boston Naming Test (BNT) and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency test, Letter (LF) and Category (CF) Fluencies.

Results
Overall intellectual ability did not differ significantly between groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups on the BNT [F (17,2) = 1.012, p = .607], LF [F (8,16) = 1.375, p = .279], or CF [F (7,17) = .544, p = .790].

Conclusions
Findings indicating no significant differences on cognitive tasks between the two groups are consistent with previous research indicating that individuals with new onset seizures often exhibit cognitive difficulties at the time their seizures begin.
A-39 Predictors of Language Functioning Deficits in Pediatric Patients with Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis
Authors: Ratcliffe L , Howarth R , Blackwell L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to examine predictors of language functioning in a sample of pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (ANMDARE).

Method
Patient data was collected through retrospective chart review within a children’s hospital. Pediatric patients (N=16) treated for ANMDARE (12% male; 25% Caucasian, 50% African American, 25% Latino, mean age = 12.3) who completed a neuropsychological evaluation were identified (time since diagnosis M = 177.4;SD = 310.2). Language assessments included Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-II (WASI-II) Vocabulary; Wide Range Achievement Test- 4 (WRAT-4) Word Reading; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Verbal Fluency.

Results
Two independent-samples t-tests compared language functioning in patients with normal and abnormal MRI findings. Significant differences were found in vocabulary scores between patients with normal (M = 45.57, SD = 5.50) and abnormal MRIs (M = 36.67, SD = 5.35;t(11) = 2.94,p = 0.013). The magnitude of the differences in means (μd = 8.91,95%CI:2.25-15.56) was medium (η2 = 0.44). A significant difference in semantic fluency scores were also found (Normal MRI; M = 10.67, SD = 2.25 vs abnormal MRI; M = 6.13;SD = 1.23; t(12) = 3.89,p = 0.002). The magnitude of the differences in means (μd = 4.54, 95%CI:2.00- 7.09) was medium (η2 = 0.56). Additional analyses revealed a relationship between seizure presentation and vocabulary scores (t(11) = 2.50;p = 0.029).

Conclusions
Pediatric patients with abnormal MRIs demonstrate greater deficits in vocabulary and semantic fluency compared to those with normal MRIs. Moreover, patients who presented with seizures were more likely to have deficits in vocabulary. Previous research shows variability in prolonged deficits in language functioning in both children and adults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare symptom presentation with language outcomes, thus potentially contributing to the clinical utility of MRI scans.
A-60 The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and Premorbid Intellectual Functioning
Authors: Trahan E , Good D , Seegmiller R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study is to evaluate correlations between the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) with other measures of premorbid functioning to validate the use of the ASVAB as an estimate of premorbid intellectual functioning.

Method
This study utilized archival data. Data were retrospectively reviewed and correlational analyses were conducted between scores on the ASVAB and another measure of premorbid intellectual functioning (i.e., Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF)).

Results
Preliminary results (N = 83) revealed significant positive correlations between the ASVAB & TOPF (r2 = .75, p < .01), irrespective of current intellectual abilities and neurocognitive diagnosis.

Conclusion
The ASVAB is strongly correlated with the TOPF and may serve as a useful tool for estimating premorbid intellectual functioning in neuropsychological evaluations of active duty services members.
A-61 The Cattell-Horn-Carroll Model Does Not Outperform a Traditional Neuropsychological Model When Using a Digital Test Battery
Authors: Vermeent S , van Elswijk G , Schmand B , Klaming L , Miller J , Dotsch R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Following recent (meta-)analyses showing that the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model outperforms traditional neuropsychological models of cognition, we investigated the relative performance of the traditional neuropsychological model (TNM) of cognitive functioning and the CHC model using the digital Philips IntelliSpace Cognition (ISC) test battery.

Method
The ISC battery consists of 11 conventional cognitive tests, which were administered to 221 healthy participants. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to map outcome measures to cognitive domains. Both models contained processing speed, working memory, memory, and visuospatial ability. TNM included executive functioning consisting of TMT B, Stroop interference, and Phonetic and Semantic Fluency. In the CHC model, these outcome measures were distributed over processing speed and a word fluency domain. The models’ fit was compared through Vuong test for non-nested models.

Results
Both models were a good fit (TNM: χ2(64) = 91.95, p = .013, CFI = .971, RMSEA = .044; CHC: χ2(64) = 83.66, p = .050, CFI = .979, RMSEA = .037). The Vuong test showed that the models could be significantly distinguished based on the observed data, ω2 = 0.21, p < .001. However, the non-nested likelihood ratio test did not offer evidence that either model was a better fit, z = -0.61, p = .727. The 95% confidence interval of the AIC difference contained zero [-18.60, 35.20].

Conclusions
Recent findings showing that the CHC model outperforms the TNM are not corroborated by our findings. Instead, both models captured the data equally well, suggesting that the two theoretical frameworks are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
A-73 Does Trauma Type Influence the Symptom Profile in Feigned Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Authors: Sullivan K , Mullan M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is vulnerable to feigning. This presents a major challenge for clinicians who must differentiate between genuine and feigned presentations. Past studies have shown that in genuine PTSD the symptom profiles varies as a function of trauma type. It is not yet clear if this variation also occurs for feigned PTSD.

Method
Sixty participants were each randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Both conditions provided: i) coaching about PTSD and ii) instructions to feign PTSD as if for financial gain. The trigger event in the conditions was either sexual assault (SA) or a motor vehicle collision (MVC), and it was manipulated in a written vignette. Outcomes were assessed via standardized measures for PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) and profile invalidity (Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomology [SIMS]).

Results
All participants exceeded the PCL-5 and SIMS cut scores, indicating a plausible PTSD symptom profile with over-reported (detectable) symptoms. However, there were no statistically significant group differences on the PCL-5 or SIMS at the overall, subscale, or profile levels (all p’s > 0.05).

Conclusions
Unlike genuine PTSD, in simulated PTSD the symptom profile did not differ by trauma type. The feigned performance was detected on the SIMS which could recommend this test, and this requires further investigation. If understanding of the genuine PTSD profiles for different trauma types is further developed and if our result is replicated, the future use of profile-analyses could assist clinicians when evaluating feigned PTSD.
A-75 Predicting neurocognitive impairment using the Green’s Medical Symptom Validity Test dementia profile formula
Authors: Ringdahl E , Seegmiller R , Aden J , Stephens C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Green’s Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) is a measure of performance validity and has a formula to help distinguish genuine cognitive impairment from suboptimal engagement. The current study used the MSVT “dementia profile” formula to discriminate patients with no neurocognitive disorder (no NCD), mild neurocognitive disorder (mild NCD), and major neurocognitive disorder (major NCD).

Method
198 patients who were seen for comprehensive outpatient neuropsychological testing and passed all MSVT validity measures were included in the study. Specifically, participants included 103 persons with no NCD, 62 diagnosed with a mild NCD, and 33 with major NCD, who were collectively 58% male, with a mean age of 52-years-old (SD = 16.1) and mean education of 14.5 years (SD = 2.5).

Results
The difference score between easy and hard MSVT subtests predicted group assignment (r = .57, p < .001) and effectively differentiated the three groups (p < .001). Mean difference scores of both groups with diagnosed NCD exceeded recommended criteria suggestive of genuine cognitive impairment, with the differences score of major NCD being greater (p < .01) than the mild NCD. Group differences remained significant (p < .001) after adjusting for the effects of age and education. When the NCD groups were compared to the no diagnosis group, ROC curve analysis produced an AUC of .84, with a sensitivity of .72 and specificity of .83.

Conclusions
Findings from this study validate the established difference score between easy and hard subtests of the MSVT, and suggest that the difference score on a valid MSVT profile yields diagnostically relevant information pertaining to the level of an individual’s neurocognitive impairment.