bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-31 A Meta-analysis Examining Fluency Measures in Depressed Elderly
Authors: Barlet B , Hauson A , Connors E , Colonna-Moseley A , Reszegi K , Sarkissians S , Walker A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Late-life depression (LLD) has been associated with cognitive impairments in domains such as memory, processing speed, and executive functions (e.g., initiation). However, it is unclear whether or not LLD is associated with language fluency difficulties that are often seen in some forms of dementia. Broadly, letter fluency is often observed to be associated with frontal deficits while category fluency is thought to be linked to temporal lobe dysfunction. Both tests are commonly used to assess language in older adults. The current meta-analysis examined potential differences between letter and category fluency in LLD and the robustness of previous findings in this population.

Data Selection
Investigators searched eight databases including PubMed and PsycINFO using terms such as “neuropsychol*,” “late-life,” and “depression.” Studies were excluded if participants were diagnosed with severe mental illness, neurological or other medical conditions that impact neurocognition.

Data Synthesis
Independent coders extracted data from 27 studies (k = 10 letter fluency, k = 17 semantic fluency). The effect size for semantic fluency was g = 0.64 (p < 0.001) with significant heterogeneity I² = 73.53% (Q = 60.45, df = 16, p < 0.001). The effect size for letter fluency was g = 0.49 (p < 0.001) also with significant heterogeneity I² = 52.08% (Q = 18.78, df = 9, p < 0.027).

Conclusions
Depressed individuals exhibited poorer performance on both category and letter fluency when compared to controls. This may indicate that depressed elderly individuals have difficulty with initiating verbal responses regardless of whether these responses rely on semantic networks or executive control.
C-32 A Neuropsychological Case Study of Very-Late-Onset Psychosis
Authors: Sekunda V 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Studies have established a relationship between earlier-onset (< 40 years of age) and late-onset (between 40 and 60 years of age) psychosis symptoms on cognitive functioning, but little is known about the neurocognitive profile of very-late-onset psychosis (≥60 years of age) (Sharma et al., 2014; Howard et al., 2000). This case highlights the neuropsychological profile in an older adult with very-late-onset psychosis.

Method
84-year-old, right-handed, Caucasian female with no significant medical or psychiatric history prior to 2013. Onset of delusions, paranoia, and tactile, auditory, and visual hallucinations initially beginning in 2013 with no identifiable trigger and worsening symptoms in 2018. Labs within normal limits and urine drug screen was negative.

Results
Her estimated premorbid verbal functioning fell within the average range which fell slightly below her score as predicted by her demographic history (i.e., education, occupation, region, sex, and race/ethnicity), which fell within the high average range. Her overall objective testing indicated that she demonstrated relative weaknesses encoding increasingly complex auditory and visual information and reliably retrieving the information from her long-term memory on command. She demonstrated intact orientation, impaired performance on a cognitive switching task, and a visuospatial task.

Conclusions
The patient demonstrated grossly intact performance across many cognitive domains. This paradox highlights the need for further investigation of the neuroanatomical correlates of psychosis in older-adults and its longitudinal neurocognitive profile as often, individuals are presumed to be suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer’s type dementia or Dementia with Lewy bodies (Assche et al., 2018).
C-34 An Investigation into the Multicultural Properties of the Clock Drawing Test: Findings from a Russian-speaking Sample
Authors: Coolbrith N , Gold D , Cobb R , Piryatinksy I 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a screening instrument for cognitive impairment known for its quick and easy administration style. Studies have examined if different qualitative errors on the CDT discriminate cognitive impairment from normal aging. Moreover, current research has investigated qualitative errors on the CDT in various populations (i.e. Brazil, Japan, Korea). To the best of the authors’ knowledge however, there has been no previous research on qualitative errors seen on the CDT within Russian-speaking populations. To address this gap, the present study examined qualitative errors committed on the CDT by native Russian-speakers compared to English-speaking counterparts.

Method
Data was retrospectively collected from a sample comprised of 13 Russian-speaking immigrants and 29 English-speakers. All participants were seen for neuropsychological testing at an outpatient clinic in eastern Massachusetts and diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder.

Results
Contingency analysis revealed no significant differences in qualitative errors when comparing Russian-speakers with major neurocognitive disorder to English-speakers diagnosed with the same.

Conclusions
Due to similar frequencies of qualitative errors between these groups, these results suggest that the CDT may have broad utility for assessing gross cognitive functioning regardless of a patient’s native language or cultural background.
C-37 Music and Cognitive Aging Across Species
Authors: Dorman K , Kauffman R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Recent research has revealed that dogs suffer from bestial boredom, which is the degeneration of the brain due to lack of stimulation. To prevent this we looked at everyday stimulation owners could leave for their dogs, such as different types of audio. Within music there are various types that effect dog behavior differently. We not only looked at this stimulation within dogs to help prevent bestial boredom, but then connected this to Alzheimer's patients. There are multiple studies out that show the benefits of music before and during the onset of Alzheimer’s. We find this to be true with dementia in dogs too. A review of the research reveals there to be a lack of consensus regarding the efficacy of music in psychological practice. We believe this is because different music serves different functions, and because of familiarity.

Data Selection
Articles chosen for the meta analysis had to show the connection between music and canines, music and Alzheimer’s patients, and neurodegeneration in humans and within canines.

Data Synthesis
We conducted a meta analysis to review and analyze whether researchers have taken different forms/styles of music into account in their studies.

Conclusions
Music is a significant factor for cognitive functioning and aging in both dogs and humans. There are not many studies out there about the effect of music on dogs. The few studies that are out there used kenneled dogs, therefore studies should also be conducted on dogs with homes to see if familiar music has more of an effect.
A-20 Metabolic Syndrome and Executive Functioning in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
Authors: Slonim T , Haase-Alasantro L , Murphy C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased rates of mortality and increased risk for developing dementia. Changes in brain structure and executive functioning have been reported within the literature. However, research examining cognitive performance in individuals with metabolic syndrome focuses primarily on older cohorts. As such, the effect of metabolic syndrome on cognitive functioning earlier in the lifespan is unclear. This research examined neuropsychological test performance and self-report measures in young, middle-aged, and older adults with and without MetS.

Method
Participants (n = 128) were categorized by age and metabolic status as follows: Young: n = 42, 52.4% Metabolic; Middle-Age: n = 41, 56.1% Metabolic; Older: n = 45, 51.1% Metabolic. Participants were administered the following cognitive assessments as part of a larger study: Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Color-Word Interference Test and Trail Making. Multivariate analyses of variance were used to examine the relationship between age group, metabolic status, and cognitive performance.

Results
As expected, older adults performed more poorly than young and middle-aged adults across neurocognitive assessments (p < .05). MetS adults performed more slowly on Color-Word Interference: Inhibition [F(1,114) = 5.26, p = .024, η2 = .05]; however, there were no additional significant differences between groups on cognitive tests in this sample size.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that aspects of inhibition might be impaired in MetS adults. Future studies aimed at investigating relationships between metabolic risk factors and inhibition may provide insight into effective intervention targets to delay or prevent metabolic syndrome.
C-40 Effects of Treatment Expectancy on Self-Report and Neuropsychological Outcomes in Neurofeedback for Young Adults Seeking Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Lee G , Suhr J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Though there is evidence that expectancy can impact outcomes of heath treatments, the role of expectancy in neurofeedback (NFB) for ADHD remains unclear. A pilot study found large expectancy effects on self-reported symptoms in NFB, but mixed evidence for sustained attention performance. We further investigate the effects of treatment expectancy on self-reported ADHD symptoms and neuropsychological performance in NFB.

Method
Young adults seeking treatment for ADHD expected to receive active NFB, but instead were randomly assigned to receive sham treatment with false feedback indicating above average (positive expectancy; n = 26), below average (negative expectancy; n = 23), or average (neutral expectancy; n = 24) attentive states. Primary outcomes were report of ADHD symptoms, and performance on a sustained attention test and working memory test.

Results
Mixed ANOVAs revealed a significant interaction for ADHD symptom report (p < .001). Groups did not differ in pre-NFB symptom report (p = .56). Symptom report by the positive expectancy group decreased over time (p < .001) but increased among negative (p = .02) and neutral (p = .02) groups. Post-NFB symptom report was higher for negative expectancy relative to positive (p < .001) and neutral (p = .002) groups. There was no significant difference between positive and neutral groups (p = .37).There were no significant interactions for sustained attention and working memory.

Conclusion
Results indicate that treatment expectancies impact self-report of ADHD symptoms and should therefore be considered in clinical trials of NFB that measure outcomes via symptom report. Future studies examining expectancy effects on measures of other neuropsychological domains are necessary.
C-49 Externalizing Behavior Differences Between FASD and ACC: 11-13 Year Olds
Authors: van Asselt A , Price L , Underriner M , Richmond A , Andrews G 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Investigate the externalizing behaviors of rule breaking and aggression among children ages 11-13 years with partial (pACC), full Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum (ACC) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in order to broaden our understanding of the behaviors found in pre- and young adolescents with these diagnoses.

Method
This sample was taken from two data sets; one with individuals with ACC, the other individuals with FASD. The data for both ACC and FASD studies were gathered using mailing lists. Packets included informed consent, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the FAS BeST with additional developmental questions, and a demographic questionnaire. Of the 511 ACC packets returned, 47 were analyzed. Of the nearly 50 FASD packets returned, 7 were analyzed (n = 54).

Results
A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of the 54 participant’s external behaviors of rule breaking and aggression were analyzed. Participants with diagnoses of FASD present with higher rates of externalizing behaviors than those with pACC and ACC. Aggressive behaviors have a small effect size (n2 = .151) and rule breaking behaviors present with a large effect size (n2 = .441).

Conclusions
Treatment plans for those with FAS and ACC differ greatly from the commonly provided misdiagnoses of Autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, which can leave clients with FAS and ACC misunderstood and improperly treated. By examining the common and differing external behavioral traits of FAS and ACC, clinicians can have stronger evidence when considering differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
C-53 The Challenges of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation for Children Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Due to Complex Diagnostic Factors
Authors: Starza-Smith A , Talbot E , Reynolds D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
With an incidence of 9.83 per million children per year, paediatric onset multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare. It does, however, present challenges for differential diagnosis alongside other demyelinating syndromes, such as Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and various recurrent acquired demyelinating conditions, making diagnosis complex in this population. We highlight the different trajectories related to diagnosis and the impact of this on the child, family and wider healthcare and education systems surrounding them.

Method
Serial neuropsychological assessment data (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Children’s Memory Scale, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) is presented for two children with an initial diagnosis of ADEM; one subsequently was diagnosed with MS later altered to Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated relapsing demyelination.

Results
Case 1: presents with average IQ and memory, significant deficits in executive function, including behavioural regulation and hyperactivity. Diagnostic journey indicated as recurrent ADEM leading to diagnosis of MS at 16 years old, later changed to MOG antibody associated relapsing demyelination. Case 2: presents significant deficits in IQ and memory and executive function following ADEM diagnosis at young age.

Conclusions
We consider how recent advances in medical investigation have uncovered numerous demyelinating syndromes impacting on the challenge of diagnosis of ADEM, MS and other demyelinating conditions. We question whether we are meeting the neuropsychological needs of children/adolescents with ADEM, MS and other demyelinating conditions in paediatric neuropsychology practice due to limited understanding of the complex and differential diagnoses and discuss whether ADEM and MS form a diagnostic continuum.
C-54 Neuropsychological Testing Profiles of Rare Conditions: A Case of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) in a “Donor” Twin
Authors: Pimental P , Christopher J , Vermillion A , Ciampanelli A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
TTTS is a rare condition occurring in approximately 5-15% of monochorionic twins (sharing a single placenta), in which there is an abnormal arterio-venous connection resulting in excess blood flow to one fetus (“recipient”) and too little to the other (“donor”) (Graeve et al., 2012). Consequently, the “donor” develops in low amniotic fluid, while the “recipient” develops in high amniotic fluid. Neurologic and cardiogenic abnormalities have been identified in the neonatal period and in the long-term for both twins (Wagner, Repke, & Ural, 2013). In terms of neurodevelopmental morbidities, 11.6% of children (age 6) endure mild neurologic impairment and 8.9% experience severe neurologic impairment (Graeve et al., 2012).

Methods
The present case involves a 7-year-old, right-handed, single female with a medical history of TTTS (“donor”) referred for neuropsychological testing to explore challenges with learning, attention, memory, reading, and spelling. Upon initial neuropsychological consultation, there were suspected neurodevelopmental optometric deficits, so the patient was also referred for ocular/vision testing. This revealed a significant convergence insufficiency/binocular dysfunction (eye teaming), ocular motor dysfunction (tracking), and visual disturbance (visual sensory overload) deficiencies.

Results
Neuropsychological testing revealed a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a language learning disability with mixed-dyslexia, ADHD - combined type, an executive functioning disorder, and neuro-optometric deficiencies interfering with neurocognitive functioning.

Conclusion
The present case provided further evidence of long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with TTTS (“donor”). Neuropsychological testing elucidated the severity and type of neurodevelopmental impairments and was instrumental in the patient receiving an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which incorporated the accommodations contained in the neuropsychological diagnostic report.
C-60 The Efficacy of Weighted Blankets for Quantity and Quality of Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hayduke D , Nye A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
A meta-analysis was computed to assess the efficacy of weighted blanket therapy for improving sleep for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently, pressure-based therapies are used to reduce ASD-related sensory concerns as well as to facilitate sleep in these patients; however, few studies have substantiated this use.

Data Selection
A search was conducted on EBSCO Host and Wiley in January 2019, using the terms ASD, weighted blanket, sleep, quality, sensory, anxiety, efficacy, and weighted. Salient selection criteria included: standardized pre- and post–treatment measures, randomized groups, and data that permitted calculations of effect sizes. Exclusion criteria included: bias represented and incomplete data due to participant attrition. The search resulted in 12 studies but following exclusion criteria, six remained. Pertinent data extracted included: sample size, number of nights studied, and pre– and post-measure data.

Data Synthesis
The results were obtained by first calculating the cumulative effect size for quantity and quality of sleep independently, and then comparing the effect sizes. Additionally, a funnel plot was used to identify any publication bias. Overall, quantity and quality of sleep had a small effect compared to controls. Further, there was a slightly higher effect for improved quantity over quality of sleep.

Conclusions
The current analysis slightly favors the use of weighted blankets for improved quantity and quality of sleep in those with ASD. A notable consideration is the substantially low number of studies included. Subsequently, the need for additional treatment research is paramount in order to reflect accurate outcomes and hopefully provide relief for patients with ASD.
C-61 The Molecular Basis of Autism, Amyloid Precursor Protein, and its Relevance to Neuropsychology: Case Study and Neuropathology of Boy with Autism
Authors: Sokol PhD , MD D , Lahiri D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Andrew (pseudoname) a boy with severe autism, participated in autism research at Indiana University School of Medicine. Andrew suddenly died in his sleep and his family donated his brain for further study at our institution. This case sparks the proposed discussion of the latest molecular underpinnings of autism which have been localized to genetic abnormalities at the synapse and in gene expression (translation and transcription). These mechanisms contribute to macrocephaly and microcephaly which are overrepresented in autism. The broad objective of this discussion will be to associate the molecular underpinnings of autism to brain anatomy and neuropsychological function. The specific aim will be to report results of Andrew's available psychological testing, plasma amyloid precursor protein (APP) profile, MRI volumetry, and neuropathological findings. Our published reports of APP profiles in plasma and brain tissue also will be reviewed.

Method
Andrew was a 13 yr old boy with severe autism (CARS-60), medically refractory seizures, and intellectual deficiency (MSEL49). The patient showed significant regression in speech (400 words down to 2) from age 5 to 13. He died from a presumptive seizure.

Results
Andrew's MRI volumetry showed increased white matter, including the left temporal lobe; neuropathology was significant for enlarged brain with cortical dysplasia. APP profile showed increased sAPPalpha with low ABeta protein, similar to what we reported in plasma and brain tissue studies.

Conclusions
Andrew is among the 20% of children with autism with macrocephaly with white >gray matter. Molecular underpinnings in relation to this finding and to the neuropsychology of autism will be discussed.
C-63 The Role of Neuropsychological Assessment in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Green V , Culotta V , Blackwell M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
This case study examined the neurodevelopmental profile associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). CDH is primarily linked to chromosomal abnormality and results in pulmonary hypoplasia and significant respiratory difficulties. CDH occurs in 1 in 2,500 live births in the United States. More severe cases require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and surgical hernia repair. Survivors are at risk of pulmonary hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, structural brain abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Past studies suggested early ECMO and surgical repair are associated with greater subsequent impairment.

Method
A 16-year-old male with a history of CDH presented for neuropsychological evaluation. History is remarkable for ECMO, surgical repair, pulmonary hypertension, and gastrostomy tube.

Results
Assessment revealed significant neurodevelopmental deficits impacting multiple domains including cognitive reasoning, visual construction, verbal memory, and executive functioning. Decoding and underlying phonemic awareness were preserved, while reading comprehension and applied math were significantly impaired, suggesting significant weaknesses in higher-order language. Social intent was strong despite weak social cognition. Elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were evident.

Conclusions
CDH carries significant morbidity secondary to compromised respiratory functions and long-term pulmonary hypertension. Neurodevelopmental deficits are strongly associated with CDH and merit early detection, intervention, and follow-up. This case study illustrates the global neurodevelopmental difficulties in CDH requiring ECMO and surgical repair. This study illustrates escalating difficulties navigating academic and social demands as the need for higher order language and social cognition increase through adolescence. Serial neuropsychological assessments may be useful in facilitating and adapting interventions, assessing progress, detecting behavioral health symptoms, and contributing to optimal outcomes in CDH.