bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-08 Hippocampal Volume in a Cognitively Healthy Population Scoring Within Normal Limits on Cognitive Tasks
Authors: Staley Shumaker B , Amano S , Nolty A , Harrington M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Our aim was to investigate hippocampal volume in a cognitively healthy aging population that scored within normal limits on neuropsychological testing. Decreased hippocampal volume was expected to predict decreased memory performance, and not expected to predict executive function.

Method
A cross-sectional design was conducted from archival data at Huntington Medical Research Institutes. The sample consisted of 35 older adults (63-89 years) with college degrees or higher. Hippocampal volume and intracranial volume were obtained via MRI, and neuropsychological assessment measures included Wechsler Memory Scale, 3rd edition (WMS-III), California Verbal Learning Test, 2nd edition (CVLT-II), and the Stroop Color and Word Test.

Results
Total hippocampal volume was a good predictor of Logical Memory delayed (LM-II) scores (Figure 1), such that a larger hippocampus was associated with poorer LM-II performance (p < .01). Consistent with the above, both left hemisphere (LH) (p = .03), and right hemisphere (RH) hippocampal volume (p < .01), were found to be good predictors of LM-II scores, and a larger RH or LH hippocampus was associated with poorer performance. Neither CVLT-II nor Stroop C Interference sores were significantly related to total hippocampal volume.

Conclusion(s)
Unexpectedly, participants with a larger hippocampus performed more poorly on the LM-II task. These results might be explained by the effects of neuroinflammation in early Alzheimer’s disease pathology. However, given that the MRI volumes did not account for atrophy or damaged cortical tissue, inference is limited. Future research investigating the early pathology of brain aging in the hippocampus in cognitively healthy individuals is recommended.
A-18 Executive Dysfunction is Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan-era Combat-exposed Veterans
Authors: Crocker L , Keller A , Jurick S , Merritt V , Hoffman S , Jak A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Suicidal ideation (SI) is highly prevalent in Veterans and reducing Veteran suicide is a national priority. The present study examined factors associated with SI in combat-exposed Veterans in order to inform suicide prevention efforts.

Method
Combat-exposed Iraq/Afghanistan-era Veterans (N = 77) completed questionnaires detailing demographic characteristics and combat-related experiences, as well as structured interviews assessing history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality in the past month. Veterans also underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Analyses examined differences between endorsers versus non-endorsers of current SI, as well as predictors of SI, with a focus on cognitive variables.

Results
There were no SI group differences in demographic variables, levels of combat exposure, or rates of PTSD, or mTBI history. However, independent samples t-tests indicated that those who endorsed SI demonstrated worse executive functioning relative to those who denied SI (t(75) = 2.74, p = .008), whereas no group differences were observed on measures of attention/processing speed or memory. A logistic regression analysis predicting SI indicated that executive functioning remained a significant predictor of SI (B = .94, OR = 2.55, p = .047) even when adjusting for age, years of education, level of combat exposure, history of mTBI, and PTSD diagnosis.

Conclusions
Executive dysfunction may make it difficult for Veterans to inhibit maladaptive negative thoughts (particularly suicidal thoughts), regulate emotions, and problem solve in stressful situations, thus contributing to suicidality. Interventions addressing executive dysfunction in combat-exposed Veterans with SI may be a promising adjunct to current suicide prevention efforts.
C-23 Impact of Social Support on Cognitive Vascular Risk Factors in Latino Older Adults
Authors: Conde K , Alioto A , Cahn-Weiner D , Salazar-Villanea M , Moncada-Jimenez J , Johnson D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Central Americans have a cardiovascular disease (CVD) health advantage, as they are half as likely to carry CVD as European Americans, despite having an equivalent degree of vascular risk factors (VRFs). We examined the impact of social support on this paradox and the relationship to cognitive decrements among Costa Rican older adults.

Methods
We identified predictors of the CVD health advantage (VRFs in the absence of CVD: Heart Attack, MI, Stroke). Hypertension (HTN) and CVD were coded as present or absent based on medical history. Of 315 participants, 146 (46%) had HTN but no CVD, 59 (19%) had CVD, and 110 had neither HTN nor CVD. To estimate ROC curves, we applied canonical discriminant analysis to item groups based on the discipline cluster. The discriminant analysis identified items that maximally differentiated the diagnostic groups in a step-wise fashion.

Results
Social support and social engagement were stronger predictors of the health advantage than subjective memory complaints. Social Support was a reliable indicator of CVD health advantage (accuracy = 93%, sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 89%). Social Engagement was a reliable discriminator of diagnostic groups (accuracy = 84%, sensitivity = 88%, specificity =75%) versus subjective memory complaints (accuracy = 79%, sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 74%).

Conclusion
Our exploratory analyses suggest that social support is an important predictor of living with VRFs but not developing CVD. Current studies are underway to examine the contribution of these risk factors to the development of dementia and cognitive impairment to maximize cost-effective interventions.
C-24 Longitudinal Trajectories of Working Memory Performance in Typically Aging Older Adults
Authors: Gonzalez Catalan M , Lindbergh C , Staffaroni A , Walters S , Casaletto K , Walker N , Kramer J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Cross-sectional studies have shown age-related differences in working memory (WM), but the trajectory is unclear due to the scarcity of longitudinal studies. Additional research is needed to better characterize the course of age-related changes in WM in older adults. The present study sought to address this gap in the literature by conducting serial assessments of WM in a longitudinally followed cohort of typically aging adults. We hypothesized a significant age × time interaction, such that WM would show pronounced declines with advancing age.

Methods
640 functionally intact participants in an aging cohort (clinical dementia rating = 0; age range 52-99, mean age = 75) completed a computerized WM measure, Running Letter Memory (RLM), every ~15 months for up to 8.5 years (mean follow-up = 1.9 years). Longitudinal changes in RLM scores were analyzed using linear mixed effects models, allowing for random slopes and intercepts. All models were adjusted for sex and education.

Results
RLM performance did not significantly decline over time (b = -.14, p = .43). As hypothesized, there was a significant age × time interaction predicting RLM scores (b = -.08, p = .006). Specifically, RLM performance remained relatively stable (or slightly improved) until around age 75, beyond which increasingly precipitous declines were observed with advancing age.

Conclusion
The present results suggest that WM performance does not evidence declines until the mid-70s in typically aging adults, at which point increasingly steep decline trajectories are observed with advancing age. These findings highlight that cognitive aging does not occur at a constant rate in late life.
C-29 Sleep and Cognition Among Older Adults: Objective Performance versus Subjective Complaint
Authors: Reohr P , Dorenkamp M , Vik P , Irrgang M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Although poor sleep has been hypothesized to contribute to cognitive difficulties, a review by Scullin & Bliwise (2015) suggested that poor sleep has little impact on older adults’ cognition. Nevertheless, older adults express subjective concerns about both their sleep and cognition. The purpose of this study was to test associations between self-reported sleep, cognitive performance, and subjective cognitive concerns.

Method
Twenty-three women and 18 men, aged 55 to 83 (M = 68), completed a 3-hour test battery that included global, memory, executive, and verbal measures. Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjective cognitive complaints were measured using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), which provided a total and three subscale scores (Apathy, Disinhibition, Executive Dysfunction).

Results
PSQI scores were consistent with means of older non-diagnosed older adults (Bush et al., 2012; M = 6.34, SD = 3.70). Cognitive test scores did not correlate with PSQI scores or FrSBe scores; however, Total PSQI correlated with Total FrSBe (r = .397; CI = .099 to .741) and two of the three FrSBe subscales: Apathy (r = .472; CI = .190 to .683) and Executive Dysfunction (r = .395; CI = .097 to .629), but not Disinhibition (r = .231; CI = -.086 to .505).

Conclusions
As previously found, cognitive test scores were unrelated to sleep measures; however, associations were found between poor sleep and subjective cognitive concerns, particularly avolition and executive dysfunction. Findings may indicate distress characteristic among older adults that involves sleep disturbance and cognitive worry.
C-41 Functional Impairments in Girls with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Quimby H , Nissley-Tsiopinis J , Lazar M , Rourke M , Zarabba J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder known to cause functional impairments. Few studies have identified impairments specific to girls with ADHD. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between ADHD subtypes and measures of functional impairment in girls.

Method
Participants were chosen from a sample of girls ages 5 – 18 years old, diagnosed with ADHD at an outpatient ADHD clinic at a large children’s hospital (N = 303). Measures included parent and teacher BASC subscales of adaptability, homework problems, and comorbid clinical diagnoses based on the diagnostic interview for children and adolescents-revised parent version (DICA-R). Potential relationships between impairment measures and ADHD subtypes were assessed using multiple and logistic regressions to control for age and socioeconomic status (SES).

Results
Number of inattentive ADHD symptoms correlates positively with DICA diagnosis of ODD (x2 = 4.008, p = 0.045) and homework problems (r = 0.227, p = 0.0001). Number of combined ADHD symptoms is positively associated with DICA diagnosis of ODD (x2 = 26.812, p = 0.0001) and homework problems (r = 0.171, p = 0.0001) and negatively associated with parent reported social skills (r = 0.092, p = 0.006), adaptability (r = 0.146, p = 0.001) and teacher reported adaptability (r = 0.057, p = 0.01), after controlling for age and SES.

Discussion
Girls with ADHD exhibit functional impairments in the domains of comorbid diagnoses, homework problems, parent and teacher report of adaptability, and parent report of social skills. Additional research should include self-reports of functional impairment to determine self-perception of impairment.
C-42 Is “Clinical Impairment” Normative in College Populations? Identifying Base Rates of Self-Reported Impairment in a Non-Treatment Seeking Population
Authors: Johnson E , Suhr J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Individuals presenting with concerns of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) report impairment and may seek academic or disability accommodations related to perceived impairment. Problematically, the legal definition of impairment remains poorly understood by clinicians, and there is little consensus regarding credibility of self-reported impairment. Furthermore, many impairments reported by individuals seeking evaluation for ADHD appear to be general and non-specific, but base rates of reports of these impairments in non-treatment seeking populations remain unclear. We examined base rates of impairment associated with ADHD in a sample of non-treatment seeking college students.

Method
Participants were undergraduate students who completed online surveys (N = 175). Participants who failed measures of validity, reported a past diagnosis of ADHD, or endorsed clinically significant symptoms of ADHD were excluded from analyses (final N = 89). Participants largely identified as white (88.8%) and female (85.4). Participants completed measures of impairment (Barkley Functional Impairment Scale) and ADHD symptoms (Conners’ Adult Attention Rating Scale). Base rates of clinically significant impairment among this sample were analyzed.

Results
Clinically significant levels of impairment were reported at high levels within the following categories; at home (15.1%), interacting with strangers (13.5%) and friends (20.2%), performing daily self-care (7.9%), and managing health (12.4%).

Conclusions
Base rates of clinically significant self-reported impairment are high among a non-clinical, non-treatment seeking sample of college students without ADHD symptoms. Results raise questions about the validity of self-reported impairment in diagnostic decision making, suggesting that experiences of difficulty in these areas may be normative among college populations and not specific to ADHD.
C-44 Exploring the Criterion Validity of the WISC-IV in a Clinically Referred Sample of Children in Mexico
Authors: Giudicessi A , Ibarra C , Visconti V , Zenit A , Pelayo H 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Weschler Scale of Intelligence (WISC-IV) is one of the most commonly used measures in the neuropsychological evaluation of children. Little published research utilizes the WISC-IV in diverse populations outside the US. The objective of this study was to examine the criterion validity of the WISC-IV’s subtests and index scores in a clinically referred sample in Mexico.

Methods
The present study included 86 participants, 35 clinical patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation for persistent learning difficulties at a public clinic and 51 healthy control children enrolled in public school with a GPA of 3.0-4.0 in Puebla, Mexico. Participants were between the ages of 7-12. None of the children in our clinical group had a formal diagnosis of any learning or behavior disorder, this was the first experience seeking neuropsychological evaluation. The WISC-IV was administered to all participants as part of the evaluation process. Informed consent was obtained prior to evaluation.

Results
Independent sample T-Tests show no significant differences in Full-Scale IQ average (FSIQ) between the clinical sample (M = 75.40, SD = 11.81) and control group (M = 79.73, SD = 10.36). Descriptive statistics for indices and subtests can be found in Table 1.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate low average IQ for both groups, indicating further research is needed in understanding the criterion validity of the WISC-IV when applied to clinical populations in Mexico. Furthermore, because we were unable to explain below average scores in the control group by any confounding variable, future studies comparing the Mexican standardization of the WISC-IV with our data before utilizing as clinical evaluation tool is recommended.
C-51 Long Term Neuropsychological Follow-Up of Radiation Induced Cognitive Decline (RICD) in Cerebellar Medulloblastoma
Authors: Giles A , Moore DeBruhl C , Liberatore G , Strowd R , Lesser G , Tatter S , Laxton A , Feldman J , Sam M , Chan M , Cramer C , Cummings T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
We expanded upon an early case study suggesting long-term, sequential neurocognitive evaluation and academic interventions following pediatric cerebellar medulloblastoma. This five-year-old patient (now forty) has indeed undergone lifespan assessment and clearly benefitted from appropriate interventions to date.

Method
This left-handed, white, male is status post (s/p) gross total resection and whole brain radiation. In adulthood, he developed radiation necrosis with hemorrhage and refractory seizures (s/p right temporal lobectomy). More recently, radiation induced bilateral parietal meningiomas were identified (s/p gamma knife).

Results
We analyzed cognitive, medical/oncological, imaging and interventional data at developmentally meaningful time points and found consistent declines in intellectual skills and cognitive function spanning attention/concentration, processing speed, visual perceptual/organization and visually based learning/memory; however, we noted stabilization and even improvement in important areas. Areas of age-appropriate functioning were noted in expressive vocabulary, verbal abstract reasoning, delayed verbal memory, and problem-solving, among others.

Conclusions
Although some studies have addressed long-term outcomes in pediatric medulloblastoma, we provide a unique perspective to the literature by documenting serial neurocognitive findings in addition to interventions across the lifespan. Our findings suggest that appropriate academic interventions/neurocognitive rehabilitation strategies are in fact meaningful at the individual level and propose that a focus on strengths can improve outcomes. We propose that this previously recommended model of assessment/intervention truly become the available standard of care in all pediatric oncologic populations.
C-52 Neuropsychological Sequelae of Hypernatraemic Dehydration in Neonates – Working Towards the NHS England Five Year Forward View
Authors: Starza-Smith A , Beveridge A , Talbot E 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Neonatal breastfeeding is reported to have advantages for both physical and psychological well-being, including decreased incidence of infections, improved neurodevelopmental outcomes and a variety of lifelong health benefits. In some cases inadequate breastfeeding can lead to malnutrition and hypernatraemic dehydration. While the impact on physical health from hypernatraemic dehydration is well reported, the longer neurocognitive and quality of life (QoL) outcomes are rarely documented.

Method
We present neurocognitive profiles of two paediatric cases of hypernatraemic dehydration where significant brain damage had occurred. Neuropsychological assessments (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Children’s Memory Scale, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System and Wechsler Non-Verbal Scale of Ability, Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire) were administered within detailed clinical interview.

Results
Both children displayed cognitive performance within broad average level but with specific problems identified in working memory and processing speed, as well as immaturity and marked dysexecutive problems reported at home and school. These profiles are consistent with scan findings of injuries to the brain, including the frontal lobe.

Conclusions
We discuss the potential role for Pediatric Neuropsychologists in line with the NHS 5-year plan, in educating professionals involved in the care of pregnant women and their young babies regarding the impact of breastfeeding malnutrition and hypernatraemic dehydration on cognitive development and QoL. Education modules would aim to highlight implications of the potential devastating neuropsychological effects where malnutrition and hypernatraemic dehydration is severe, with the aim of increasing awareness of consequences and reducing the incidence of breastfeeding malnutrition and hypernatraemic dehydration and its potential lifelong neuropsychological effects.
C-59 Sex Differences as Predictors for Executive and Intellectual Functioning in Juvenile Huntington’s Disease Patients
Authors: Zwicker A , Cederberg C , Espe-Pfeifer P , Nopoulos P 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Juvenile Huntington's Disease (JHD) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease with onset in childhood or teenage years. Although there are many similarities with the adult form of the disease, JHD has a clinically distinct presentation. Some common symptoms include behavioral problems and cognitive decline. However, given the rarity of juvenile presentations, limited research exists regarding sex difference performances on executive and intellectual functioning in a JHD population. Thus, exploratory research was conducted to investigate such findings.

Method
Data from the Kids HD research study was analyzed (N = 58; mean age = 15.5, 50.8% female). Preliminary bivariate partial correlations, independent t-tests, and one way ANOVA tests were used to examine differences in executive and intellectual functioning between male and female participants.

Results
Performance significantly differed on several aspects of executive and intellectual functioning between sexes, including shifting attention (p = 0.007), verbal intellect (p = 0.019), and general ability intellect (p = 0.041). Significant differences were also observed regarding inhibition (p = 0.003), verbal categorical fluency (p = 0.021), and sorting (p = < 0.001).

Conclusions
Results suggest that there are significant differences in executive and intellectual functioning between sexes. In particular, males had more difficulty shifting attention, despite higher verbal intellect and higher general ability intellect. Females demonstrated greater inhibition, while males demonstrated stronger verbal categorical fluency and abstract reasoning. Between sexes, results indicate evidence of performance differences across tasks of executive and intellectual functioning. Such findings are consistent with a subcortical neurodegenerative process, such as HD.
C-62 The Physiological Effects of Infant Massage Techniques in a 17-month-old Patient with Bohring-Opitz Syndrome
Authors: Herd B , Chiang J , Patterson M , Regueiro V 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Bohring-Opitz syndrome (BOS) is a rare congenital disorder with approximately 60 documented cases worldwide. Distinguishing characteristics include a complex phenotype with associated feeding intolerance, emesis, sleep difficulties, respiratory complications, seizures, and failure to thrive. Infant massage is a supportive intervention with documented positive effects in medically-fragile infants, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacological treatment in BOS. Limited data exists regarding the clinical management of patients with BOS. To initiate this effort, we report the effects of infant massage on a male with BOS.

Method
Born at 32 weeks gestation, the patient presented with chronic respiratory failure, tracheostomy, and ventilator dependence. Development was complicated by chronic infections, autonomic instability, feeding intolerance, seizures, and prolonged sedation wean. Clinicians provided infant massage (~15 minutes/week) to the patient’s hands and feet from the ages of 12-20 months, with the goal of decreasing heart rate. Heart rate was measured after each massage session over a 3-month period (14 sessions total) during hospitalization.

Results
Decreased heart rate was recorded following all massage sessions, with an average decline of 10.4 beats per minute. Decreased non-purposeful body movements, increased tactile orientation, increased feeding tolerance, and timely discharge from the hospital were also noted.

Conclusion
This case study offers initial support for the use of infant massage for hospitalized patients with BOS. Infant massage was associated with lowered heart rate and improved hospitalization course. While the researchers propose integration of infant massage within the clinical management of patients with BOS, further research is warranted to elucidate its implications for improved health outcomes.