bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A - 103 Exploring the Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol-Related Dementia: a Case Study
Authors: Vazir Sheila , Klein Hannah , Kearns Kelly 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Excessive and chronic alcohol use can cause structural/functional abnormalities in the brain, including cognitive impairment (CI) (Harper, 2009). Despite these established risks, alcohol-related dementia (ARD) has received little recognition, mainly due to lack of a distinct pathophysiological profile. Through a case differential approach (concussion vs. ARD), the authors aim to clarify diagnostic criteria for ARD.

Methods
A 56-year-old right-handed male presented to the emergency room after fall with head strike (no loss of consciousness) with alcohol withdrawal delirium. Symptoms of cerebellar ataxia and CI of 6-month duration were noted. Past medical history was significant for alcohol use (four standard units per day), hyperlipidemia, tobacco use, and depression/anxiety. Neuroimaging revealed cerebral atrophy and chronic small vessel ischemic disease. A neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) was conducted 18 days post-fall.

Results
NPE revealed relative weaknesses in working memory, complex attention, and visual abstraction. Impairments were noted in visuospatial organization/planning, processing speed, basic attention, verbal fluency, and verbal memory. Motor examination was evident for intention tremor.

Conclusion
Brain changes associated with ARD include volume loss, altered glucose metabolism, reduced neuronal density, changes in frontal lobe function, and white matter loss. In contrast, individuals affected by concussions may encounter challenges with attention/concentration, processing speed, and working memory. Distinguishing a clear diagnostic profile for ARD is difficult due to high rates of concomitant concussion in this population. The patient’s deficits exceed those expected due to concussion alone, with an anticipated cognitive recovery timeframe of 7–14 days (Iverson, 2006). Furthermore, neuroimaging and NPE results support the diagnostic hypothesis of ARD.
A - 105 Impact of COVID-19 on Executive Functioning and Processing Speed in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Torres Danna , Langdon Sarah , Savettiere Adriana , Delaney Devon , Fairchild J Kaci 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
COVID-19 can cause dopaminergic neuron senescence. Importantly, dopamine is instrumental in executive functioning (EF) and processing speed (PS). The current study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on EF and PS in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It was hypothesized that older adults would have significantly worsened EF and PS post-COVID-19 infection.

Methods
Participants were drawn from a larger study of late-life brain health. The current sample included nine older males with MCI, ages 57–90 years (M = 77.78 ± 9.89). Participants were predominantly White (78%) and well-educated (55.5% had a bachelor’s degree or higher). The Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) measured EF and PS at baseline (T1) and six months later (T2). All participants contracted COVID-19 between T1 and T2. Changes in cognition were assessed using paired sample t-tests.

Results
Post-COVID-19 infection, participants experienced a statistically significant decline on the SCWT color word trial (t = 3.15, p = 0.02). Participants evidenced nonsignificant change on the SCWT word trial (t = 1.70, p = 0.13) and the SCWT color trial (t = 1.94, p = 0.100).

Conclusions
In a sample of older adults with MCI, contracting COVID-19 potentially contributed to a significant decline in EF but not PS. Research has consistently highlighted the negative impact of Long COVID on EF. Current findings suggest that the COVID-19 infection negatively impacts EF, even in those without Long-COVID. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive function post-COVID infection in older adults with pre-existing cognitive impairment.
A - 106 Memory and Executive Functions in Everyday Problem-Solving in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kozuki Jordan , Collins Andrea , Dadawalla Ali , Matousek Elizabeth , McEvoy Caylynn , Miller Chris , Woo Ellen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Everyday problem solving plays a meaningful role in real-world functioning. It is well-known that memory and executive skills change with age and are especially impacted by conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (ad). This study examined the role of memory and executive functioning in the everyday problem-solving of healthy older adult, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and ad groups.

Method
Participants included healthy older controls (n = 58), persons with MCI (n = 65), and individuals with ad (n = 18). Composite scores were calculated for Memory (CVLT-II Long Delay Free Recall and BVMT-R Delayed Recall) and Executive Functioning (Stroop Interference and Trails B) tests completed by all participants. Everyday problem-solving was measured using participants’ total scores on the Everyday Problems Test (EPT).

Results
Across the cognitive spectrum (healthy aging, MCI, and ad), the results of a regression analysis found that memory and executive functioning were predictive of everyday problem-solving. We see that when broken down by diagnostic group, this finding was driven by memory and executive functioning predicting everyday problem-solving specifically in MCI. Memory and executive functioning did not predict everyday problem-solving in healthy older adults or ad.

Conclusion
Results indicate that memory and executive functioning play an important role in everyday problem-solving skills specifically in older adults exhibiting subtle cognitive impairment. Overall, this suggests that even mild cognitive decline begins to impact real-world functioning.
A - 108 Changes in Memory and Attention Function Post-COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults with MCI
Authors: Langdon Sarah M , Torres Danna , Fairchild J Kaci 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are more likely to develop dementia due to pre-existing cognitive impairment. COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia one-year post-infection. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on memory and attention in an amnestic sample. It was hypothesized that older adults with MCI would have significantly worse cognitive function post-COVID-19 infection.

Method
The current sample was drawn from a larger study of late life brain health. Our sample consisted of 9 older adults (mean age = 77.89 ± 9.89) with MCI. Participants were predominately White (77.78%) and male (100%). Participants completed the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) at baseline (T1) and 6 months (T2). All participants received the COVID-19 vaccine prior to T1 and contracted COVID-19 between T1 and T2. Paired sample t-tests evaluated cognitive change over time.

Results
Participants experienced non-significant change on the RAVLT Trial 6 (t = 0.00, p = 0.91), RAVLT Delayed Recall (t = 1.00, p = 0.35), RAVLT Sum Trials 1–5 (t = −1.49, p = 0.18), and RAVLT Trial 1 (t = −0.12, p = 0.91).

Conclusions
In our sample of older adults with MCI, contracting COVID-19 was not associated with significant worsening of learning, memory, or attention over a 6-month period. These findings suggest that the 6–12-month period post-COVID-19 infection may be a critical window for significant worsening of cognitive function. Future research should directly assess cognitive function in older at-risk groups 6–12 months post-COVID-19 infection.
A - 118 Tablet-Based Cognitive Assessment Demonstrates Valid Assessment of Prodromal Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Key Abigail M , Pinto Alex , Adams William H , Possin Katherine L , Burks Deven K , Paulsen Jane S 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We analyzed performances on novel iPad-based assessments between at-risk gene-negative controls and participants carrying the gene causing Huntington’s Disease. TabCAT (UCSF) is used to detect mild cognitive impairment and dementia. We evaluated sensitivity in ten TabCAT assessments targeting memory, executive function, motor, and visuospatial abilities in 137 participants. We evaluated TabCAT’s effectiveness in detecting impairment in participants and assessed reliability of one test (Tempo) compared to a standard instrument (Paced Tapping).

Methods
Cytosine-adenine-guanine trinucleotide repeat length gene multiplied by age (CAG by age product (CAP) score) measured disease progression, based on estimated probability of manifesting motor symptoms (31 low, 41 moderate, 36 high). Controls were genetic relatives who tested negative. All statistical tests used an alpha level of 0.05.

Results
Significant differences were found for Favorites Learning, Favorites Delay, Flanker, and Match. Variables showed similar worsening trends from low to high; however, only differences with the high group were significant. The standardized Cronbach Coefficient Alphas were 0.68 for the first group of Paced Tapping variables, 0.91 for the second group, and 0.98 for Tempo. The standardized Cronbach Coefficient Alpha for variables of both tests was 0.82.

Conclusions
Grouping prodromal HD participants by disease risk compared to gene-negative controls enables cross-sectional analysis. High-risk participants performed significantly worse on tasks evaluating visual memory and executive functioning. Findings replicate previous publications showing that cognitive impairment worsens as one’s risk for motor symptom onset increases. Findings also suggest that the tablet-based assessment procedures reflect a valid representation of the insidious cognitive decline seen in traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological assessment.
A - 120 Case Report on Functional Resilience Amidst Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology and Global Neuropsychological Deficits
Authors: Ramirez Sofia , Haddock Yanelee Perez , Ortega Alexandra , Neer Emory , Ortiz Juliana , Encarnacion Triana Abel , Crenshaw Kirsten , Carballea Denise , Crocco Elizabeth , Curiel Cid Rosie E , Loewenstein David E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
This case report study shows the concept of functional resilience in individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (ad) despite the presence of neurodegenerative pathologies and impaired neuropsychological performance. Current literature addresses the disjunction between ad pathologies and their clinical manifestations, suggesting that delays in ad clinical manifestations may be attributed to lifestyle factors such as cognitive and social activities, as well as an increased cognitive reserve.

Method
A 58-year-old White Hispanic female with 14 years of education presents a five-year history of gradual and progressive cognitive changes. Cognitive symptoms include forgetting conversations, past facts, and appointments, repetitiveness, and misplacing items. She presents with tandem gait disturbances, dysmetria, and dysdiadochokinesia. She is semi-independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) and serves as a caregiver for her mother with ad. She underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation as part of a research battery and completed an amyloid PET scan.

Results
The results indicated moderate-to-severe impairments across various cognitive domains, including memory, language, attention, executive function, and visuospatial constructional ability. PET Scan results are suggestive of the presence of ad pathology (BAPL score of 3).

Conclusion
The patient’s ability to manage ADLs while serving as a primary caregiver, despite facing considerable challenges related to cognitive performance, highlights her adaptability and independence. Identifying factors like implicit memory and psychosocial elements that support compensatory functional skills sheds light on enhancing independence and possibly the quality of life in individuals with ad. It emphasizes holistic dementia care, acknowledging and utilizing patients’ inherent resilience to navigate ad challenges.
A - 121 A Comparison of Phonemic and Semantic Fluency among Individuals with Vascular Encephalopathy (VaE), Alzheimer’s Disease (ad), and Healthy Controls (HC)
Authors: Dabbagh Dania , Smith Deja , Jones Macy , Bennett Ryan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To examine the performance of individuals with vascular encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and healthy controls on phonemic and semantic fluency tasks.

Method
Participants (N = 485) were categorized based on their diagnosis: VAE (n = 129, Mage = 76, 54.26% male); ad (n = 191, Mage = 75.67, 31.41% male); and HC (n = 165, Mage = 69, 26.67% male). Quade ANCOVAs were employed to probe differences in phonemic fluency and semantic fluency across the three groups while accounting for age and education.

Results
Statistically significant findings were observed for the overall model for phonemic and semantic fluency, indicating strong relationships between diagnosis and task performance (Phonemic: F(4, 480) = 115.017, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.489; Semantic F(4, 480) = 280.779, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.701). A contrast analysis revealed significant differences when comparing ad to HC [Phonemic: -165.300 (SE = 12.512, t = −13.21, p &lt; 0.001); Semantic −238.003 (SE = 9.583; t = −24.83, p &lt; 0.001)]. A similar pattern emerged when comparing the VAE and HC groups [Phonemic: -126.471 (SE = 13.833, t = −9.14, p &lt; 0.001); Semantic −181.446 (SE = 10.595, t = −17.12, p &lt; 0.001)].

Conclusion
Cognitive impairment type significantly influenced phonemic and semantic fluency scores, even after adjusting for age and education. ad individuals showed the lowest performance in both tasks compared to VaE individuals, who in turn performed worse than HCs. Assessing differences in phonemic and semantic fluency between disease groups is crucial for differential diagnosis and understanding specific cognitive deficits, which can guide personalized treatment strategies. These evaluations help monitor disease progression and contribute to research that may lead to improved therapeutic approaches.
A - 122 Neuropsychological Case Study: Late-Onset Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Kim Emily H , Mattis Paul J , Quinn Crystal G 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
We present the neuropsychological profile of a 65-year-old male diagnosed with late-onset Huntington’s Disease (HD) in April 2024. In the context of very subtle chorea movements over the past several years, he started experiencing mood disturbances (e.g., increased irritability and social withdrawal) starting in June 2023. These changes were followed by cognitive difficulties, which led to a hospitalization for autoimmune encephalitis workup in February 2024. He described difficulties with learning and memory for future events, concentration, and executive functions (e.g., organizing and problem-solving).

Method
Referral from neurology to conduct a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation to characterize his cognitive functioning. Exam, chart review, and clinical interviews were conducted.

Results
The cognitive profile was largely preserved, with mild attentional and executive difficulties, as well as mild challenges retrieving unstructured verbal information. This indicated subtle frontosubcortical network disruption. Self-report questionnaires indicated mild hopelessness but minimal anxiety and mood concerns. During the course of the neuropsychological evaluation, he underwent genetic testing, which was consistent with a diagnosis of HD (41 CAG repeats in the HTT gene). From a neuropsychological perspective, his psychiatric and cognitive disruption were also consistent with a diagnosis of HD.

Conclusion
The patient’s psychiatric and cognitive decline are now understood in light of his recent HD diagnosis. While cognitive difficulties are prevalent in individuals with HD, the low prevalence of late-onset HD makes the results of this case report particularly informative. This report contributes valuable insights into the neuropsychological presentation of older adults with HD.
A - 127 Semantic Fluency Performance as a Function of Race and Clinical Status
Authors: Ambeau Alexis , Brickell Emily , Lee Bern 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Determine whether performance on animal naming (AN) differs between African American (AA) and Caucasian patients with no cognitive disorder (NCD) and suspected Alzheimer’s Disease (ad).

Method
AN raw scores were obtained from Caucasian (N = 409) and AA (N = 83) patients evaluated at a large Southern medical center. Two-way factorial analysis of covariance was conducted focusing on the interaction among and differences between racial (AA, Caucasian) and clinical (ad, NCD) groups on AN. Covariates included age, education, and premorbid reading level (PRL) measured via Test of Premorbid Functioning (TOPF) raw score.

Results
Winsorization was used for outliers. The ad group (9.97[5.53]) produced significantly fewer words on average than the NCD group (18.99[5.15]), F(1, 485) = 46.01, p &lt; 0.001. There was no significant main effect of race after controlling for age, education, and PRL, F(1, 485) = 0.42, p = 0.517. However, there was a significant interaction between race and clinical group, with the difference between clinical groups greater among Caucasian patients, F(1, 485) = 13.89, p &lt; 0.001. Specifically, among NCD patients, Caucasians averaged higher scores (19.41[5.15]) than AAs (16.61[4.5]), despite controlling for age, education, and PRL, T(1,353) = 3.72, p &lt; 0.001. Among patients with ad, AAs (10.9[7.01]) and Caucasians (9.72[5.06]) scored similarly (p &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Results suggest differences in AN between ad and NCD are less pronounced for AA patients due to lower NCD AN scores among AAs. Evaluation of socioeconomic conditions (e.g., Area Deprivation Index), geographic linguistic patterns, and item-level error analysis could provide insight into differential AN performance.
A - 128 Informant Characteristics Impact Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kaser Alyssa N , Thakkar Vishal J , Kronenberger Oscar R , Cullum C Munro , González Deborah M , Walls Brittany D , Lacritz Laura 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale is an informant-based instrument widely used in clinical and research settings to stage dementia severity. Informant-based reports of functioning have been shown to be influenced by informant characteristics, indicating a potential source of bias. The current study adds to this growing area of research by exploring the differential impact of informant characteristics on CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) among non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Method
Participants included 2775 older adults diagnosed with MCI from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. Multiple linear regression models with forward selection evaluated the extent to which various informant characteristics predicted CDR-SB scores in the whole sample and NHW (n = 2170), NHB (n = 495), and Hispanic (n = 110) groups, covarying for participant demographics and cognition (MoCA).

Results
Informant sex, education, age, relationship type, and cohabitation status significantly predicted CDR-SB scores in this sample (R2 = 0.096, p &lt; 0.001). Models stratified by race and ethnicity accounted for 20.2%, 10.3%, and 6.9% of the variance in CDR-SB scores in Hispanic, NHB, and NHW groups, respectively (ps &lt; 0.001). Variability in model predictors was observed across groups, with informant characteristics accounting for more model variance than participant demographics in Hispanic and NHB groups. Results remained significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions
Informant characteristics and relational factors may influence perceptions of participant functioning on the CDR-SB and may particularly affect scores among Hispanic older adults with MCI, though further validation in community-based cohorts with adequate racial and ethnic representation is warranted.
A - 129 Healthcare Disparity between Dominant English Versus Spanish-Speaking Deep Brain Stimulation Candidates with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kim Doyen , Hart Roland P , Bradley Hannah , Palmese Christina A 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The existence of healthcare disparities is well documented, although data regarding mental health disparities in pre-surgical deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains emergent. In this study, we compare mood, apathy, and quality of life (QoL) in dominant English and Spanish-speaking PD-DBS candidates. We hypothesized that presurgical PD-DBS Spanish-speakers would have greater disease burden and lower mood and QoL compared to native English-speakers.

Method
Demographic and disease specific characteristics including disease duration and severity (Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS)), mood (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Starkstein Apathy Scale (SAS)), and QoL (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39)) were compared. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests to identify group differences based on language dominance (English (n = 20), Spanish (n = 20)).

Results
Spanish-speakers had higher disease burden (MDS-UPDRS “on”: p = 0.018; “off”: p = 0.023), but no other statistical significance in demographic or clinical motor characteristics. There were significant group differences in mood (BDI-II: p = 0.046), PDQ-39 Total and subdomain scores (Total: p = 0.017; ADL: p = 0.005; Mobility: p = 0.007; Emotional Wellbeing: p = 0.029; and Bodily Discomfort: p = 0.007) with Spanish-speakers reporting poorer QoL. No significant group differences were found regarding apathy.

Conclusion(s)
Spanish-speakers demonstrated greater disease burden and endorsed significantly lower QoL and depression symptoms compared to English speakers. These data add to our understanding of healthcare disparities among presurgical PD-DBS candidates and suggest that underrepresented groups, such as dominant Spanish-speakers, may have less access to early intervention, missed PD symptomology, and/or cultural apprehension about seeking medical care, thus increasing disease burden and impacting QoL over time.