bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A - 68 The Underrepresentation of Board-Certified Neuropsychologists Practicing in Rural Areas: a Diversity Issue and Call for Action
Authors: McMillen Taylor N , Woolner Kelsey 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Despite the increasing growth of the discipline of clinical neuropsychology, there remains a lack of research as it pertains to the unique understanding and delivery of neuropsychological services in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to determine if there are a proportionate number of board-certified neuropsychologists practicing in rural, urbanized clusters, and urbanized areas as what would be excepted per the population according to the United States (U.S.) Census with the prediction that there will be less than expected board-certified neuropsychologists practicing in rural areas.

Methods
A database of board-certified neuropsychologists both through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN) was created for a total of 1620 board-certified neuropsychologists. Members were coded as either rural (5000 to 50,000 people). A Chi-square goodness of fit test was run comparing the proportions of board-certified neuropsychologists in rural, urbanized clusters, and urbanized areas with the expected proportions based on national population proportions.

Results
There were significantly fewer than expected board-certified neuropsychologists practicing in rural and urbanized areas as compared to the rural and urbanized area population per the U.S. Census Bureau (X^2 (2) = 7704.565, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
As predicted, rural areas have fewer board-certified neuropsychologists than would be expected. Not predicted was the finding of less board-certified neuropsychologists practicing in urbanized areas than would be expected. This finding suggests rural and urbanized areas are underserved, though tracking neuropsychologists who are not board certified is challenging.
A - 71 Cross-Cultural Comparison of Cognitive Performance between Americans and Cameroonians while Controlling for Age and Education
Authors: Heavens Brittany , Golden Charles , Stripling Ashley , Tchienga Ines 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The development of cognitive abilities varies based on social and cultural factors. Given the expansion of neuropsychological measures internationally, an accurate understanding of performance across different countries is necessary to understand the appropriateness of different cognitive tests. To expand the existing knowledge base, this study explores the differences in cognitive test performance between Cameroonian and American adults.

Methods
The Cameroonian sample, 250 adults ages 22–72 (mean age = 42.91 [SD = 13.76], 52% male, mean education = 13.54 [SD = 4.58]) resided in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Participants were tested at a district center. Deidentified data from a community mental health center’s archival database comprised the American sample. A one-factor between MANCOVA examined differences in performance on selected measures between Americans and Cameroonians after controlling for age and education.

Results
Age and education statistically significantly affected scores on all selected subtests except for WMS-IV Logical Memory I. Additional analyses revealed that performance still differed between conditions while controlling for age (F (6, 749) = 33.87, p &lt; 0.001; Wilk’s ∧ = 0.787, partial ŋ2 = 0.21), and education (F (6, 749) = 18.95, p &lt; 0.001; Wilk’s ∧ = 0.868, partial ŋ2 = 0.13) for WAIS-IV Digit span, WAIS-IV Symbol search, WAIS-IV Coding, Stroop color word, and WMS Logical Memory I & II subtests.

Conclusion
Age and education are important predictors of performance on cognitive tests. The importance of appropriately norming new assessments and re-norming older assessments is underscored when those variables are controlled for and differences in performance are maintained between the two conditions. Current findings indicate that cultural differences and their effect on cognitive development explain performance beyond age and education level.
A - 73 The Effects of Socioeconomic Status, Depression, and Chronic Stress on Cognitive Outcomes of Latino Older Adults Enrolled in HABS-HD
Authors: Breton Jordana , Hamlin Abbey M , Ortega Nazareth , Hossain Thaha , Shirvani Mona , Medor Joshua , Pethe Ashna L , Cavazos-Reyes Estefanía , Clark Alexandra L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Although research has established that lower socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to worse cognitive functioning in Latino older adults, the precise mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. SES has been linked to the manifestation and severity of depression and anxiety, and evidence suggests that Latinos may be more susceptible to the negative effects of these psychological factors in late life. Therefore, the present study examined the mediating role of psychological symptomatology in the relationship between SES and cognition.

Method
736 Latino older adults (mean age = 62.67) enrolled in HABS-HD were included. Mediation analysis tested the direct and indirect effects of SES (annual household income) and psychological symptomatology (depression, chronic stress) on memory and executive functioning composite scores.

Results
The direct effect of SES on memory was fully mediated by depression (β = 0.02, CI [0.01, 0.04]), and depression partially mediated the relationship between SES and executive functioning (β = 0.02, CI [0.01, 0.04]). There were no significant indirect effects of chronic stress on SES and memory (β = −0.0003, CI [−0.003, 0.002]) or executive functioning composite scores (β = 0.0004, CI [−0.002, 0.003]). However, after controlling for chronic stress, SES had a direct effect on executive functioning (β = 0.12, CI [0.03, 0.12], p = 0.001), but not memory (β = 0.03, CI [−0.03, 0.07], p = 0.48).

Conclusions
The effect of SES on cognition is mediated by depressive symptomatology but not chronic stress. Results suggest that culturally tailored treatment of depression may be an immediate intervention against long-standing resource inequalities.
A - 78 Verbal Fluency Tasks Showed Lower Performance in Hispanic Vs. Non-Hispanic White Group
Authors: Gamino Denise , Barnett Michael D , Bishop Kellee N , Boynton Harrison G , Carter Ericka , DiGiovanna Benjamin J , Langarica Ashley , Motley John E 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Neuropsychological tests administered in the U.S. are primarily designed for English-speaking and White populations. Language spoken, education, age, and acculturation have been shown to impact test performance in Hispanic populations. With a growing Hispanic population in the U.S., there is a demand for greater normative efforts in neuropsychological tests, especially verbal fluency tests. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites on verbal fluency tasks.

Methods
Adults (N = 65, age 18–81, M = 32.83) reported as either Hispanic (n = 17) or non-Hispanic White (n = 48). Verbal fluency tasks included Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Letter (LF) and Category Fluency (CF [Animals + Boys’ Names]) subtests.

Results
One-way ANOVA found that the Hispanic group showed lower correct responses in D-KEFS-CF (F(1, 63) = 4.84, p = 0.031, n2 = 0.71) than the non-Hispanic White group. Post hoc analysis showed lower performance in the Boys’ Names subtest (F(1, 63) = 4.458, p = 0.039, n2 = 0.066) and within the first interval (F(1, 63) = 4.788, p = 0.032, n2 = 0.071).

Conclusions
Results indicated that performance in verbal fluency tasks was lower in the Hispanic group –particularly in total boys’ names generation and within the first interval. This may derive from bilingual considerations and lesser cultural familiarity with American boys’ names. Although this study has limitations, further research should examine test performance differences on D-KEFS CF between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites to ensure accurate representation and reduce the risk of misclassifying Hispanics with language functioning deficits.
A - 80 Moderating Effect of Age on the Relationship between Mood and Executive Functioning among South Asians
Authors: Rafiuddin Hanan S , Khan Humza M , Patel-Shah Priya , Patel Hirangi , Irani Farzin , Hundal Jasdeep S , Krishnan Kamini , Sunderaraman Preeti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated whether depression and anxiety are associated with executive functioning (EF) performance among South Asians living in the United States (US). Further, we explored whether age moderated this relationship.

Method
This retrospective chart analysis study included 28 South Asians referred for a neuropsychological evaluation within multiple northeast US-based outpatient clinics. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-2nd edition (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Stroop Color Word Test- Color-Word Trial (SCWT-CW), and Verbal Fluency (FAS). Participants were dichotomized by age threshold (age 50 cut-off). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the moderating effect of age on mood and EF.

Results
The sample comprised 13 younger adults and 15 older adults (50+), with 60.7% male (Meducation = 16.0, SD = 2.3). Regression analysis indicated a significant overall model between age, BDI-II, and SCWT-CW (F(1,25) = 3.01, p &lt; 0.05, ΔR2 = 0.27). Further interaction analysis showed a stronger positive interaction effect between BDI-II and SCWT-CW (β = 5.39, F(1,24) = 4.91, p &lt; 0.05, ΔR2 = 0.15) in the younger adult group.

Conclusions
Findings suggest that South Asian older adults with lower levels of depression have worse performance on EF than younger adults. This is one of the first studies to identify links between age, mood, and EF. Interpretation is challenging given that the mean scores of depression and SCWT-CW were in the mild range. Future studies are needed to understand how factors, such as English speaking proficiency and acculturation, may moderate the association and impact clinical relevance.
A - 81 Gender Bias in Collateral Informant Ratings of the Lawton & Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale Varies by Ethnolinguistic Group
Authors: Scott Bonnie M , Rana Amtul-noor , Ortiz Bertha K , Strutt Adriana M , Hilsabeck Robin C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Building on our prior work showing that sociocultural factors influence the nature of one’s daily activities and the degree of assistance rendered once cognitive difficulties emerge, the present study aimed to examine gender differences in the frequency of abnormal IADLS ratings [Not Applicable (N/A), Requires Assistance (R/A), Dependent] in cognitively healthy older adults from different ethnic (Hispanic vs. Non-Hispanic) and linguistic (English vs. Spanish) groups.

Method
Baseline data from 1060 healthy older adults [Non-Hispanic English-speakers (NE) = 597; Hispanic English-speakers (HE) = 249; Hispanic Spanish-speakers (HS) = 214] 50–90 years of age enrolled in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium were analyzed using univariate analyses of variance and multivariate chi-squares within each ethnolinguistic group.

Results
Women obtained significantly (p &lt; 0.001) higher IADLS total scores (indicative of greater impairment) than men in each ethnolinguistic group. A significant difference (p &lt; 0.01) was found between gender across the sample for items related to Food Preparation, Housekeeping, and Laundry, wherein 7–25% of all men vs. &lt; 1% of all women received “N/A” ratings. Significantly more HE men vs. women also received “N/A” ratings for Finances (4:1) and Medications (7:1), while a similar trend was observed in the NH and HS groups but did not reach statistical significance. No participants received an “N/A” rating and no significant gender differences were observed for remaining IADLs.

Conclusion(s)
Obtained findings highlight considerable gender bias on the Lawton & Brody IADLS in healthy older adults, which clearly limits the utility of this instrument in the provision of patient-centered neuropsychological services and may confound the interpretation of clinical trial outcomes.
A - 82 Differences in Cognitive Effort-Based Decision Making between Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Scott Bonnie M , Eisinger Robert , Mara Roshan , Rana Amtul-noor , Thompson Sable , Okun Michael S , Gunduz Aysegul , Bowers Dawn 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Goal-directed decision-making relies on age-dependent reward processing. Current measures of motivation have yet to be validated for use among older adults (OA). This study aimed to compare the performance of younger adults (YA) and OAs on an objective effort-based decision-making behavioral task.

Method
Thirty-five YAs (21.9 ± 3.6 years of age) and thirty-five OAs (68.4 ± 8.5 years of age) completed a cognitive screening measure, self-report questionnaires assessing mood/motivation, and a computerized game in which individuals can choose to expend greater effort for larger reward that vary in magnitude and probability. Performance parameters were compared across groups.

Results
YAs displayed a greater willingness to exert effort for reward. YAs had faster decision-making time when compared to OAs, except conditions when the magnitude and probability for reward was lower. OA’s task difficulty selection was significantly influenced by the magnitude and probability for reward, as well as by previous trial outcomes. This behavior was not observed in YAs who were not sensitive to the magnitude of reward. Moreover, in OAs, lower levels of fatigue were correlated with expending greater effort in some reward probability conditions. Lower levels of apathy were also correlated with expending greater effort after following a small win.

Conclusion(s)
This study revealed preliminary evidence supporting the motivation task could recognize subtle motivational deficits and was well tolerated by YA and OAs. The measure was applicable in the context of age-related limitations. Our findings contribute to the existing body of research aimed at developing tools to accurately measure motivation levels among OAs.
A - 83 Concordance between Informant Measures, Executive Functioning, and Functional Ability in an Older Adult Population
Authors: Bodek Hannah S , Sergeyev Nicole , Krishnan Anjali , Rahman Aneela , Pare Nadia , Warren David E , Wilhelm Anna , Rabin Laura 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Informant-report measures often do not correlate with neuropsychological tests measuring the same cognitive construct, yet they may offer insight into everyday difficulties not captured by objective tests. Performance-based measures of functional ability, developed to capture real-world skills, may better align with informant-report measures. Clarifying the relationship between subjective and objective assessment tools in older adults could enhance precision in selecting the most appropriate measures.

Method
As part of a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, community-dwelling older adults who were cognitively unimpaired or who presented with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment completed tests of executive functioning (EF), (D-KEFS Trail Making Test 4, Letter Fluency, WCST, WAIS-Comprehension) and financial capacity, Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI-SF). Informants responded to measures of functional ability, Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire Short Version (A-IADL-Q-SV) and Assessment of Functional Capacity Interview (AFCI) and items capturing EF on the Brief Informant Form of Neurobehavioral Symptomatology (BINS).

Results
Participants’ (N = 97, Mage = 74.64 ± 7.42 years; Meducation = 15.76 ± 2.42 years; 74.2% female) FCI-SF performance significantly correlated with higher A-IADL-Q-SV (r = 0.403, p &lt; 0.01) and AFCI (r = −0.294, p &lt; 0.01) scores, whereas there was no significant correlation between a composite Z-score for traditional neuropsychological tests and select EF items from the BINS, (r = −0.119, p = 0.252).

Conclusion
We found greater alignment between objective and subjective measures of functional ability than EF, possibly due to the observable nature of functional tasks. Objective and informant measures of EF do not align, potentially targeting different aspects of cognition in non-demented older adults. This should be considered when selecting instruments measuring specific constructs of interest.
A - 84 Associations between Social Vulnerability, Adaptive Functioning, and Personal Distress in Non-Demented Older Adults
Authors: Sergeyev Nicole , Krishnan Anjali , Beadle Janelle N , Warren David E , Paré Nadia , Aflagah Erica , Nester Caroline , Rabin Laura 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Though social vulnerability is associated with cognitive decline in older adults, its correlation with socioemotional and functional changes, both common in neurogenerative diseases, is often overlooked. We sought to elucidate the interplay between these critical domains in older adults with varying degrees of cognitive compromise, including participants who presented with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or were cognitively unimpaired (CU), with implications for enhancing risk detection in vulnerable populations.

Method
Participants (N = 97; Mage = 74.64 ± 7.42 years; Meducation = 15.76 ± 2.42 years; 74.2% female) were community-dwelling older adults, along with their informants, who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing and responded to the Social Vulnerability Scale (SVS15), an informant-reported assessment designed to identify potential victims of exploitation. A Kruskal-Wallis test determined group differences on SVS15 (CU, SCD, MCI). Spearman correlations tested relationships among SVS15 and adaptive functioning (Assessment of Functional Capacity Interview, Financial Capacity Instrument) and personal distress, a measure of the tendency to experience anxiety/distress in response to others’ suffering (Interpersonal Reactivity Index–Personal Distress).

Results
SVS15 scores significantly differed across diagnostic groups, H(2) = 7.060, p &lt; 0.05, with the MCI group performing significantly worse than the CU group, H(2) = 17.703, p &lt; 0.05. SVS15 was significantly associated with worse functional (r = 0.571, p &lt; 0.001) and financial (r = −0.224, p = 0.027) capacity and heightened personal distress (r = 0.390, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Increased social vulnerability is associated with functional impairment and personal distress in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Older adults with elevated emotional reactivity in distressing situations and lower levels of functional and financial capacity may be more susceptible to exploitation.
A - 92 Association of the Grit Scale with Cognitive/Emotional Symptom Endorsement in Older Former College Athletes
Authors: Shurtz Logan , Bunt Stephen C , Schaffert Jeff , Didehbani Nyaz , LoBue Christian , Cullum C Munro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The Grit Scale is a validated measure of trait-level perseverance, often linked with resilience, and has been associated with better cognition and psychological well-being in older adults. As the ability to respond positively to setbacks is essential for a successful athlete, investigation of the Grit Scale in former athletes may prove beneficial for further understanding the effect of resilience and its relation to brain health and psychological well-being.

Method
Former college athletes (N = 678, 45.9% female) aged 50–87 (m = 61.44) from the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) completed the Grit Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Pearson’s partial correlations (r) were used to determine the relationship between scores on these measures, controlling for age and education.

Results
Pearson partial correlations between Grit Scale scores and scores from the other measures were modest but statistically significant: PHQ-8 (r = −0.342, p &lt; 0.001), GAD-7 (r = −0.259, p &lt; 0.001), CFI (r = −0.316, p &lt; 0.001), and TICS-m (r = 0.101, p = 0.008).

Conclusions
Comparison of the Grit Scale with PHQ-8, GAD-7, CFI, and TICS-m indicated that greater trait-level perseverance correlated with better cognitive and emotional functioning in former college athletes. Results emphasize the need to further evaluate perseverance/resilience and its value for understanding brain health and psychological well-being in athletes and former athletes.
A - 101 Anticholinergic Drug Use in Older Adults with Dementia: a Systematic Review
Authors: Sacco Allegra , Monahan Kathleen , Tamlyn Autumn , Gaudet Charles 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
This systematic review examined the prevalence of anticholinergic medication use, a known risk factor for cognitive impairment, among older adults with dementia.

Data Selection
PubMed and Embase were searched in February 2023 and March 2024 for studies reporting on the prevalence of anticholinergic medication use in older adults (age 65+) with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia. We appraised 560 peer-reviewed manuscripts to determine they met inclusion criteria. The systematic review was conducted, designed and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P).

Results
Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Anticholinergic medication use rates among adults aged 65 or older with dementia ranged from 4.4% to 63.4% across studies. The median prevalence was 23.1%. In addition to several versions of the Beers Criteria and STOPP Criteria, a range of potentially inappropriate medication criteria were used.

Conclusions
Anticholinergic medications were widely used among older adults with dementia. Compared to a prior systematic review published in 2019, the current results indicate an increase in the frequency of anticholinergic use among older adults with dementia. Given the presence of cognitive impairment in this population, healthcare providers should closely monitor anticholinergic burden in their older adult patients and consult with prescribers to consider risks and benefits associated with such medications. Future research examining the prevalence of anticholinergic use among a broader population of older adults (e.g., those with mild cognitive impairment) appears warranted.