bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B - 70 Left-Sided Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease Are Associated with Impaired Social Cognition: a Preliminary Study
Authors: Wagner Daymond , Eslinger Paul , Lewis Mechelle , Huang Xumei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Disruption of frontostriatal pathways underlies working memory and executive function impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD), including theory of mind (ToM). PD symptoms appear on one side and remain lateralized, suggesting greater dysfunction in the contralateral basal ganglia. Previous studies have suggested the right hemisphere, particularly right frontal lobe, has greater involvement in ToM processing. We hypothesized PD subjects with left hemi-motor symptoms, indicating right hemisphere involvement, would show greater deficits on a ToM task.

Method
Fourteen PD subjects with lateralized symptoms (9 left, 5 right) and 12 controls were selected from an ongoing NIH-funded study. Participants were right-handed and free of other neurological conditions. Groups did not differ on age, education or sex. Participants completed a ToM story task, neuropsychological measures (Visual-Verbal test, verbal and design fluency, and digit span) and a depression scale.

Results
Relative to controls, PD subjects with left-sided symptoms had trouble deciding if the character was lying or joking (p = 0.001 95% CI[1.002, 4.277]) and trending difficulty discerning a character’s second order belief (what another character was thinking) when the intent was humorous (p = 0.077; 95% CI[−0.122, 3.055]), after accounting for age. ToM story performance correlated with cognitive measures in PD subjects with right-sided symptoms, but not in those with left-sided symptoms or controls.

Conclusions
Individuals with PD and demonstrating left hemi-motor symptoms may have greater difficulty in social cognition beyond executive function or working memory disorders, impacting interactions with caregivers and their quality of life. Investigation with a larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.
B - 77 Memory Testing in an Intractable Epilepsy Sample
Authors: Burks Alexis , Verney Steven P , Abrams-Silva Lynette , Lega Brad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Epilepsy affects 3.4 million people in the United States and 70 million globally. A third have intractable epilepsy, epilepsy that is not well-controlled by medication. Understanding memory and cognitive functioning in this population will further comprehension of cognitive changes in this population. However, few neuropsychological measures can be administered on a regular basis without compromising reliability. This study investigated experimental and standardized memory measures in patients with intractable epilepsy.

Methods
Individuals with intractable epilepsy (n = 188; mean age = 37.5 years) scheduled to undergo depth electrode surgery were given a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including Rey-Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) or California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). During their stay in the hospital following surgery, participants were also given an experimental computerized verbal list learning test multiple times throughout their stay.

Results
The experimental task and standardized task were significantly associated on total recall (r = 0.348, p &lt; 0.01) and immediate learning (r = 0.383, p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Understanding memory in individuals with epilepsy will help further clinical treatment and outcomes for these individuals. A task such as our experimental verbal list learning task that can be administered frequently and consistently could make serial testing possible. This would be particularly helpful in situations where rapid change occurs, or regular monitoring of symptoms is needed. Clinically, this type of testing could lead to better understanding of cognitive symptoms over time.
B - 78 Virtual Reality Versus Analog Performance and the Age-Related Paradox of Prospective Memory
Authors: Hulsman Erin E , Boynton Harrison G , Lopez Christian , Gerrels-Hinkle Sarah E , Cornwell Hannah E , Bishop Kellee N , Barela Lance , Coldiron Allyson M , Barnett Michael D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
A prospective memory (PM) task in virtual reality (VR) was developed to investigate whether older adults perform better when tested in true-to-life environments, as they do in naturalistic environments according to the age-related paradox. The purpose of this study was to compare younger and older adults on PM tasks in analog and VR environments.

Method
Older adults (N = 87; ages 60–90) and younger adults (N = 54; ages 18–26) were administered PM tasks using analog and virtual reality environments, as part of the Virtual Kitchen Protocol.

Results
A two-way, mixed-subjects analysis of variance indicated that both age groups performed better on the analog PM task than on the VR task (F[1, 139] = 48.32, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.26), and that younger adults performed better than older adults on both PM tasks (F[1, 139] = 76.90, p &lt; 0.001, partial η2 = 0.36).

Conclusion
While PM performance was higher on the analog task for both age groups, performance on the VR task decreased similarly for younger and older adults. The life-like distractors in VR appeared to impact both age cohorts equivalently, suggesting that VR assessment is equally valid with older adults as it is with younger adults. Although the VR setting was selected to imitate real life, the environment details did not appear specific enough to replicate the boost found in older adults’ PM in naturalistic environments. Future research on PM should model VR tasks after individuals’ home environments to tap into the over-learned habits utilized in individuals’ everyday lives.
B - 79 Response Time to Derived Relations Is Related to Episodic Memory Performance
Authors: Kadey Kylie R , Dixon Bradley J , DeBrito Marci , Woodard John L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
After two stimulus pairs with a common stimulus are presented, healthy adults readily derive multiple indirect associations between each stimulus without explicit training. Factors related to this ability to derive new associations are relatively unstudied. We investigated the effects of sex and episodic memory performance on response times (RT) for different stimulus types (letters versus symbols) during trained and derived relational responding.

Method
Ninety-four cognitively healthy young adults were administered a relational responding (RR) task and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R) remotely via videoconferencing. In the RR task, two associations were directly trained in a single learning trial (A → B; A → C). Four other associations can be derived (B → A; C → A; B → C; C → B). Moderated multiple regressions examined main and interaction effects of sex and HVLT-R performance on correct RTs for trained and derived relations between letters and symbols, separately.

Results
Higher HVLT-R immediate and delayed recall scores were associated with faster RTs for all derived, but not trained, relations in the letter (p = 0.001–0.022) and symbol (p = 0.006–0.043) conditions. There was no main effect of sex, but significant sex by HVLT-R interactions were observed for several derived relations in the symbol (p = 0.032–0.044) and letter conditions (p = 0.035). Only males showed a significant RR-HVLT-R association.

Conclusions
After a single presentation of two stimulus pairs, participants learned the two trained associations and independently derived four new, untrained stimulus relations. Better HVLT-R performance predicted faster RT uniquely for derived relations between letters/symbols. This relationship was more robust in males. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of RR-based interventions for memory rehabilitation.
B - 83 A Case Study of Suspected Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia in an Older Adult with a Prior History of Seizures
Authors: Smith Alphonso , Hicks Cullen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by agrammatism and apraxia of speech. Other features include impaired comprehension of syntactically complex structures, intact object knowledge, and spared single-word comprehension. Given the complexity of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) syndromes, neuropsychologists can play a vital role in differential diagnosis, particularly when there are comorbid medical factors.

Method
This case study presents on a 74-year-old female with progressive language and cognitive impairment over the past 8 years whose care was jointly managed in specialty neurology clinics (e.g., Epilepsy and Memory Disorders) at a university medical center. She had a history of generalized convulsive seizures but with none occurring in several years. She was weaned off phenobarbital over the course of a few months to help rule out any adverse effects on functioning but her deficits persisted. Follow-up MRI showed mild-to-moderate diffuse atrophy. Her cognitive neurologist raised concerns for PPA which prompted the neuropsychological evaluation 3–4 months later.

Results
Testing showed prominent impairments in fluency, naming, repetition, oral reading, and comprehension for grammatically complex questions while semantic knowledge for objects was preserved. Conversational language was halting, effortful, dysfluent, and anomic. Broader cognitive deficits were also observed during testing which was suggestive of more generalized cerebral dysfunction.

Conclusions
The patient’s profile was highly concerning for PNFA. Further work-up at the institution’s Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic along with an FDG-PET scan were recommended to help further clarify her profile. Overall, this case highlights the utility of neuropsychology in the differential diagnosis of complex neurodegenerative disorders with comorbid medical factors.
B - 86 Association of Fronto-Parietal Network White Matter Tract Connectivity with Executive Functioning and Working Memory in a Diverse Sample
Authors: Campbell Ivan , Ikonomou Vasilios , Myers Melissa , Hawley Nanako , Pizer Jasmin , Wagaman Bailey , Hill Benjamin D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
We evaluated whether Fronto-Parietal Network (FPN) connectivity is associated with cognitive performance within an ethnically diverse sample.

Method
Linear regression modeling of 50 FPN white matter tract connectivity measures (volume, anisotropy, diffusivity) predicted executive functioning (EF) and working memory (WM) data including Trails Making Test parts A and B (TMTA/TMTB), Digit Span (DSF/DSB/DST), and Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) in an ethnically diverse sample (n = 2715, African American = 515, Non-Hispanic White = 1096, Mexican American = 1104). Maximum Likelihood Factoring (MLF) controlled for collinearity within connectivity measures.

Results
The best predictors of cognitive performance were thickness of the right caudal anterior cingulate (CAC) (p &lt; 0.001 with DSF, DST, DSS) and mean diffusivity of the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (rSLF) (p &lt; 0.001 with DSF, DST, TB). Within cognitive tests, DSF had the greatest number of significant relationships with connectivity measures (mean diffusivity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus, thickness of the right caudal anterior cingulate, and thickness of the right rostral anterior cingulate, each at p &lt; 0.001). Three factors emerged from MLF which each had multiple significant relationships with cognitive task variables. However, variance accounted for was minimal (R2 &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Relationships between FPN white matter tract connectivity with EF and WM scores are replicable in ethnically heterogeneous samples. Both the CAC and rSLF have previously been shown to be implicated in frontoparietal working memory functionality, however the lateralization of the functional relationship shown above appears to be unique to this sample. Further ethnically heterogenous neuroimaging studies are necessary to determine the uniqueness of these findings.
B - 87 Investigating Acceptance as an Incremental Predictor of Perceived and Actual Cognitive Performance
Authors: Fraga Kylie , Erickson Thane M , Wee Janelle Y 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue are highly prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and these factors are associated with perceived cognitive functioning (Middleton et al., 2006). Acceptance is an appraisal that is consistently linked to favorable outcomes and is vital in many psychological interventions for individuals with MS (Wilski, et al., 2019). Cognitive changes are prevalent in MS and appraisals may influence perceptions of these changes. Thus, investigating modifiable factors that influence perceived and actual cognition is important for clinical purposes. However, the co-occurrence of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in MS complicates the evaluation of differential impact of acceptance on cognitive functioning. This study aims to assess the unique contributions of acceptance on perceived cognitive impairment and neuropsychological performance. We hypothesized acceptance will contribute significantly to perceived and actual cognitive performance beyond the effects of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Participants include individuals diagnosed with MS at an outpatient MS clinic (N = 116). Participants completed a cognitive battery and self-report measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, appraisals, and perceived cognitive deficits. Hierarchical regression analyses in R showed that fatigue predicted lower cognitive performance (b = − 0.03, SE = 0.01, p = 0.03) and greater perceived cognitive deficits (b = 1.05, SE = 0.14, p &lt; 0.001). Anxiety predicted greater perceived cognitive deficits (b = 0.97, SE = 0.27, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Mental fatigue remains crucial to perceived and actual cognitive impairment, even beyond acceptance. Anxiety is an important intervention target when there are high levels of perceived cognitive impairment.
B - 88 The Role of Cognitive Functioning on Trauma and Suicidality in Inpatient Cisgender and Gender-Minority Youth
Authors: Gonzalez Katie , Dotti Rebecca , Thomas Hannah , Holler Karen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to examine how executive functioning (EF) and processing speed (PS) moderate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and suicidality in cisgender and gender-minority youth (GMY) in an inpatient setting. We hypothesized that neurocognitive domains will moderate the relationship between ACE’s and suicidality in GMY.

Methods
An inpatient psychiatric sample of 43 GMY and 43 cisgender adolescents ages 13–19 (M = 15.02, SD = 1.57) participated in this study. Participants completed the ACEs to measure cumulative trauma exposure, and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory that assessed suicidality. EF and PS composite scores were used as moderators.

Results
Two regression models were conducted to examine how EF, PS, ACEs, and the ACEs*EF and ACEs*PS interactions predicted suicidality for cisgender and GMY respectively. For cisgender adolescents, no significance was found in the regression model (F(5,36) = 1.11, p = 0.370) or interactions between ACEs and EF (b = −2.24, p = 0.122) or PS (b = 2.14, p = 0.390). Although the regression model was not significant (F(5,37) = 1.52, p = 0.207) for GMY, there were significant crossover interactions between ACEs and EF (b = −3.50, p = 0.013; 95%CI = −6.20, −0.80), and PS (b = −3.67, p = 0.027; 95%CI = 0.44, 6.90) on suicidality.

Conclusion
These results suggest that EF and PS meaningfully attenuate the relationship between ACEs and suicidality for GMY in an inpatient setting whereas this attenuation is not seen in their cisgender counterparts. Such findings can lead to better indicators and interventions for GMY in inpatient settings.
B - 90 Need for Cognition Results in Greater Persistence on Fluid Intelligence Tests
Authors: Ikonomou Vasilios C , Wagaman Bailey , Myers Melissa A , Campbell Ivan , Hawley Nanako A , Pizer Jasmin H , Asencio-Ortiz Paola , Foster Joshua , Hill Benjamin D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
We evaluated reaction time (RT) as a mediator of the relation between the trait Need for Cognition (NFC) and Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM).

Methods
174 undergraduate students (M = 20 years old, SD = 1.5; 74.1% female) completed the 18 item NFC questionnaire and RAPM as part of a larger battery. RAPM mean RT (RMRT) was calculated in msec.

Results
Overall total effect between NFC and RAPM total score was significant [F(2,146) = 44.04; p &lt; 0.001; r2 = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.18] when not accounting for the effect of the mediator for RT. RMRT demonstrated a significant indirect effect on RAPM total score [B = 0.11; t(148) = 4.34; p &lt; 0.001; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.24]. Results indicate that the direct effect of NFC and RAPM was significant [B = 0.23; t(148) = 3.42; p &lt; 0.001; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.19] when controlling for the mediator of RT, which shows a partially mediated effect.

Conclusions
RT partially mediates the relationship between NFC and RAPM performance. This is the first demonstration that high NFC improves performance on fluid intelligence tests at least partly by high NFC individuals persevering longer on test items. As NFC and RAPM are still correlated after including RT as a mediator, test persistence is not solely responsible for this direct relationship. Future research needs to determine additional variables that account for the relation between NFC and RAPM.
B - 96 Assessing the Factor Structure of Social Connectedness and its Psychopathological Correlates
Authors: Nabulsi Yasmin B , McClellan Marnee , Milam Alicia , Haschke Katelyn , Debb Scott 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Since COVID-19, social isolation has become increasingly prevalent, impacting neurocognitive, physical, and psychological health. Assessment of psychological functioning involves gauging levels of social dysfunction, particularly ones that capture psychopathological correlates. The current study aimed to explore the factor structure of the Social Connectedness Scale (SCS) as well as the predictive nature of depression and anhedonia on factor loadings of the SCS. Past studies established the SCS as a one-factor scale, however, social disconnection is observed in individuals with various pathologies, suggesting a multifaceted nature to this construct.

Method
A university population (N = 383) was given the SCS, the Revised-Social Anhedonia Scale-Short Form (RSAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Results
An exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation and maximum likelihood extraction yielded three factors explaining 60% of the variance. Factor 1 (factor loadings between 0.48 and 0.78) reflected overall feelings of disconnection from the world, and 35% of the variance. Factor two (factor loadings between 0.57 and 0.78) contributed 16% of the variance, measuring closeness with friends and family. Factor three (factor loadings between 0.61and 0.69) explained 6% of the variance, measuring stranger adaptability. A hierarchical linear regression show RSAS and BDI predicting more variance for factor 1 (R2 = 0.43) than factor 2 (R2 = 0.31) or factor 3 (R2 = 0.17), all ps &lt; 0.01.

Discussion
These results did not replicate a one-factor structure similar to past studies, supporting a multidimensional and complex nature of social connection. Measurement of social connection dimensions may be particularly relevant to assessment of individuals with mixed neuropsychological and psychopathological features.
B - 99 The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury on Empathy and Quality of Life
Authors: Pek Nicholas J 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The focus of this present research was to investigate the relationship between empathy and quality of life in individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI.

Method
Individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI between ages 18 and 65 (N&#3f39) completed the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) and Empathy Quotient (EQ).

Results
Performance on the EQ was correlated with QOLIBRI (r(1,37) = 0.398, p = 0.012). Based on their EQ scores, the participants were divided into three groups: below-average empathy (N = 9), average empathy (N = 16), and above average empathy (N = 14). There was a statistically significant difference in the total QOLIBRI scores across the three empathy groups (F (2, 36) = 5.037, p = 0.012). Post-hoc analysis, indicated those with lower EQ scores also reported lower QOLIBRI scores.

Conclusion(s)
This work provides evidence that those with low empathy may have a worse quality of life after brain injury relative to those with higher levels of empathy. Understanding the relationship between empathy and quality of life for individuals with brain injury can inform professionals where to target interventions such that improvements in empathy may also increase quality of life.
B - 103 Early Onset Frontotemporal Dementia: a Neuropsychological Case Study
Authors: Greco Steven , Sica Robert , Sawhney Jasmin , Rastogi Amisha 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives
A neuropsychological case review of Early-Onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) utilizing the Meyers Neuropsychological Battery (MNB). FTD is a degeneration of brain nerve cells resulting in behavioral deterioration and other effects upon personality and brain functions. Due to early onset of FTD, diagnostic ambiguity is often the case. The current case was a patient referred by neurology to rule-out adult ADHD/LD.

Methods
The patient is a 51-year-old, Caucasian, right-handed male. Initially, his symptoms were sleep changes, anxiety, reduced attention concentration, and memory. The medical community indicated the possibility of an undiagnosed ADHD condition. MRI and EEG of the brain revealed an arachnoid cyst and focal slowing in the left temporal region. In addition, asymmetric enlargement of the left Sylvian fissure and brain parenchyma were noted.

Results
MNB neurocognitive findings were diffuse and revealed lateralized motor impairments in primary and psychomotor abilities. MNB Premorbid Estimate (T-48), OTBM (T-31), and DTBM (T-27) were comparatively significant. Psychological findings were consistent with an anxiety disorder.

Conclusion
Contrary to the medical community diagnostic initial impression, ADHD was ruled out. MNB revealed a pattern of findings consistent with a neurodegenerative condition (FTD, Cor. = 0.74, Conf. = 0.80). This study highlights the importance of administering a full thorough neuropsychological examination rather than assessing the patient’s complaints of “reduced attention concentration.” FTD is statistically increasing, hence the importance to fully evaluate across the lifespan, especially in consideration to early onset FTD.