Neuropsychological Tests Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The development of imitation during the second year of life plays an important role in domains of socio-cognitive development such as language and social learning. Deficits in imitation ability in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have also been repeatedly documented from toddlerhood into adulthood, raising the possibility that early disruptions in imitation contribute to the onset of ASD and the deficits in language and social interaction that define the disorder. This study prospectively examined the development of imitation between 12 and 24 months of age in 154 infants at familial risk for ASD and 78 typically developing infants who were all later assessed at 36 months for ASD or other developmental delays. The study established a developmental measure of imitation ability, and examined group differences over time, using an analytic Rasch measurement model. Results revealed a unidimensional latent construct of imitation and verified a reliable sequence of imitation skills that was invariant over time for all outcome groups. Results also showed that all groups displayed similar significant linear increases in imitation ability between 12 and 24 months and that these increases were related to individual growth in both expressive language and ratings of social engagement, but not fine motor development. The group of children who developed ASD by age 3 years exhibited delayed imitation development compared to the low-risk typical outcome group across all time-points, but were indistinguishable from other high-risk infants who showed other cognitive delays not related to ASD.

- by Agata Rozga
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Developmental Psychology, Language Acquisition
- by alessandra coeytaux
- •
- Cognitive Science, Movement disorders, Brain, Movement

In this fMRI study we investigated functional connectivity between components of the mentalising system during a social emotion task, using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. Ten adults (22–32 years) and 18 adolescents (11–18 years) were scanned while thinking about scenarios in which a social or a basic emotion would be experienced. Unlike basic emotions (such as disgust and fear), social emotions (such as embarrassment and guilt) require the representation of another’s mental states. In both adults and adolescents, an anterior rostral region of medial prefrontal cortex (arMPFC) involved in mentalising showed greater connectivity with the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) bordering on the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) and with anterior temporal cortex (ATC) during social than during basic emotion. This result provides novel evidence that components of the mentalising system interact functionally during a social emotion task. Furthermore, functional connectivity differed between adolescence and adulthood. The adolescent group showed stronger connectivity between arMPFC and pSTS/TPJ during social relative to basic emotion than did the adult group, suggestive of developmental changes in functional integration within the mentalising system.

- by Stephanie Burnett Heyes
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Psychophysics, Social Cognition

Background: Postnatal dexamethasone (DXM) treatment is associated with adverse motor outcome. It is largely unknown as to what extent functional outcome at school age is affected. Aims: Our first aim was to determine motor, cognitive, and behavioural outcome at school age of preterm-born children treated with high-dose DXM for pulmonary problems. Our second aim was to identify DXM-related risk factors for adverse outcome. Study design: In this cohort study, we included 53 very preterm-born children treated with DXM (starting dose 0.5 mg/kg/d) after the first week of life. At the median age of 9 years, we performed a detailed neuropsychological assessment. Results: Compared to the norm population, DXM-treated children scored worse on the Movement-ABC (abnormal fine motor, ball skills and balance: 59%, 47% and 30%, respectively). They more often had total (36%), verbal (32%) and performance IQs (55%) below 85 (P b .001, P = .002, P b .001, respectively). On each of the remaining measures, DXM-treated children scored worse than the norm population, except for verbal long-term memory and verbal recognition memory. DXM-related risk factors were associated with poorer performance. Conclusions: At school age, multiple domains of functional outcome were affected in DXM-treated children. Risk factors related to the use of DXM should be considered as serious potentiaters of adverse outcome in children treated with high-dose DXM. Please cite this article as: Hitzert MM, et al, Functional outcome at school age of preterm-born children treated with high-dose dexamethasone, Early Hum Dev (2014), http://dx.

- by Marrit Hitzert
- •
- Cognitive Science, Cognition, Treatment Outcome, Executive Function

This research aimed to develop a Fetal Alcohol Behavior Scale (FABS) that describes the behavioral essence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE), regardless of age, race, sex, and 10. Using a reference sample of 472 diagnosed patients with FAS or FAE, ages 2 to 51, five studies are described. The FABS demonstrates high item-to-scale reliability (Cronbach's (Y = 0.91) and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.69) over an average interval of 5 years. It identifies many of the subjects with known or presumed prenatal alcohol exposure in detection studies using both prison and general samples. FABS scores also predict dependent living among adult patients with FASIFAE. The FABS is uncorrelated with 10, sex, age, race, and diagnosis (FAS versus FAE). We outline areas of further work to define the specificity and utility of this FABS.

- by Paul Sampson
- •
- Psychology, Psychometrics, Intelligence, Behavior

This selective review article examines treatment and intervention strategies for executive function (EF) deficits within the school environment. We begin by providing a broad definition of EF. We then examine the scope of EF deficits within the school setting and identify profiles of special populations of students who present with such deficits. A focus is placed on the developmental trajectory that both EF and the frontal lobes follow and how this drives the selection and effectiveness of treatments and interventions at particular ''critical periods'' throughout a child's academic career. Direct and indirect school-based diagnostic assessment methods to identify EF deficits in students will be briefly reviewed. Against that background, various treatment methods and intervention strategies to remediate both cognitive and affective EF deficits within the confines of the school setting will be presented. Individual and group intervention strategies will be presented as will their current acceptance within the scientific community and applicability to the educational arena. The importance of incorporating school-based neuropsychological assessment methods that aid in the differential diagnosis of academic and behavioral difficulties directly related to EF will also be discussed, as the accurate identification of these impairments is necessary to facilitate data-based decision making when selecting the most appropriate interventions following a developmental model in educational settings. Topics addressing EF treatment modalities and research-based interventions for clinical and school-based practitioners to consider within educational settings will also be presented as suggestions for future research with pediatric populations.

- by Tulio Otero
- •
- Mindfulness, Executive Function, Schools, Students

This study examines the relationship between a computerized neuropsychological assessment battery, the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) and a widely used ability measure, Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJ-III). Results indicated substantial relationship between the ANAM throughput (accuracy/response time) scores and the WJ-III Cognitive Efficiency cluster. An unexpectedly strong relationship was evident between accuracy scores on the ANAM Logical Reasoning scale and the WJ-III General Intellectual Ability score, purporting to measure the g factor. The findings support the viability of the ANAM as a time- and cost-effective tool for appraisal of cognitive function.

- by S. Kathleen Krach
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Military Medicine, Intelligence

Executive functioning deficits characterize the neuropsychological profiles of the childhood neurodevelopmental disorders of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This study sought to determine whether similar impairments exist in adults with ADHD (N = 53) and ASD (N = 45) in comparison with a healthy control group (N = 31), whether the two disorders can be distinguished on the basis of their executive functioning features, and whether these impairments are related to symptom severity. Both clinical groups were found to exhibit executive functioning deficits. The ADHD group had difficulty withholding a response, with relative preservation of initiation and planning abilities. In contrast, the ASD group exhibited significant impairments in initiation, planning and strategy formation. The specific executive functioning deficits were related to severity of response inhibition impairments in ADHD and stereotyped, repetitive behaviours in ASD. These findings suggest the autism

- by Jessica Bramham
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

To investigate whether variations within normal ranges of thyroid functioning are related to cognitive and neuropsychiatric functioning in Alzheimer disease (AD). Mild alterations of thyroid hormone levels, even in the normal range, are associated with changes in mood and cognitive functioning in older, nondemented adults, and lower concentrations of thyroid hormones have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for cognitive decline. Less is known about the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and cognitive and neuropsychiatric dysfunction in AD. Twenty-eight euthyroid patients with AD on donepezil underwent evaluation of thyroid status, including measures of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and cognitive and neuropsychiatric assessment with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Visual Analog Mood Scales. Correlational analyses indicated statistically significant associations between FT4 concentrati...

- by Brian Ott
- •
- Psychology, Dementia, Cognition, Medicine

INTRODUCTION Despite the serious behavioral consequences faced by individuals with sexual compulsivity, related neuropsychological studies are sparse. AIM To compare decision making and cognitive flexibility at baseline and after exposure to an erotic video in sexually compulsive participants and non-sexually compulsive controls. METHODS The sample consisted of 30 sexually compulsive men and 30 controls. Cognitive flexibility was investigated through the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and decision making was examined through the Iowa Gambling Task. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Wisconsin Card Sorting Test categories, correct responses, and perseverative errors and Iowa Gambling Task general trends and blocks. RESULTS Sexually compulsive subjects and controls performed similarly at baseline. After watching an erotic video, controls performed better in block 1 of the Iowa Gambling Task (P = .01) and had more correct responses on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS The controls...

- by Bruna Messina
- •
- Psychology, Medicine, Executive Function, Erotica

The study evaluates the efficacy of a procedural memory stimulation programme in mild and mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty basic and instrumental activities of daily living have been selected, and divided into two groups, comparable for difficulty. Ten normal elderly subjects (age 68.0L4.8 years; MMSE score: 28.7+ 0.9; education: 7.6k3.5 years) were asked to perform the two groups of daily activities and the time required to perform the tasks of each group was recorded and used as a reference. Ten mild and mild-moderate AD patients (age 77.2k5.3 years; MMSE score: 19.823.5; education: 7.3k4.7 years) without major behavioural disturbances constituted the experimental group. Patients were evaluated in all 20 daily activities and the time employed was recorded at baseline and after a 3-week training (1 h/d, 5 d/week) period. Five patients were trained during the 3 weeks on half of the 20 daily activities and the other five patients were trained on the remainder. This procedure was adopted in order to detect separately the improvement in "trained" and "not trained" activities, allowing to control better the effects of the intervention. The assessment of the functional impact of the training was directly measured, through the variation of time employed to perform tasks before and after training. After 3 weeks of training a significant improvement was observed for the trained activities, from 3.6 to 1.9 standard deviations below the performance of the normal elderly controls (P<O.O5). A D patients improved also in not-trained activities from 3.5 to 2.7 standard deviations below the controls' performance (P<O.O5). The rehabilitation of activities of daily living through developing procedural memory strategies may be effective in mild and mild-moderate problem is the

- by Orazio Zanetti
- •
- Activities of Daily Living, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Procedural memory

Background The presence of schizotypal personality traits in some people with bipolar disorder, together with reports of greater cognitive dysfunction in patients with a history of psychotic features compared with patients without such a history, raises questions about the nosological relationship between bipolar disorder with psychotic features and bipolar disorder without psychotic features. Aims To test the impact of a history of DSM–IV-defined psychosis on the neuropsychological status of participants with bipolar disorder while ...

- by Raj Ramesar
- •
- Bipolar Disorder, Adolescent, Young Adult, Aged

The aim of the study was the functional neurodevelopmental assessment of children with posterior fossa tumors, specifically examining whether tumor location in particular cerebellar structures determines particular neuropsychological deficits. The examined group consisted of 34 children treated between 1999 and 2007 at the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery Silesian University Medical School in Katowice, Poland. Twelve girls and 22 boys between 5 and 21 years of age were examined. The mean age was 12.3 years. There were 21 total and 8 subtotal resections of tumor, and marsupialization was performed in cases of arachnoid cysts. Hydrocephalus in 19 patients was fixed surgically. Histopathological diagnoses of tumors were as follows: 4 medulloblastomas, 8 pilocytic astrocytomas, 6 fibrillary astrocytomas, 1 anaplastic astrocytoma, 2 oligodendrogliomas, 4 anaplastic ependymomas, 1 choroid plexus papilloma, and 5 arachnoid cysts. The children were assessed by age-appropriate tests that examine higher mental functions such as cognitive processes, visual–spatial functions, verbal fluency, planning, sequential memory, and emotions. Additionally, speech examination and tests were performed. The clinical state of all patients was also evaluated, including a full neurological examination. Posterior fossa tumors can disturb normal development of higher mental functions, especially in the development of linguistic and emotional traits. Our study aimed to better understand the functional anatomy of the cerebellum in the context of behavioral changes. Exploration of the consequences of damage to posterior fossa structures may lead to a better understanding of their function in the emotional and cognitive development of children. Moreover, this work may enable the prediction of neurobehavioral disorders and offer appropriate strategies for rehabilitation, qualification, and surgical procedures.

- by Dawid Larry
- •
- Cognitive development, Adolescent, Brain Tumor, Brain
- by Esben Budtz-Jørgensen
- •
- Research Design, Child Development, Diet, Denmark
- by michele grandolfo
- •
- Cognitive Science, Screening, Neuropsychological Assessment, Newborn Screening

Findings concerning cognitive impairment in patients with focal cerebellar lesions tend to be inconsistent and usually reflect a mild deficit. Patient variables such as lesion age and the age at lesion onset might affect functional reorganization and contribute to the variability of the findings. To assess this issue, 14 patients with focal vascular cerebellar lesions and 14 matched healthy control subjects performed a verbal working memory and a verbal long-term memory task as well as verbal fluency tasks. Patients showed deficits in working memory and verbal fluency, while recall of complex narrative material was intact. Verbal fluency performance correlated significantly with age in the patient group, with more severe impairments in older patients, suggesting that age at lesion onset is a critical variable for cognitive outcome. In controls, no significant correlations with age were observed. Taken together, our findings support the idea of cerebellar involvement in nonmotor functions and indicate the relevance of interindividual differences in regard to clinical parameters after focal cerebellar damage.

- by Jutta Peterburs
- •
- Cognitive Science, Cognition, Working Memory, Cerebellum

Recent research has demonstrated that cortical motor areas are engaged when observing motor actions of others. However, little is known about the possible contribution of the motor system for evaluating the correctness of others' actions. To address this question we designed an MEG experiment in which subjects were executing and observing motor actions with and without errors. In the execution task subjects were asked to make speeded button presses according to instruction cues. During the observation task, they viewed pictures of an actor's hand making button presses which were correct or incorrect according to the cues. Time-frequency representations of the MEG data demonstrated a depression in oscillatory activity in the beta band activity (15-35 Hz) during execution followed by a beta rebound that was stronger for incorrect compared to correct executions. During the observation task, a similar time-course of the beta activity was identified and importantly the modulations were stronger for the observation of incorrect than correct actions. Sources accounting for the difference in beta activity between correct and incorrect actions were localized using a beamforming technique. Both for the execution and observation conditions sources were identified to the dorsal motor areas comprising both primary and pre-motor cortex. Our findings demonstrate that not only is cortical motor activity modulated by action observation, but the modulation increases when the observed action is erroneous. This suggests that the motor system is engaged in evaluating the correctness of the actions of others.

- by Harold Bekkering
- •
- Magnetoencephalography, Action observation, Neuroimage, Mental processes

Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) syndrome, which may occur after rupture of ACoA aneurysms, consists of anterograde memory problems, executive dysfunctions, confabulations, and personality changes. Recently, the employment of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) has related ACoA to microstructural lesions in the cingulum and the fornix, but an accurate characterization of these subjects should be provided. We report the clinical and neuropsychological findings of a patient who developed a severe and persistent amnesia together with significant behavioral changes, as well as her imaging results, where the sole evidence of brain damage was that of the fornix demonstrated by DTT. The four-year neuropsychological follow-up of the subject allows exclusion of other causes. This case demonstrates that microstructural lesions of fornix may lead to persistent amnesia, executive impairments, and behavioral changes and contributes to the knowledge of its role in cognition.

Whether children with idiopathic generalized epilepsy exhibit accelerated forgetting of verbal and nonverbal information in comparison to healthy controls matched for age and IQ was explored. Twenty-one children with IGE were compared with 21 healthy controls on measures of verbal and visuospatial memory at delays of 30 minutes and 1 week by use of a minimum-learning criterion controlled for initial learning. For the auditory-verbal memory test, group performance was comparable at 30 minutes, but children with IGE recalled significantly less than controls at 1 week. When the number of learning trials to criterion was controlled, the main effects of group and delay became nonsignificant. No group differences were found with respect to recognition performance. Comparisons for the visuospatial task were nonsignificant. Overall, poor initial learning efficiency led to retrieval difficulties, specifically at the longer delay, and was more common in the IGE group. These results, although preliminary, have implications for education planning in childhood IGE.

- by Liam Dorris
- •
- Visual perception, Adolescent, Memory Consolidation, Memory

The instructional scheduling arrangements of simulated and community-based instruction across an equivalent set of functional and vocational skills were examined. Five secondary age students with moderate intellectual disabilities participated in four instructional scheduling arrangements measuring skill acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of functional tasks. The four instructional scheduling arrangements examined were simulated-only instruction (SOI), community-based instruction only (CBI), combination of SOI and CBI on consecutive school days (CCD), and combination of SOI and CBI on the same school day (CSD). The CSD schedule was significantly more effective for student acquisition performance than SOI, CBI, and CCD schedules. Although the CBI schedule resulted in the fewest number of instructional sessions for students to acquire the targeted skill, fewer sessions for skill generalization were required for students during the combined simulation and community instruction CSD schedule. Overall, both combined instructional scheduling arrangements (e.g., CCD, CSD) produced more efficient outcomes for generalization than SOI and CBI scheduling arrangements.

- by Paul Alberto
- •
- Psychology, Scheduling, Vocational Education, Skill Acquisition

\s=b\To detect the earliest structural changes in the brain in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 118 gay men and 115 parenteral drug users enrolled in a study of the natural history of HIV infection underwent magnetic... more

- by In Mun and +1
- •
- Cognitive Science, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Archives, Adolescent

Neuropsychological, neuropathological and neurochemical findings show different types of dementias. Few of them have been able to confirm a division into "subcortical" and "cortical" dementia, so this concept has to be questioned. The present clinical study compared type and severity of dementia in 12 Parkinson-patients (PD) and 12 Alzheimer-patients (AD). The age-adjusted normal value differed a significantly from both patient groups. No significant difference in pattern of neuropsychological deficits between PD-and AD-patients was apparent. However, after similar duration of illness, dementia was more severe in AD-than in PD-patients.

- by Eduard Auff
- •
- Dementia, Biology, Medicine, Synaptic Transmission

To measure key neurocognitive performance effects following stellate ganglion block (SGB) administered to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Eleven patients diagnosed, screened, and scheduled for SGB to treat their PTSD symptoms were administered a panel of eight cognitive measures before and 1 to 3 weeks after undergoing this procedure. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Military. One to three weeks post-SGB, none of the patients showed any statistically significant decline in neurocognitive performance. Rather, there was a clear trend in improvement, with four out of eight measures reaching statistical significance following SGB. All patients improved in PTSD symptoms with a mean improvement on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Military of 29. In this case series of 11 patients, SGB effectively treated PTSD symptoms and did not impair reaction time, memory, or concentration. Therefore, SGB should be considered as...

- by sean mulvaney
- •
- Military Medicine, Psychometrics, Cognition, Medicine

Objective: To assess prospectively the degree of postrecovery long-term cognitive decline after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Observational cohort. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Adults (Nϭ33) with moderate and severe TBI from a well characterized sample with low attrition. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Recovery of functioning was ascertained through repeat neuropsychological assessments over the first 5 years postinjury. Cognitive decline from a baseline of 12 months postinjury to a follow-up evaluation conducted on average Ϯ SD 2.1Ϯ0.99 years later. Change was calculated using the reliable change index (RCI) for 12 neuropsychological tests commonly used in the assessment of TBI. Results: At the group level, negligible changes in cognitive function were observed over time. However, application of the RCI using 90% confidence intervals showed statistically significant cognitive decline on at least 2 neuropsychological measures in 27.3% of study participants. Decline was most commonly observed on a test of verbal fluency and the delayed recall portion of a test of verbal list learning (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), although substantial variability existed across patients. Decline was significantly correlated with hours of therapy received at 5 months postinjury (PϽ.02). Conclusions: Consistent with a small number of previous studies, cognitive deterioration may follow an initial period of recovery. Overall, the pattern of decline across tests varied across individuals. Possible mechanisms of decline are discussed. Further research is needed to understand the stability of this finding and its functional implications.

- by Christine Till
- •
- Psychometrics, Cognition, Brain injury, Clinical Sciences

Mutations of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene are the genetic cause of fragile X syndrome (FXS). The presence of significant socioemotional problems has been well documented in FXS although the brain basis of those deficits remains unspecified. Here, we investigated amygdala dysfunction and its relation to socioemotional deficits and FMR1 gene expression in children and adolescents on the FX spectrum (ie, individuals whose trinucleotide CGG repeat expansion from 55 to over 200 places them somewhere ...

- by Soyeon Kim
- •
- Cognitive Science, Fear, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Adolescent
- by Piyadasa Kodituwakku
- •
- Psychology, Intelligence, Language Development, South Africa

The usefulness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of thalamic nuclei in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) has recently been advocated. We report on a 14-month follow-up study of a patient with intractable GTS in whom bilateral DBS of the internal globus pallidus was carried out. Tic frequency per minute decreased by 73% in the postoperative phase and in particular the vocal tics became less intense. Pronation/ supination bradykinesia of the left extremities was a well-tolerated, permanent side effect. Pallidal DBS could become a valuable rescue therapy for otherwise intractable GTS.

The relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and autobiographical memory (AM) in high-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger syndrome (AS) has never been investigated. Here, we show that ToM abilities could be predicted by levels of AM in HFA and AS as compared to controls, suggesting that difficulties in AM are closely related to ToM impairments in HFA and AS.

- by Noga Adler
- •
- Psychiatry, Autism, Social Cognition, Theory of Mind

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with cognitive changes, but the extent of cognition decline depends on age at onset, duration of diabetes and occurrence of attacks of hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis.This study was designed to assess cognitive function in a group of children with type I diabetes mellitus. Forty diabetic children, with mean age at onset of 8.59±2.71 year, were recruited from the Pediatric Department of Assuit University Hospital, Egypt. Forty healthy children matched for age, sex, socioeconomic states were chosen as controls for comparison. Cognition was assessed using the psychometric (Stanford Binet test) and electrophysiologic (Event Related Potentials) tests. Compared to control group, patients reported significant reduction in intelligent quotient, comprehension, abstract visual reasoning, quantitative reasoning, bead memory and total short memory testing for cognitive functions. Prolonged N1, P200, N2 and P300 latencies and reduced P300-N2 amplitude of event related potentials were also reported. Significant negative correlations were identified between in most studied cognitive functions and ketoacidosis or family history of diabetes mellitus. Type I diabetes mellitus and diabetes-related factors are important risks for cognitive deficits in children group of population.

- by Amany Mohamed
- •
- Cognitive Science, Intelligence, Electroencephalography, Comorbidity
- by Lynn Waterhouse
- •
- Child, Interpersonal Relations, Social Adjustment, The American

Two questions were addressed in the present study: (1) Do autistic and normally developing children exhibit regionally specific differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity? (2) Do subgroups of autistic children classified according to Wing and Gould's (1979) system which emphasizes degree of social impairment exhibit distinct patterns of EEG activity? Twenty-eight children with autism (5 to 18 years of age) and two groups of normally developing children (one matched on chronological age and the other on receptive language level) participated. EEG was recorded from left and right frontal, temporal, and parietal regions during an alert baseline condition. Compared to normally developing children, autistic children exhibited reduced EEG power in the frontal and temporal regions, but not in the parietal region. Differences were more prominent in the left than the right hemisphere. Furthermore, subgroups of autistic children based on Wing and Gould's system displayed distinct patterns of brain activity. Compared to autistic children classified as “active-but-odd,” “passive” autistic children displayed reduced alpha EEG power in the frontal region.

- by Heracles Panagiotides
- •
- Psychology, Socialization, Electroencephalography, Adolescent

Three groups of healthy younger adults, healthy older adults, and probable AD patients, performed an addition/number comparison task. They compared 128 couples of additions and numbers (e.g., 4 + 9 15) and had to identify the largest item for each problem by pressing one of two buttons located under each item. Manipulations of problem characteristics (i.e., Problem difficulty and splits between correct sums and proposed numbers) enabled us to examine strategy selection and specific arithmetic fact retrieval processes. Results showed that arithmetic facts retrieval processes, which were spared with aging, were impaired in AD patients. However, AD patients were able to switch between strategies across trials according to problem characteristics as well as healthy older adults, and less systematically than healthy younger adults. We discuss implications of these findings for further understanding AD-related differences in arithmetic in particular, and problem solving in general.

- by Sandrine Duverne
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Depression

In this paper we present and discuss standardized T score systems for neuropsychological test data. Both linear and normalized T scores were calculated for 141 normal subjects and a group of 141 patients with diffuse or focal brain damage. Many standard neuropsychological tests have skewed raw score and linear T score distributions, and we argue that normalized T scores have practical advantages because they permit simple descriptions of both patient groups and individual test score distributions. We also argue that skewness can be partially explained by ceiling effects and other test construction artefacts and that skewed raw score distributions do not necessarily reflect skewed distributions of the underlying mental abilities. Consequently, use of normalized T scores seems appropriate in many research and clinical contexts.

- by A. Gade
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Psychometrics, Intelligence

The case of a man with a right hemisphere lesion and with evidence of left-sided visuospatial neglect is reported. On a variety of verbal and nonverbal tasks his performance was significantly modified by information implicit in stimulus configurations. Neglect deficits were present on tests involving spatially distinct or meaningless stimulus arrays but almost absent when stimuli were continuous or meaningfully integrated.

- by Luke Kartsounis
- •
- Psychometrics, Attention, Right Hemisphere Functions, Form perception
- by David Leitman and +3
- •
- Schizophrenia, Language, Cognitive Neuroscience, Prefrontal Cortex
- by Igor Galynker
- •
- MMPI-2, Movement disorders, Biological Sciences, Biological Psychiatry

effectsfrom residential exposure to chemicals from an oil reprocessing facility and superfund site. NEUROTOXICOL TERATOL 17(Z) [89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][101][102] 1995. -Neurotoxicity has been described in workers exposed to solvents, PCBs, certain metals, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons but not often in residents near refineries or factories. We compared the neurobehavioral performance of residents near a plant that reprocessed used motor oil and chemical waste from 1966-1983 to referents from beyond the plant's modeled air dispersal and water drainage zones. Neurophysiological and psychological tests, a Profile of Mood States (POMS) and a symptom questionnaire were administered to 131 subjects exposed at the site who were matched for age, sex, and ethnicity 2 : 1 with 66 unexposed subjects from 35 km away. Test scores were adjusted for a 1.4-year difference in educational attainment by coefficients from regression equations but not for income as the latter coefficients were not significant. Exposed subjects were significantly impaired for body balance (sway speed) and simple and two choice visual reaction time as compared to referents. Blink reflex latency (R-l) and eye closure speed were normal in both groups. Cognitive function in the exposed was impaired as measured by Culture Fair and by block design from the WAIS. Placing pegs in a grooved board and making of trails (A and B) were also impaired. Group differences in recall and memory were not significant. The exposed group's symptom frequencies and POMS scores for depression, anger, confusion, tension, and fatigue were elevated indicating depression. Confounding from medical and neurological disorders or occupational exposures was minimal. Subjects exposed residentially for up to 17 years to chemicals dispersed from a waste oil reprocessing plant showed neurophysiological and neuropsychological impairment.

- by Raphael Warshaw
- •
- Cognitive Science, Petroleum, Environmental Health, Hazardous Waste

We sought to identify the core lexicon of a picture description task using transcripts from the AphasiaBank database, and to determine differences in core lexicon usage between control speakers and persons with aphasia (PWAs). We also investigated the relationship between core lexicon and an established discourse measure, main concept analysis. A core lexicon was developed by identifying lemmas produced by 92 control speakers. 165 control transcripts and 238 PWA transcripts were scored using the core lexicon and a recently developed main concept list. Median tests examined differences between controls, PWAs, and aphasia subtypes. Spearman's correlations assessed the relationship between core lexicon and main concept performance. A 24-item core lexicon was identified. Significant differences were found between control speakers and PWAs, and between aphasia subtypes, for core lexicon and main concept scores. Core lexicon and main concept performance was significantly and positivel...

- by Jessica Richardson
- •
- Cognitive Science, Semantics, Psychometrics, Vocabulary

Background: Despite the increasing recognition of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BPD) in adults, there are no prospective trials of pharmacological agents to treat ADHD in these patients. Given the efficacy of bupropion for ADHD in adults, as well as its use in the management of bipolar depression, we studied the tolerability and efficacy of sustained-release (SR) bupropion in adults with ADHD plus BPD. Methods: This was an open, prospective, 6-week trial of bupropion SR (up to 200 mg b.i.d.) in adults with DSM-IV ADHD plus historical bipolar I disorder (BPD I) (10%) or bipolar II disorder (BPD II) (90%). Adults receiving adjunct antimanic agents (mood stabilizers and antipsychotics) at baseline were included in the study. We used standardized psychiatric instruments for diagnosis and outcome. Efficacy was based primarily on the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) for ADHD and the ADHD symptom checklist. Results: Of 36 patients entered (75% male, mean age 34 years), 30 patients (83%) completed the protocol. At end point (last observation carried forward [LOCF]) compared to baseline, treatment with bupropion SR resulted in significant reductions in the ADHD symptom checklist (Ϫ55%, z ϭ 5.63, p Ͻ .001) and CGI severity of ADHD (Ϫ40%, z ϭ 6.285, p Ͻ .001). Bupropion was associated with reductions in ratings of mania and depression. Conclusions: The results from this open study of adults with ADHD plus BPD suggest that sustained-release bupropion may be effective in treating ADHD in the context of a lifetime diagnosis of BPD, without significant activation of mania. Further controlled trials are warranted.

- by Robert Doyle
- •
- Psychology, Bipolar Disorder, Medicine, Biological Sciences

SYNOPSISAs a part of a survey to study the health and living conditions of the elderly population, a random sample of residents aged 65 and over are examined using the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS) in order to evaluate their psychiatric status. The aim of this study is to evaluate this standard method of assessment as a case-identification instrument in our country. The schedule was completed by 91 subjects. It is easily administered, easily scored, and economical on time. Its completion rate is high. The weighted total scores (WTS) range from 0 to 48. Using the case criteria defined by Cooper & Schwarz (1982), 27 subjects (30%) are considered cases and 64 (70%) are regarded as non-cases. The sensitivity coefficients for the WTS are examined against the overall severity rating at different cut-off points. The optimum cut-off can be anywhere between 16 and 20 points. The WTS has higher validity coefficients to detect the following diagnostic categories (sensitivity, specificity):...

- by Luiz Ramos
- •
- Psychology, Psychometrics, Mental Health, Dementia

Schizophrenia patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be a subgroup of schizophrenia, and OCD patients with poor insight may show psychotic-like symptoms. The aim of this work is to compare the neuropsychological performance... more

- by Figen Atesci
- •
- Psychiatry, Attention, Comorbidity, Executive Function

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit a number of cognitive deficits. The current study compared patterns of attention, learning, and memory impairment on the Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL) between 80 children with ADHD and 80 normal comparisons who were matched for age and gender. Results demonstrated that children with ADHD performed significantly worse than matched controls on the Attention/Concentration Index and the Sequential Recall Index. ROC analysis indicated that these two indexes had good classification accuracy with AUCs of .76 and .77 respectively. There were also group differences on the other index scores except the Associative Recall Index. Factor analysis of the ADHD sample extracted five factors, including an Attention factor that significantly correlated with performance on nonverbal memory tasks. Significant correlations between the TOMAL Index scores and tests of intelligence and visuomotor integration supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the test. These results provide support for the criterion validity of the TOMAL in assessing neurocognitive deficits in children with ADHD.

- by Joan Mayfield
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Medicine, Learning

There has been an increasing trend to utilize short cognitive batteries for the diagnosis of dementia. Most of these batteries have been designed in countries with high standards of education and are less suitable for populations with low levels of education. We developed a battery that has been previously shown to be highly accurate in the diagnosis of dementia in individuals with low levels of education. The accuracy of this battery for patients with higher levels of education is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of a brief cognitive battery in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in subjects with medium and high levels of schooling, and to develop a mathematical model that includes the most discriminative tests. Methods: Seventy-three mildly demented patients with probable AD and 94 control subjects were evaluated. Sixty patients and 60 controls were randomly selected to generate a mathematical model including the most discriminative tests of the battery usin...

- by Teresa Carthery
- •
- Psychology, Medicine, Logistic Regression, ROC Curve

When serial neurocognitive assessments are performed, 2 main factors are of importance: test-retest reliability and practice effects. With children, however, there is a third, developmental factor, which occurs as a result of maturation. Child tests recognize this factor through the provision of age-corrected scaled scores. Thus, a ready-made method for estimating the relative contribution of developmental versus practice effects is the comparison of raw (developmental and practice) and scaled (practice only) scores. Data from a pool of 507 Portuguese children enrolled in a study of dental amalgams (T. A. DeRouen, B. G. Leroux, et al., 2002; T. A. DeRouen, M. D. Martin, et al., 2006) showed that practice effects over a 5-year period varied on 8 neurocognitive tests. Simple regression equations are provided for calculating individual retest scores from initial test scores.

- by Isabel Pavao Martins
- •
- Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Neurology, Child Development

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sublicensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.

- by Roshan Nair
- •
- Qualitative Research, Adolescent, Knowledge, Cognitive Therapy

Background. Memory decline is a prevalent aspect of aging but may also be the first sign of cognitive pathology. Virtual reality (VR) using immersion and interaction may provide new approaches to the treatment of memory deficits in elderly individuals. Objective. The authors implemented a VR training intervention to try to lessen cognitive decline and improve memory functions. Methods. The authors randomly assigned 36 elderly residents of a rest care facility (median age 80 years) who were impaired on the Verbal Story Recall Test either to the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG underwent 6 months of VR memory training (VRMT) that involved auditory stimulation and VR experiences in path finding. The initial training phase lasted 3 months (3 auditory and 3 VR sessions every 2 weeks), and there was a booster training phase during the following 3 months (1 auditory and 1 VR session per week). The CG underwent equivalent faceto-face training sessions using music therapy. Both groups participated in social and creative and assisted-mobility activities. Neuropsychological and functional evaluations were performed at baseline, after the initial training phase, and after the booster training phase. Results. The EG showed significant improvements in memory tests, especially in long-term recall with an effect size of 0.7 and in several other aspects of cognition. In contrast, the CG showed progressive decline. Conclusions. The authors suggest that VRMT may improve memory function in elderly adults by enhancing focused attention.

- by Salvatore Capodieci
- •
- Cognitive Science, Attention, Treatment Outcome, Music Therapy

Teachers complain about growing concentration deficits and reduced attention in adolescents. Exercise has been shown to positively affect cognitive performance. Due to the neuronal connection between the cerebellum and the frontal cortex,... more

- by Claudia Voelcker-rehage
- •
- Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Cognition, Attention