Abstract: “My Logbook” is a method to translate evidence-based guidelines for psychosocial care in pediatric neurooncology into practice. One part of “My Logbook” is the standardized instrument “Neuropsychology for You,” developed by an interdisciplinary expert team. It consists of two booklets that include creative and challenging methods to support the implementation of basic standards into practice. The booklet “1, 2, 3 – All About Neuropsychology” focuses on neuropsychological therapy, while “Look Carefully – Psychosocial Assessment” addresses psychosocial assessment. Both booklets explain the topics in a patient-oriented and age-appropriate way and motivate patients to actively participate in two sessions each (psychoeducational, work and exercise, and reflection). The evaluation of the booklets showed a positive association between neuropsychological assessment and therapy. Furthermore, the patients’ positive emotions and the subjective level of information increased. Therefore, “Neuropsychology for You” is a promising tool for the practical and low-threshold implementation of neuropsychological assessment and therapy into clinical practice.

Abstract: The current literature has insufficiently examined the potential benefits of implementing early neuropsychological interventions for critically ill patients who have experienced COVID-19. To address this research gap, we conducted a descriptive analysis of clinical and neuropsychological data from N = 29 critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to an early neurological rehabilitation facility. Most patients had been diagnosed with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), and one-third exhibited additional brain damage. Upon admission, all patients exhibited severe cognitive impairments, demonstrating significant improvement following neuropsychological therapy. Nonetheless, the neurocognitive outcomes at discharge displayed a high cognitive and psychoemotional status variability. This paper presents the neuropsychological treatment concept we employed and discusses challenges encountered while treating critically ill patients with cognitive impairments.

Neuropsychology in the Corona Pandemic and BeyondEmerging Approaches to the Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Prevention of Corona-Associated SequelaeMartin Peper, Juliana Kolano, and Catherine Nichols WidmannMartin PeperProf. Dr. Dr. Martin Peper, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35032 Marburg, Deutschlandpeper@uni-marburg.dehttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6380-0687Neuropsychology Section, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author, Juliana Kolanohttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7677-6401Neuropsychology Section, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, GermanySearch for more papers by this author, and Catherine Nichols Widmannhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8889-8385Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:May 24, 2023https://doi.org/10.1024/1016-264X/a000372PDFView Full Text ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreReferencesCavaco, S., Sousa, G., Gonçalves, A., Dias, A., Andrade, C., Pereira, D., … Correia, M. 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Abstract: Cognitive sequelae after recovery from an initial COVID-19 disease are present in a subset of affected individuals, coalescing around several important issues such as effects of age, COVID-19 disease severity, comorbidities, and other factors. Some neuropsychological symptoms appear more common among certain patient populations. Comorbidities may complicate neuropsychological assessment as well. Hence, we need a guideline-based evaluation to guide neuropsychological rehabilitation. Drawing from the recent revision of the German National Guideline for the Long- and Post-COVID Syndrome and current advances in international guidance on neuropsychological assessment, this article provides practical and scientifically informed recommendations for the neuropsychological assessment of individuals recovering from coronavirus-related diseases.

Abstract: Cognitive impairment is a prominent symptom of the post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, the correspondence between subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and objective results is inconsistent. Here, we investigated this discrepancy. This longitudinal study included N = 42 individuals who reported SCC as PCS after mild infection at inclusion. Data collection comprised questionnaires and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow-up (FU). At FU – on average 15 months after acute COVID-19 – 88 % of patients reported persisting SCC. There was an approx. 40 % discrepancy between subjective report and test results at both visits. Patients with SCC and objective impairment indicated elevated fatigue and reduced quality of life compared to patients without SCC at FU. A growing number of patients is anticipated to request neuropsychological assessments even after mild infections.

Abstract: This study introduces a 3-week group program designed for patients with neurocognitive post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). The program represents a combination of evidence-based components of neurorehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Following a detailed assessment, we develop a personalized bio-psycho-social model that integrates perceived complaints and identifies modifiable and influencing factors. We employed physiotherapeutic, cognitive, and communicative training methods to improve patients’ awareness of energy limits and implement compensatory strategies, including pacing and mindfulness techniques. N = 33 patients completed the program between June 2021 and November 2022. A pre-post comparison of questionnaire-based self-assessments revealed significant positive effects on mood, self-efficacy, and participation but not on fatigue symptoms. The study provides recommendations for the neuropsychological treatment of patients with PCS.

Abstract: Although objective attention deficits have been well established in aphasia patients, there is little evidence of subjective attention deficits since these are mostly assessed with rating scales and questionnaires that are often confounded by the language deficits of aphasic patients. To overcome this limitation, we developed a nonverbal version of the Questionnaire of Experienced Attention Deficits (FEDA) and assessed its preliminary reliability and validity in 70 healthy controls and 18 aphasia patients. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factorial structure with good model fit in confirmatory factor analysis as well as good internal consistency (ω = .89) and discriminant validity. We consider the NFEDA to be a valuable diagnostic tool to assess subjective attention deficits in patients with language impairments such as aphasia.

Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Information processing speed (IPS) is a central construct of neuropsychology and a mediator for a range of cognitive functions. In adults, the negative effects of TBI on IPS are well documented. This review qualitatively describes the impact of TBI on IPS in children and adolescents and examines various influencing factors. We included a total of 37 studies in the review that explored IPS using various clinical assessments. These clinical assessments often examine other neuropsychological functions besides IPS. In 29 of these studies, we found a negative effect of TBI on IPS. While injury severity has small but consistent effects on IPS, the effects of age at injury, time since injury, and gender were less evident. Because it is a central construct of neuropsychological functions, IPS should be assessed after TBI.

Abstract: Background: Due to hospitalization, medical treatment and/or rehabilitation stays, children and adolescents with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS; e.g. tumors, epilepsies or traumatic brain injuries) often cannot participate in everyday school life to the same extent as their peers. To counteract social isolation and negative consequences (e.g. lack of a sense of belonging, reduced well-being and self-esteem, more frequent class repetitions or low educational attainment) telepresence systems are increasingly being discussed as a way to enable participation for children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. Method: This paper presents different telepresence systems and their advantages and disadvantages, effects of use, and potential difficulties. Conclusion: Telepresence systems offer an innovative and promising perspective to enable patients with CNS-associated diseases to participate in everyday school life.

Abstract: Pediatric patients with chronic health conditions often suffer from social and academic exclusion. Since disease-centered assessments do not allow for differentiated biopsychosocial profiling, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric quality of “The School Participation Scales 24/7,” a novel ICF-CY-based assessment tool. Results show high fit indices for most subscales, signifying structural equality between the tool and the ICF-CY. Acceptable criterion validity is given for established neuropsychological tests. Internal consistency and retest analyses revealed that most subscales reliably and stably measure the intended domains. Finally, the tool was standardized using a representative healthy sample. In summary, the S-PS 24/7 represents a useful tool for measuring school participation in pediatric patients, thereby building a profound basis for effective interventions.