Specific Neurocognitive Domains Research Articles

Mentalizing impairments and hypermentalizing bias in individuals with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and at-risk mental state: the differential roles of neurocognition and social anxiety.

Mentalizing, or theory of mind (ToM), impairments and self-referential hypermentalizing bias are well-evident in schizophrenia. However, findings compared to individuals with at-risk mental states (ARMS) are inconsistent, and investigations into the relationship between social cognitive impairments and social anxiety in the two populations are scarce. This study aimed to examine and compare these deficits in first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (FES) and ARMS, and to explore potential specific associations with neurocognition and symptomatology. Forty patients with FES, 40 individuals with ARMS, and 40 healthy controls (HC) completed clinical assessments, a battery of neurocognitive tasks, and three social cognitive tasks. The comic strip and hinting tasks were used to measure non-verbal and verbal mentalizing abilities, and the gaze perception task was employed to assess self-referential hypermentalizing bias. FES and ARMS showed comparable mentalizing impairments and self-referential hypermentalizing bias compared to HC. However, only ambiguous self-referential gaze perception (SRGP) bias remained significantly different between three groups after controlling for covariates. Findings suggested that self-referential hypermentalizing bias could be a specific deficit and may be considered a potential behavioral indicator in early-stage and prodromal psychosis. Moreover, working memory and social anxiety were related to the social cognitive impairments in ARMS, whereas higher-order executive functions and positive symptoms were associated with the impairments in FES. The current study indicates the presence of stage-specific mechanisms of mentalizing impairments and self-referential hypermentalizing bias, providing insights into the importance of personalized interventions to improve specific neurocognitive domains, social cognition, and clinical outcomes for FES and ARMS.

CD4 nadir and neurocognitive trajectories in people living with HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurocognitive disorders persist in the combination antiretroviral therapy era. CD4 nadir is a well-established predictor of cognition cross-sectionally, but its impact on longitudinal neurocognitive (NC) trajectories is unclear. The few studies on this topic examined trajectories of global cognition, rather than specific NC domains. The current study examined CD4 nadir in relation to domain-specific NC decline. 132 HIV + adults from the Temple/Drexel Comprehensive NeuroHIV Center, Clinical and Translational Research Support Core Cohort were administered comprehensive NC assessments longitudinally, with last visit occurring an average of 12years after CD4 nadir. Linear mixed models were used to examine CD4 nadir in relation to longitudinal NC trajectories in three empirically identified NC domains: speed/executive function (S/EF), visuospatial memory (VM), and verbal fluency (VF). CD4 nadir was associated with change in VF (p = 0.020), but not with S/EF or VM. Specifically, those with CD4 nadir < 200 demonstrated increasing VF over time (p = .002), whereas those with CD4 nadir > 200 demonstrated stable VF (p = .568), though these differing trajectories may partly reflect regression to the mean or differential practice effect. CD4 dynamics over time were analyzed as potential mechanisms for the identified associations, with mixed findings. While low CD4 nadir has been associated with weaker neurocognition among people living with HIV, the results of this study suggest that low CD4 nadir is not associated with ongoing decline a decade later. Nadir-related deficits in VF may be stable or even improve over time, possibly reflecting the beneficial cognitive effects of long-term treatment and immune reconstitution.

Comparison of basic neurocognitive violations in patients with residual schizophrenia with and without history of ischemic stroke

Relevance. The cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia have been a subject of controversy and are often viewed through a dualistic lens. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), these cognitive symptoms can be further elucidated within specific neurocognitive domains.&#x0D; Many of the symptoms of schizophrenia manifest behaviorally and can be challenging to differentiate from the consequences of organic brain impairment, especially when these symptoms involve the frontal and temporal cortex or have a diffuse presentation.&#x0D; Aim – to evaluate neurocognitive deficit in patients with residual schizophrenia with history of ischemic stroke.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A comprehensive study was conducted involving 100 patients diagnosed with recurrent schizophrenia (ICD-10: F20.5) at the Communal Non-Profit Enterprise "Regional Clinical Institution for the Provision of Psychiatric Care". We selected 59 patients: 32 patients with residual schizophrenia without history of stroke (Group 1, G1) and 27 patients with residual schizophrenia with history of stroke (Group 2, G2). Neuropsychological testing was used to evaluate neurocognitive violations. Due to massive distortions that brought to testing results by schizophrenia negative symptoms, only general evaluation was made to reflect critical or non-critical to no violations in separate functions. Statistical method of chi-square test was used to compare results in groups. &#x0D; Study results. To compare neurocognitive violations in G1 and G2 we performed neuropsychological testing in basic neurocognitive domains. G2 patients, diagnosed with both schizophrenia and a stroke, generally exhibit heightened cognitive impairments compared to G1 patients with only schizophrenia. Notably, deficits in Sustained Attention, Divided Attention, Processing Speed, Working Memory, Mental Flexibility, immediate memory, implicit learning, and both expressive and receptive language are more pronounced in G2 patients. However, for functions like Selective Attention, Planning, Decision-Making, recent and very-long-term memory, and interpersonal understanding, the added influence of a stroke in G2 doesn't drastically differentiate them from G1. In essence, while schizophrenia inherently poses cognitive challenges, the co-occurrence of a stroke amplifies certain deficits but not others. This data suggests a complex interplay between schizophrenia and stroke in influencing cognitive function.&#x0D; Conclusions. The coexistence of schizophrenia and a history of stroke in G2 patients frequently exacerbates certain cognitive impairments when compared to those diagnosed solely with schizophrenia. This underlines the compounded cognitive challenges faced by patients with comorbid conditions. However, for some cognitive domains, the severity of impairments is primarily governed by schizophrenia, irrespective of the presence of an additional stroke history. This comprehensive analysis underscores the complex interplay of multiple conditions on cognitive function and emphasizes the importance of individualized care and intervention strategies tailored to the specific cognitive challenges faced by each patient group.

Characterizing the neurocognitive profiles of children with moyamoya disease using the Das Naglieri cognitive assessment system

Although cognitive impairment is well-documented in children with moyamoya disease (MMD), selective decline in specific neurocognitive domains remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to characterize the neurocognitive profile of children with MMD using the Das Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). We analyzed the neurocognitive data of 30 children (median age, 7 years) with MMD who were assessed with the CAS and the WISC-IV before surgery. We focused on the comparison of standard scores and intraindividual differences across domains. The CAS scores significantly varied across four measures (standard scores, p < 0.001; intraindividual differences, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed that the standard scores and intraindividual differences for successive processing were significantly lower than those for planning and attention. The WISC-IV scores did not significantly vary among the four measures, although the working memory index was the lowest among the four measures. The within-individual weakness in successive processing, a form of working memory function, may be a distinct characteristic of children with MMD. The CAS may be more sensitive than the WISC-IV for detecting this selective neurocognitive weakness in children with MMD.

Radiation dose to circumscribed brain regions and neurocognitive function in patients with meningioma.

Although radiation (RT) is standard treatment for many brain tumors, it may contribute to neurocognitive decline. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between RT dose to circumscribed brain regions and specific neurocognitive domains in patients with meningioma. We undertook a retrospective study of 40 patients with meningioma who received RT and underwent an in-depth clinical neurocognitive assessment. Radiation dosimetry characteristics were delineated based on treatment planning computerized tomography co-registered with contrast-enhanced 3D T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Principal components analysis was applied to organize neurocognitive test scores into factors, and multivariate multiple linear regression models were undertaken to examine if RT dose to circumscribed brain regions is associated with specific neurocognitive outcomes. Radiation dose to brain regions was associated with neurocognitive functions across a number of domains. High dose to the parietal-occipital region was associated with slower visuomotor processing speed (mean dose, β = -1.100, P = .017; dose to 50% of the region [D50], β = -0.697, P = .049). In contrast, high dose to the dorsal frontal region was associated with faster visuomotor processing speed (mean dose, β = 0.001, P = .036). These findings suggest that RT delivered to brain regions (ie, parietal-occipital areas) may contribute to poor neurocognitive outcomes. Given that modern radiotherapy techniques allow for precise targeting of dose delivered to brain regions, prospective trials examining relations between dose and neurocognitive functions are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with congenital heart defects: A prospective, population-based cohort study (EPICARD)

No population-based prospective cohort study has assessed the neurodevelopmental outcomes of school-aged children with CHD. To assess whether some groups of CHDs, more specifically cyanotic CHD (CCHD) with or without heart failure and non CCHD with heart failure, are at greater risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 8 years of age. We used data from the prospective population-based cohort study EPICARD, which included all children with a CHD diagnosed in the prenatal period and up to 1 year of age, between 2005 and 2008 in the greater Paris areas. We looked at the overall intellectual quotient (IQ), and the specific neurocognitive domains. We classified the CHDs based on pathophysiological and clinical management characteristics and compared the outcomes across six groups of CHDs as compared with the control group (minor ventricular septal defects). In order to do so, we used multivariable linear regression models with the Heckman method to account for selection bias due to differential loss to follow-up. From the 1196 eligible patients for the 8-year follow up, 473 (39.5%) completed the neurodevelopmental evaluations. Compared to the control group, children with CCHD with or without heart failure had lower IQ scores, −8.0 ( P < 0.01) and −7.3 ( P = 0.02), respectively. Those with CCHD and non CCHD with heart failure also had lower scores at the language subtest, −1.9 ( P < 0.01) and − 1.4 ( P < 0.01), respectively. CCHD and non CCHD with heart failure and CHD with increased pulmonary blood flow had lower learning and memory scores, −1.36 ( P < 0.01), −1,2 ( P = 0.05) and − 0.9 ( P = 0.04), respectively. CCHD with heart failure had lower scores in the executive functions (inhibition) domain, −1.2 ( P = 0.05) Children with CHD associated with cyanosis and/or heart failure had significantly lower neurodevelopment scores at 8 years of age, both for overall IQ and specific neurocognitive domains.

Changes of neurocognitive status in patients with the first-episode psychosis after 18 months of treatment–A prospective cohort study

Neurocognitive symptoms exert the most influence on treatment outcomes over the course of schizophrenia, starting from the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) onwards. Our aim was to analyze the neurocognitive status of FEP compared to healthy controls (HC), and its change after 18 months of treatment. We performed a study in a sample of 159 patients with FEP and 100 HC. We followed the patients up for 18 months after initial assessment with a battery of neurocognitive tests. We observed statistically significant improvement in the majority of neurocognitive tests after 18 months, but several tests of specific neurocognitive domains (verbal memory, language functions, executive functions) did not show significant differences between the two assessments. The results for the majority of tests obtained from patients with FEP after 18 months of treatment showed significant deterioration compared with HC. Although our study showed significant improvement of baseline neurocognitive deficits in FEP with treatment, this varied across domains and overall performance remained below that of HC. Thus, while it seems that treatment of FEP may help to delay or restore neurocognitive deterioration, it is unclear whether specific areas of neurocognitive deterioration (e.g. verbal domain) would benefit from more time or specific treatment approaches.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Children with Congenital Heart Defects

To assess whether children with symptomatic congenital heart defects (CHDs) at birth (cyanosis and/or heart failure) are at greater risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 8years of age. From a prospective population-based cohort study of newborns with CHDs (EPICARD), we included 473 children with available neurodevelopmental assessments at 8years of age. We grouped the CHD based on symptoms at birth and need for early neonatal intervention. Ventricular septal defects that closed spontaneously within the first year of life were considered the control group. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Kauffman Assessment Battery Test for Children, Second Edition, for IQ (mean 100±15), and the Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment Battery, Second Edition, for detailed assessment of specific neurocognitive domains (mean 10±3). Multivariable regression analysis was used to compare the outcomes across the CHD groups after considering potentially confounding variables. Compared with the control group, children with cyanotic CHD without heart failure had lower scores for IQ, -7.2 (95% CI -13.4 to -1.2). Children with noncyanotic CHD with heart failure had lower scores in the specific domains of language -1.5 (95% CI -2.2 to -0.7), and memory and learning -1.3 (95% CI -2.4; -0.3). Those with both cyanotic CHD and heart failure had lower scores for IQ, -7.6 (95% CI -13.5 to -1.8), as well as the specific domains of language and memory and learning, -2.0 (95% CI -2.9 to -1.0) and -1.1 (95% CI -2.3 to -0.1), respectively. Children with symptomatic CHD at birth are at greater risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 8years of age, with the greatest risk for those who were born with both cyanosis and heart failure.

Long-term neurocognitive and quality of life outcomes in survivors of pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant.

Pediatric patients who undergo hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) are at risk for neurocognitive impairments, which can impact quality of life. Given limited long-term studies, we aimed to characterize the late neurocognitive outcomes in a cohort of pediatric HCT survivors. Eligible survivors (HCT at age < 21 year and ≥ 1 year post-HCT) completed a 60-question survey of neurocognitive function and quality of life, which included the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Neurocognitive Questionnaire (CCSS-NCQ) and the Neuro-Quality of Life Cognitive Function Short Form (Neuro-QoL). Analyses of risk factors included univariate comparisons and multivariable logistic regression. Participants (n = 199, 50.3% female, 53.3% acute leukemia, 87.9% allogeneic transplants) were surveyed at median age of 37.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28.5-48.8) at survey and median 27.6 years (IQR 17.0-34.0) from transplant. On the CCSS-NCQ, 18.9-32.5% of survivors reported impairments (Z score > 1.28) in task efficiency, memory, emotional regulation, or organization, compared with expected 10% in the general population (all p < 0.01). In contrast, survivors reported average Neuro-QoL (T score 49.6±0.7) compared with population normative value of 50 (p = 0.52). In multivariable regression, impaired Neuro-QoL (T score < 40) was independently associated with hearing issues (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.96-12.6), history of stroke or seizure (OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.44-13.8), and sleep disturbances (OR 6.95, 95% CI 2.53-19.1). Although long-term survivors of pediatric HCT reported higher rates of impairment in specific neurocognitive domains, cognitive quality of life was perceived as similar to the general population. Subsets of survivors with certain co-morbidities had substantially worse neurocognitive outcomes. While the long-term impact of pediatric HCT can include neurocognitive deficits, survivors report average cognitive quality of life.

Prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and its subgroups among HIV-positive persons on anti-retroviral therapy in Iran

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and its subgroups in HIV-positive patients in Tehran, Iran. Ninety-three HIV-positive individuals were assessed; the majority were male (60%) and the mean age of patients was 36.5 years (SD = 9), with 8 years as the median duration of HIV infection. The relationship between demographic and clinical variables was examined using logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalences of HAND and cognitive complaints were 50.5% and 73%, respectively. Lower nadir CD4 counts (? 200), lower educational levels (? 12 years), longer disease duration (? 5years), and higher depression rates were positively associated with the presence of HAND. This study shows that the prevalence of HANDs in Iran is high, but similar to the prevalence levels found in Western societies. Further studies are needed to longitudinally evaluate the presence of HAND, in particularly to recognize new biomarkers and specific neurocognitive domains in HIV.

Higher soluble CD14 levels are associated with lower visuospatial memory performance in youth with HIV.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders persist despite early antiretroviral therapy (ART) and optimal viral suppression. We examined the relationship between immunopathogenesis driven by various pathways of immune activation and discrete neurocognitive performance domains in youth with HIV (YWH). Observational cross-sectional study. YWH, ages 20-28 years, enrolled in Adolescent Medicine Trials Network 071/101 were assessed for biomarkers of macrophage, lymphocyte activation, and vascular inflammation using ELISA/multiplex assays. Standardized neurocognitive tests were performed, and demographically adjusted z-scores were combined to form indices of attention, motor, executive function, verbal, and visuospatial memory. Cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between 18 plasma inflammatory biomarkers and each neurocognitive domain was performed. Linear regression models were fit for each combination of log-transformed biomarker value and neurocognitive domain score, and were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, substance use, depression, CD4 T-cell count, HIV viral load, and ART status. Study included 128 YWH [mean age 23.8 (SD 1.7) years, 86% men, 68% African American]. Verbal and visuospatial memory domains were most significantly impaired in the cohort (z = -1.59 and -1.0, respectively). Higher sCD14 was associated with impaired visuospatial memory, which remained robust after adjusting for other biomarkers, demographics, and HIV-associated covariates. Among biomarkers of vascular inflammation, sICAM-1 was negatively associated with verbal memory and attention, whereas sVCAM-1 was positively associated with executive function and visuospatial memory. Specific neurocognitive domains were not associated with sCD163, LPS, or CCL2 levels. Impaired visuospatial memory in YWH is associated with immune activation, as reflected by higher sCD14.

A Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Program for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatric and Neurological Conditions: A Review That Supports Its Efficacy.

Neuropsychological rehabilitation has been the focus of much scientific research over the past decades due to its efficacy in different pathologies. Advances in the neuropsychology field have led to improvements and changes in neuropsychological interventions, which in turn have given rise to different approaches and rehabilitation programs. REHACOP is an integrative neuropsychological rehabilitation program designed by specialist neuropsychologists. With an integrated bottom-up and top-down approach, REHACOP includes neurocognition, social cognition, and daily living tasks hierarchically organized on an increasing level of difficulty. Task arrangement is addressed to maximize improvements and transfer effects into participant's daily living. To date, REHACOP has been implemented on different clinical samples such as patients with schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). This manuscript presents the efficacy data of REHACOP across these three populations and discusses it in the context of the available literature. Overall, the magnitude of improvements obtained by means of REHACOP ranged from medium to high across samples. These changes were not restricted to specific neurocognitive domains since participants attending the REHACOP program also showed changes in social cognition and daily functioning variables by means of both direct and transfer effects. Results regarding REHACOP's efficacy in psychiatric and neurological conditions have contributed to expanding the existing evidence about the use of structured neuropsychological rehabilitation. In addition, the results obtained after its implementation highlighted the need and importance of designing and implementing integrative neuropsychological rehabilitation programs that are focused not only on cognition per se but also on participants' performance in daily living.

Evidence of shared familial factors influencing neurocognitive endophenotypes in adult- and childhood-onset schizophrenia.

The aggregation of neurocognitive deficits among the non-psychotic first-degree relatives of adult- and childhood-onset schizophrenia patients suggests that there may be a common etiology for these deficits in childhood- and adult-onset illness. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in the presentation of neurobiological abnormalities, and whether there are differences in the extent of familial transmission for specific domains of cognitive function has not been systematically addressed. We employed variance components analysis, as implemented in SOLAR-Eclipse, to evaluate the evidence of familial transmission for empirically derived composite scores representing attention, working memory, verbal learning, verbal retention, and memory for faces. We contrast estimates for adult- and childhood-onset schizophrenia families and matched community control pedigrees, and compare our findings to previous reports based on analogous neurocognitive assessments. We observed varying degrees of familial transmission; attention and working memory yielded comparable, significant estimates for adult-onset and community control pedigrees; verbal learning was significant for childhood-onset and community control pedigrees; and facial memory demonstrated significant familial transmission only for childhood-onset schizophrenia. Model-fitting analyses indicated significant differences in familiality between adult- and childhood-onset schizophrenia for attention, working memory, and verbal learning. By comprehensively assessing a wide range of neurocognitive domains in adult- and childhood-onset schizophrenia families, we provide additional support for specific neurocognitive domains as schizophrenia endophenotypes. Whereas comparable estimates of familial transmission for certain dimensions of cognitive functioning support a shared etiology of adult- and childhood-onset neurocognitive function, observed differences may be taken as preliminary evidence of partially divergent multifactorial architectures.

Neurocognitive functioning in community youth with suicidal ideation: gender and pubertal effects.

Although there are extensive data on clinical psychopathology in youth with suicidal ideation, data are lacking regarding their neurocognitive function. To characterise the cognitive profile of youth with suicidal ideation in a community sample and evaluate gender differences and pubertal status effects. Participants (N = 6151, age 11-21 years, 54.9% females) from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, a non-help-seeking community sample, underwent detailed clinical evaluation. Cognitive phenotyping included executive functioning, episodic memory, complex reasoning and social cognitive functioning. We compared participants with suicidal ideation (N = 672) and without suicidal ideation (N = 5479). Regression models were employed to evaluate differences in cognitive performance and functional level, with gender and pubertal status as independent variables. Models controlled for lifetime depression or general psychopathology, and for covariates including age and socioeconomic status. Youth with suicidal ideation showed greater psychopathology, poorer level of function but better overall neurocognitive performance. Greater functional impairment was observed in females with suicidal ideation (suicidal ideation × gender interaction, t = 3.091, P = 0.002). Greater neurocognition was associated with suicidal ideation post-puberty (suicidal ideation × puberty interaction, t = 3.057, P = 0.002). Exploratory analyses of specific neurocognitive domains showed that suicidal ideation-associated cognitive superiority was more prominent in post-pubertal males compared with females (Cohen's d = 0.32 and d = 0.11, respectively) across all cognitive domains. Suicidal ideation was associated with poorer functioning yet better cognitive performance, especially in post-pubertal males, as measured by a comprehensive cognitive battery. Findings point to gender and pubertal-status specificity in the relationship between suicidal ideation, cognition and function in youth. R.B. serves on the scientific board and reports stock ownership in 'Taliaz Health', with no conflict of interest relevant to this work. M.A.O. receives royalties for the commercial use of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale from the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. Her family owns stock in Bristol-Myers Squibb. All other authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

NEUROCOGNITIVE DEFICITS IN ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: DOES CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE ADD INSULT TO INJURY?

Neurocognitive deficits are associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) and may persist in adults with CHD (ACHD). To date, no large studies have linked acquired coronary artery disease (CAD) to deficits within specific neurocognitive domains in ACHD patients. Individuals in the UK Biobank with

Neurocognition as a predictor of transition to psychotic disorder and functional outcomes in ultra-high risk participants: Findings from the NEURAPRO randomized clinical trial

BackgroundNeurocognitive impairments experienced by individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis are potential predictors of outcome within this population, however there is inconsistency regarding the specific neurocognitive domains implicated. This study aimed to examine whether baseline neurocognition predicted transition to psychosis, or functional outcomes, at medium-term (mean = 3.4 years) follow-up, while controlling for other clinical/treatment variables associated with transition to psychosis. MethodAnalysis of data collected as part of a multi-centre RCT of omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive-behavioural case management (NEURAPRO) for UHR individuals was conducted on the 294 participants (134 males, 160 females) who completed neurocognitive assessment (Brief Assessment of Cognition for Schizophrenia) at baseline. Transition to psychosis was determined using the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), and functioning was measured with the Global Functioning: Social and Role Scales. ResultsMean baseline z-scores indicated that UHR participants performed a quarter to half a standard deviation below normative means in all domains (range mean z = −0.24 to −0.47), except for executive functioning (mean z = 0.16). After adjusting for covariates, poorer Executive (p = .010) and Motor (p = .030) functions were predictive of transition to psychosis. Processing Speed and Verbal Fluency were significant predictors of role functioning at 12 months (p = .004), and social functioning at medium-term follow-up (p = .015), respectively. ConclusionsNeurocognitive abilities are independent predictors of both transition to psychosis and functional outcomes within the UHR population. Further research is needed to determine the best combination of risk variables in UHR individuals for prediction of psychosis transition, functioning and other psychopathology outcomes.

The contribution of employment duration to 18-month neurocognitive outcomes in first-episode psychosis.

Increased employment duration has been associated with change in performance on specific neurocognitive domains in populations with schizophrenia, but not in first-episode psychosis. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine whether employment duration over 18 months is associated with neurocognitive outcomes over 18 months among individuals with first-episode psychosis. Eighty-eight young people with first-episode psychosis completed a neurocognitive battery at baseline and 18 months. Setwise (hierarchical) multivariate linear regressions were used to examine predictors of change in neurocognitive performance over 18 months. Total hours employed over 18 months were entered after accounting for age, gender, premorbid IQ, and negative symptom change scores. Total hours employed was significantly associated with change in Symbol Digit Modalities Test raw score (p = .020), Letter-Number Sequencing scaled score (p = .016), Digit Span total scaled score (p = .047) and Rey Complex Figure Test delayed recall raw score (p = .016) over 18 months, after controlling demographic characteristics, premorbid IQ, and changes in negative psychotic symptoms. Total hours worked over 18 months was associated with small improvements on one test of processing speed and one test of working memory. However, total hours worked over 18 months was also associated with decline on one test of attention and working memory and visual organization and memory. The findings implicate that work alone may not be entirely effective in changing neurocognitive functioning for young people with first-episode psychosis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The interaction between neurocognitive functioning, subthreshold psychotic symptoms and pharmacotherapy in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A longitudinal comparative study

BackgroundThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most common genetic syndrome associated with schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the interaction between neurocognitive functioning, the presence of subthreshold psychotic symptoms (SPS) and conversion to psychosis in individuals with 22q11DS. In addition, we attempted to identify the specific neurocognitive domains that predict the longitudinal evolution of positive and negative SPS, as well as the effect of psychiatric medications on 22q11DS psychiatric and cognitive developmental trajectories. MethodsForty-four participants with 22q11DS, 19 with Williams syndrome (WS) and 30 typically developing (TD) controls, age range 12–35years, were assessed at two time points (15.2±2.1months apart). Evaluation included the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS), structured psychiatric evaluation and the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (CNB). Results22q11DS individuals with SPS had a yearly conversion rate to psychotic disorders of 8.8%, compared to none in both WS and TD controls. Baseline levels of negative SPS were associated with global neurocognitive performance (GNP), executive function and social cognition deficits, in individuals with 22q11DS, but not in WS. Deficits in GNP predicted negative SPS in 22q11DS and the emergence or persistence of negative SPS. 22q11DS individuals treated with psychiatric medications showed significant improvement in GNP score between baseline and follow-up assessments, an improvement that was not seen in untreated 22q11DS. ConclusionsOur results highlight the time-dependent interplay among positive and negative SPS symptoms, neurocognition and pharmacotherapy in the prediction of the evolution of psychosis in 22q11DS.

Childhood Brain Tumors: a Systematic Review of the Structural Neuroimaging Literature.

Due to medical advances, a large portion of children survive brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to identify the neuroanatomical and neurocognitive outcomes associated with survivorship. This review summarizes the specific regional structural neuroimaging findings, the broad structural findings, as well as the corresponding neurocognitive domains affected in brain tumor populations. Across studies, damage is commonly reported near the cerebellum, brain stem, and subcortical regions, as well as the frontal lobes. These results are consistent with the expected neuroanatomical damage following posterior fossa brain tumors, which was the most common tumor location of the studies in this review. Damage to these regions impacts a broad range of neurocognitive outcomes, as well as a number of specific neurocognitive domains. Damage to more ventral and subcortical brain regions correlated with lower motor speed, processing speed, attention, and memory. Relevant limitations and future directions are discussed with a focus on disentangling the complex and multifaceted factors associated with the consequences of brain tumor survivorship.

Personality and Performance in Specific Neurocognitive Domains Among Older Persons

Certain Big 5 personality dimensions have been repeatedly linked to global measures of cognitive function and outcome categories. We examined whether the Big 5 or their specific components showed differential evidence of associations with specific neurocognitive domains. Participants were 179 older adults (70+) from a broader study on cognitive aging. The NEO-Five Factor Inventory and a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests were used. Adjusted for age, gender, and years of education, probability values, Bayes Factors, and measures effect size from linear models suggested strong evidence for associations between better delayed recall memory and higher Conscientiousness (principally the facets of Goal-Striving and Dependability) and Openness (specifically the Intellectual Interest component). Better executive function and attention showed moderate to strong evidence of associations with lower Neuroticism (especially the Self-conscious Vulnerability facet) and higher Conscientiousness (mostly the Dependability facet). Better language functioning was linked to higher Openness (specifically, the Intellectual Interests facet). Worse visual-spatial function was strongly associated with higher Neuroticism. Different tests of neurocognitive functioning show varying degrees of evidence for associations with different personality traits. Better understanding of the patterning of neurocognitive-personality linkages may facilitate grasp of underlying mechanisms and/or refine understanding of co-occurring clinical presentation of personality traits and specific cognitive deficits.