Use Of Neuropsychological Tests Research Articles

Parietal/premotor lesions effects on visuomotor cognition in neuro-oncology patients: A multimodal study

BackgroundAssessing prior to surgery the functionality of brain areas exposed near the tumor requires a multimodal approach that combines the use of neuropsychological testing and fMRI tasks. Paradigms based on motor imagery, which corresponds to the ability to mentally evoke a movement, in the absence of actual action execution, can be used to test sensorimotor areas and the functionality of mental motor representations. MethodsThe most commonly used paradigm is the Limb Laterality Recognition Task (LLRT), requiring judgments about whether a limb belongs to the left or right side of the body. The group studied included 38 patients with high-grade (N = 21), low-grade (N = 11) gliomas and meningiomas (N = 6) in areas anterior (N = 21) and posterior (N = 17) to the central sulcus. Patients before surgery underwent neuropsychological assessment and fMRI. They performed the LLRT as an fMRI task. Accuracy, and neuroimaging data were collected and combined in a multimodal study. Structural MRI data analyses were performed by subtracting the overlap of volumes of interest (VOIs) plotted on lesions from the impaired patient group vs the overlap of VOIs from the spared group. The fMRI analyses were performed comparing the impaired patients and spared group. ResultsIn general, patients were within normal limits on many neuropsychological screening tests. Compared with the control group, 17/38 patients had significantly different performance. The subtraction between the VOIs overlay of the impaired patients' group vs. the VOIs overlay of the spared group revealed that the areas maximally involved by lesions in the impaired patients' group were the right postcentral gyrus, right inferior parietal lobe, right supramarginal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, paracentral lobule, left postcentral gyrus, right superior parietal lobe, left inferior parietal lobe, and left superior and middle frontal gyrus. Analysis of the fMRI data showed which of these areas contributes to a correct LLRT performance. The task (vs. rest) in the group comparison (spared vs. impaired patients) activated a cluster in the left inferior parietal lobe. ConclusionUnderlying the altered performance at LLRT in patients with lesions to the parietal and premotor areas of the right and left hemispheres is a difference in activation of the left inferior parietal lobe. This region is involved in visuomotor processes and those related to motor attention, movement selection, and motor planning.

Examining the Validity and Utility of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Domain Scores for Early Neurocognitive Disorders.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total scores have been widely used to identify individuals with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), but the utility of its domain-specific scores have yet to be thoroughly interrogated. This study aimed to validate MoCA's 6 domain-specific scores (ie, Memory, Language, Attention, Executive, Visuospatial, and Orientation) with conventional neuropsychological tests and explore whether MoCA domain scores could discriminate between different etiologies in early NCDs. Baseline data of a cohort study. Study included 14,571 participants recruited from Alzheimer's Disease Centers across United States, aged ≥50years, with global Clinical Dementia Rating of ≤1, and mean age of 71.8 ± 8.9years. Participants completed MoCA, conventional neuropsychological tests, and underwent standardized assessments to diagnose various etiologies of NCDs. Partial correlation coefficient was used to examine construct validity between Z scores of neuropsychological tests and MoCA domain scores, whereas multinomial logistic regression examined utility of domain scores to differentiate between etiologies of early NCDs. MoCA domain scores correlated stronger with equivalent constructs (r= 0.15-0.43, P < .001), and showed divergence from dissimilar constructs on neuropsychological tests. Participants with Alzheimer's disease were associated with greater impairment in Memory, Attention, Visuospatial, and Orientation domains (RRR= 1.13-1.55, P < .001). Participants with Lewy body disease were impaired in Attention and Visuospatial domains (RRR= 1.21-1.47, P < .001); participants with frontotemporal lobar degeneration were impaired in Language, Executive, and Orientation domains (RRR= 1.25-1.75, P < .01); and participants with Vascular disease were impaired in Attention domain (RRR= 1.14, P < .001). MoCA domain scores approximate well-established neuropsychological tests and can be valuable in discriminating different etiologies of early NCDs. Although MoCA domain scores may not fully substitute neuropsychological tests, especially in the context of diagnostic uncertainties, they can complement MoCA total scores as part of systematic evaluation of early NCDs and conserve the use of neuropsychological tests to patients who are more likely to require further assessments.

Identification of cognitive resilience through neuropsychological tests in the Framingham Heart Study

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the predictive abilities of 1) traditional neuropsychological (NP) test summary scores, and 2) error and process scores in separating cognitively resilient individuals from those who exhibit cognitive decline.MethodA total of 69 participants from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring and Omni 1 cohorts who had ≥1 NP assessment from 2011–2014 and at high risk for dementia were included in the sample. Participants also had to be ≥60 years of age and dementia‐free at the time of NP assessment. Being at high risk for dementia was determined using a cutoff score of ≥23 based on a published FHS dementia risk score algorithm. Dementia diagnosis was adjudicated based on DSM‐IV criteria by consensus. Participants completed 10 NP tests, which were scored using 11 traditional scores and 75 error and process scores. Supervised machine learning algorithms were used to classify individuals who were cognitively resilient, defined as not progressing to dementia within ≥5 years after the NP evaluation.ResultAmong the 69 participants in our sample, 10 were cognitively resilient while 59 developed dementia. Average area under the curve when using traditional NP metrics to predict cognitive resilience ranged from 90.5% to 95.7% across each supervised machine learning algorithm (logistic regression, random forest, support vector machines, and light gradient boosting machine) (Figure 1). Average accuracy ranged from 85.3% to 92.6%, while average sensitivity was 100% across all models and average specificity ranged from 82.7% to 91.4% (Table 1). Average area under the curve when using the error and process scores to predict cognitive resilience ranged from 93.2% to 98.3% across each supervised machine learning algorithm (Figure 2). Average accuracy ranged from 89.9% to 97.0%, while average sensitivity was also 100% across all models and average specificity ranged from 88.2% to 96.5% (Table 2). All performance metrics were calculated based on five‐fold cross‐validation.ConclusionResults from this pilot study suggest that use of NP tests may serve as an accurate method to identify individuals who are cognitive resilient, allowing for the study of genetic, lifestyle, and other factors that confer resilience among individuals with an elevated risk for dementia.

A-162 Neuropsychological Functioning in Migraine: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective: Migraine refers to recurrent, unilateral headache attacks, lasting 4-72 hours, that have a pulsating quality. A meta-analysis was conducted comparing cognition on clinical measures between individuals with migraine and healthy controls. Data Selection: We searched the University of South Alabama Libraries’ OneSearch and PubMed using a uniform search-strategy to locate original research comparing cognition between migraine and control samples. Analyses were modeled under random effects. Hedge’s g was used as a bias-corrected estimate of effect size. We assessed between-study heterogeneity using Cochran’s Q and I2. Data Synthesis: The initial search interval spanned inception–May 2021 and yielded 6692 results. Fifty-two studies were analyzed (migraine n=5324, control n=16540). Meta-analysis showed a significant combined effect size of migraine across all studies (g=-0.37, p&amp;lt;.001), with high heterogeneity (Q=329.84, p&amp;lt;.001, I2=84.54). Trim-and-fill procedure estimated 0 studies to be missing due to publication bias (adjusted g=-0.37, Q=329.84). Within-domain effects of migraine were: Executive Functioning=-0.40, Global Cognition/Orientation=-0.20, Language=-0.30, Learning/Memory=-0.24, Motor=-0.09, Processing Speed=-0.42, Screener=-0.50, Simple/Complex Attention=-0.35, and Visuospatial/Construction=-0.36. Heterogeneity was moderate to high within domains. Meta-regressions indicated education and disease duration were not related to effect sizes. Age and gender were related to effect sizes such that studies with older and higher percentage of female clinical participants yielded greater (negative) differences. Conclusions: Individuals with migraine consistently demonstrated lower performances on neuropsychological tests compared to controls. Effect sizes were generally small in strength, with largest effects in Executive Functioning, Processing Speed, and Screeners. This quantitative summary indicates that, through use of neuropsychological tests, individuals with migraine experience difficulties in multiple aspects of cognition.

QOL-29. Neuropsychology for you“ – tools to improve awareness of and access to neuropsychological care

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of neuropsychological late effects in childhood brain tumor patients is well known in literature and practice, as well as the use of neuropsychological testing and therapy procedures. Despite guidelines, actual care is quite heterogeneous and often does not meet the needs due to lack of resources. Therefore, a standardized tool to improve awareness of and access to neuropsychological assessment, but even more treatment was developed. METHODS: The core of this Quality-Improvement project is a multilevel and interdisciplinary approach characterized by iterative processes (PDSA-cycles): (1) conceptualization by interdisciplinary, multicenter teams of experts, (2) consensus in Delphi surveys by medical, nursing and psychosocial experts (N=45) and final approval by the steering group. (3) Pilot phases (N=44): Manageability and acceptance, emotional well-being and the degree of information were recorded using a process-oriented screening. RESULTS: The expert meetings resulted in two booklets ("Look closely - Psychosocial assessment" & "1,2,3 - All about Neuropsychology"): Each booklet offers creative methods with a high prompting character to motivate the child to participate actively in two face-to-face sessions (psychoeducational, work and exercise and reflection section). They enable patients to make themselves experts on these topics with age-appropriate, interactive methods. The Delphi survey revealed a consensus of 69%-93%. Patients using the Psychosocial-assessment booklet showed generally low negative emotions and stable positive emotions, which significantly increased during the second session (Z = 2.156, p = .031). Moreover, positive emotions increase significantly during the second session (Z = 2.805, p = .005). Self-indicated degree of information increases significantly with both booklets (Psychosocial assessment: Z = 3.133, p = .002; Neuropsychology: Z = 2.751, p = .006). CONCLUSION: The results illustrate a positive emotional approach to neuropsychological assessment and treatment. Likewise, the rapid increase in expert knowledge supports access to this specific topic and can be considered a minimum standard.

Impact of inspiratory threshold loading on brain activity and cognitive performances in healthy humans.

In healthy humans, inspiratory threshold loading deteriorates cognitive performances. This can result from motor-cognitive interference (activation of motor respiratory-related cortical networks vs. executive resources allocation), sensory-cognitive interference (dyspnea vs. shift in attentional focus), or both. We hypothesized that inspiratory loading would concomitantly induce dyspnea, activate motor respiratory-related cortical networks, and deteriorate cognitive performance. We reasoned that a concomitant activation of cortical networks and cognitive deterioration would be compatible with motor-cognitive interference, particularly in case of a predominant alteration of executive cognitive performances. Symmetrically, we reasoned that a predominant alteration of attention-depending performances would suggest sensory-cognitive interference. Twenty-five volunteers (12 men; 19.5-51.5 yr) performed the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT-A and B; calculation capacity, working memory, attention), the Trail Making Test (TMT-A, visuospatial exploration capacity; TMT-B, visuospatial exploration capacity, and attention), and the Corsi block-tapping test (visuospatial memory, short-term, and working memory) during unloaded breathing and inspiratory threshold loading in random order. Loading consistently induced dyspnea and respiratory-related brain activation. It was associated with deteriorations in PASAT-A [52 [45.5;55.5]; (median [interquartile range]) to 48 [41;54.5], P = 0.01], PASAT-B (55 [47.5;58] to 51 [44.5;57.5], P = 0.01), and TMT-B (44 s [36;54.5] to 53 s [42;64], P = 0.01), but did not affect TMT-A and Corsi. The concomitance of cortical activation and cognitive performance deterioration is compatible with competition for cortical resources (motor-cognitive interference), whereas the profile of cognitive impairment (PASAT and TMT-B but not TMT-A and Corsi) is compatible with a contribution of attentional distraction (sensory-cognitive interference). Both mechanisms are therefore likely at play.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring the interferences between inspiratory loading and cognition in healthy subjects with the concomitant use of neuropsychological tests and electroencephalographic recordings. Inspiratory loading was associated with dyspnea, respiratory-related changes in brain activation, and a pattern of deterioration of neuropsychological tests suggestive of attentional disruption. Inspiratory loading is therefore likely to impact cognitive performances through both motor-cognitive interference (engagement of cortical networks) and sensory-cognitive interference (dyspnea-related shift in attentional focus).

An online platform and a dynamic database for neuropsychological assessment in Indonesia

Proper use of neuropsychological tests in Indonesia is hindered by a lack of properly adapted neurocognitive tests as well as an absence of normative data. In 2016, we started adapting ten of these tests for use in Indonesia and collected data from healthy participants in Java. Here we introduce and propose a system that will facilitate the proper usage and interpretation of test scores: an online platform and a dynamic database. Newly collected data (492 healthy adults) of the Indonesian version of the Boston Naming Test (I-BNT) were used to illustrate the usefulness of the two functions. Analysis of variances, post-hoc tests, and a simulation study revealed the effects of age and education on the I-BNT, indicating that it is imperative to fine-tune the reference group based on these demographic factors. Putative inadequate sample size issues for obtaining reliable normative scores were overcome by employing regression analyses and the prediction of normative scores. It can be concluded that a flexible online platform is available for the calculation of normative scores either based on the whole population, on fine-tuned reference groups, or on predicted scores. The dynamic database’s growth will allow to obtain even more fine-tuned and more reliable reference data as well as more accurate predictions. Fine-tuned reference data are badly needed for the heterogenous Indonesian population.

Neuropsychological subtypes of incident mild cognitive impairment in Down syndrome

AbstractBackgroundPast attempts to characterize the earliest cognitive changes as individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) transition from cognitively stable to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been equivocal (Garcia‐Alba et al., 2019; Lautarescu et al., 2017). Difficulties identifying MCI in this population are complicated by variability in pre‐morbid cognitive abilities, the use of neuropsychological tests that were created for the neurotypical population, and participants scoring at floor on the baseline assessment (Krinsky‐McHale and Silverman, 2013).MethodWe examined data from 151 individuals with Down Syndrome (M age=50.25, SD age=6.94). Their pre‐morbid level of intellectual impairment ranged from mild to severe. All participants received comprehensive evaluations. Following data collection, the clinical status of each participant was rated at consensus review that considered performance on a core neuropsychological test battery and the clinical data for each participant. Data from the non‐demented and MCI groups are examined: Cognitive Stable (N=107, 70.9%) and MCI‐DS (N=44, 29.1%). The full battery consists of 27 subtests that were hypothesized a priori to measure five cognitive domains: language, memory, executive function, visuospatial reasoning, and motor coordination.ResultFactor analysis revealed 7 principal components that maximally discriminated between test scores in older adults with DS who have not reached clinical AD status: (1) general intelligence (2) sensorimotor, (3) memory, (4) language comprehension and expression, (5) executive function/speed, (6) attention/language expression, and (7) visuomotor. Cluster analysis for the MCI group produced 3 distinct groups: (1) dysexecutive (n=4), (2) dysnomic/visuospatial impaired (n=28), and (3) amnestic/motor impaired (n=12).ConclusionThe neuropsychological battery assesses 7 distinct cognitive functions in older adults with DS. It can also capture cognitive decline, as we were able to empirically identify three distinct neuropsychological subtypes of MCI: amnestic/visuomotor impaired, dysexecutive, and dysnomic. These subtypes are generally consistent with those that have been found within the neurotypical population (Edmonds et al., 2015; Dick et al., 2016), strengthening the evidence that AD has a similar course in the DS population and late onset AD.

Proper use of neuropsychological tests to assess driving capacity when higher brain dysfunction is suspected after stroke, brain injury, or else

Proper use of neuropsychological tests to assess driving capacity when higher brain dysfunction is suspected after stroke, brain injury, or else

Neuropsychological profile of Alzheimer’s disease based on amyloid biomarker findings results from a South American cohort

Objective Increased life expectancy and exponential growth of adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) worldwide, has led to biomarkers incorporation for diagnosis in early stages. Use of neuropsychological testing remains limited. This study aimed to identify which neuropsychological tests best indicated underlying AD pathophysiology. Methods One hundred and forty-one patients with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) were studied. A neuropsychological test battery based on the Uniform Data Set (UDS) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Centers program of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) was performed and amyloid markers recorded; according to presence or absence of amyloid identified by positive PIB-PET findings, or low CSF Aβ42 levels, patients were separated into MCI amyloid–(n:58) and MCI amyloid + (n = 83) cases. Results Statistical differences were found in all memory tests between groups. Delayed recall score at thirty minutes on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) was the best predictor of amyloid pathology presence (AUC 0.68), followed by AVLT total learning (AUC 0.66) and AVLT Recognition (AUC 0.59) scores, providing useful cut off values in the clinical setting. Conclusions Use of neuropsychological testing, specifically AVLT scores with cutoff values, contributed to the correct diagnosis of MCI due to AD in this SouthAmerican cohort.

Sensitivity and specificity of combined use of Ala score and CIScore in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are two major types of dementia. Due to shared signs and symptoms, accurate diagnosis of these dementia subtypes is a clinical challenge. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the combined use of neuropsychological testing and brain imaging data for the differential diagnosis of these conditions. The study population included 77 patients with either AD or DLB. Ala score was calculated from Mini-Mental State Exam subscores, and the cingulate island sign score (CIScore) was obtained from image analysis of brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography. Correlation between Ala score and CIScore values was observed in the subgroup of patients aged ≤79 years (r = 0.485, P = 0.002), and the scatter plot revealed that 70% of DLB patients were within the range of cut-off values for DLB. In the group aged ≥80 years, there was poor correlation between the Ala and CIScores (r = 0.285, P = 0.083), the average CIScore exceeded the cut-off value, and the scatter plot showed lower sensitivity, illustrating the challenge of discriminating AD from DLB in an older patient population. The concurrent use of Ala score and CIScore enhanced the specificity and the area under the curve in both subgroups, indicating the improved ability of these tests to aid in the differential diagnosis of AD from DLB. Our findings suggest that the use of these methodologies in routine medical practice may increase the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of dementia subtypes.

Brain–Computer Interfaces in Poststroke Rehabilitation: a Clinical Neuropsychological Study

Objectives. To assess the efficacy of using a brain–computer interface with a hand exoskeleton (BCI–exoskeleton) in the complex rehabilitation of patients with the sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents and to determine the minimally adequate reserves of cognitive functions required for the patient to carry out effective mental training using the movement imagination paradigm. Materials and methods. The study included 55 patients (median age 54.0 [44.0; 61.0] years, median time since stroke 6.0 [3.0; 13.0] months) in study and control (simulation of BCI) groups. The severity of paresis was evaluated on the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA) scale and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Neuropsychological investigations to identify predictors for learning by movement imagination were carried out in 12 patients of the study group before training started. After investigations, patients received courses of movement imagination (hand extension) training using a BCI to control a hand exoskeleton. On average, patients received 10 30-min training sessions. After training, repeat assessments of parameters on motor scales were run, along with analysis of electroencephalography data obtained during training sessions; these results were compared with neuropsychological investigation data. Results and conclusions. Both groups showed improvements in upper limb motor function on the ARAT and Fugl–Meyer (sections A–D, H, I) scales. Only the BCI-exoskeleton group showed improvements in the ball grasp (p = 0.012), finger pinch grip (p = 0.012), and gross arm movements (p = 0.002) scores on the ARAT scale. A significant correlation was found between BCI movement quality indicators with various neuropsychological test results: Taylor figures, Head test, reaction choice test. Thus, inclusion of the BCI-exoskeleton system into the complex rehabilitation of patients with poststroke upper limb paresis significantly improves a number of measures of grasping and movement functions in the proximal segments of the upper limb. Use of neuropsychological tests as screening to select patients may help with the personalized application of rehabilitation technologies.

Beyond cognitive dysfunction: Relevance of ecological validity of neuropsychological tests in multiple sclerosis

In neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), a neuropsychological assessment is often requested to assist clinicians in evaluating the role of cognition in a patient’s level of everyday functioning. To be effective in this charge, it is assumed that performance on neuropsychological tests is related to how a person may function in everyday life, and the question is often asked: “Are neuropsychological tests ecologically valid?” In this review, we synthesize the literature that examines the use of neuropsychological tests to assess functioning across a variety of everyday functioning domains in MS (i.e. driving, employment, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)). However, we critically examine the usefulness of asking this broad question regarding ecological validity, given the psychometric and conceptual pitfalls it may yield. While many neuropsychological tests may be generally considered “ecologically valid” in MS, it is much more helpful to specify for whom, under what circumstances, and to what degree.

The role of neurocognitive tests in the assessment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Despite widespread recognition that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, optimal methods of diagnosis among adults remain elusive. Substantial overlap between ADHD symptoms and cognitive symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and concerns about validity in symptom reporting have made the use of neuropsychological tests in ADHD diagnostic assessment appealing. However, past work exploring the potential diagnostic utility of neuropsychological tests among adults has often relied on a relatively small subset of tests, has failed to include symptom and performance validity measures, and often does not include comparison groups of participants with commonly comorbid disorders, such as depression. The current study examined the utility of an extensive neuropsychological measure battery for diagnosing ADHD among adults. Two hundred forty-six participants (109 ADHD, 52 depressed, 85 nondisordered controls) completed a multistage screening and assessment process, which included a clinical interview, self, and informant report on behavior rating scales, performance and symptom validity measures, and an extensive neuropsychological testing battery. Results indicated that measures of working memory, sustained attention, response speed, and variability best discriminated ADHD and non-ADHD participants. While single test measures provided performed poorly in identifying ADHD participants, analyses revealed that a combined approach using self and informant symptom ratings, positive family history of ADHD, and a reaction time (RT) variability measure correctly classified 87% of cases. Findings suggest that neuropsychological test measures used in conjunction with other clinical assessments may enhance prediction of adult ADHD diagnoses. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of low visual acuity on neuropsychological test scores: A simulation study

Objective: To systematically examine the effect of low visual acuity (LVA) on a number of commonly used neuropsychological tests.Method: In this study, the influence of LVA on a number of commonly used neuropsychological tests was examined in 238 healthy older adults (aged 50–80) without visual or neurological impairment. LVA was simulated using simulation glasses.Results: It was found that a simulated LVA of ∼0.2 (decimal acuity; Snellen 6/30 or 20/100, LogMAR 0.7) had a negative impact on test performance for the Trail Making Test, Complex Figure of Rey (copy score), and Visual Object and Space Perception battery subtest 3, but not for the Mini Mental State Examination and Balloons test. For some tests, the negative impact of LVA increased with age.Conclusions: These results have important implications for the use of neuropsychological tests in the visually impaired population. More specifically, when administering the Trail Making Test, Complex Figure of Rey (copy score), and Visual Object and Space Perception Battery subtest 3 to older people with LVA, low test scores should be interpreted with great caution. Low test scores on the Mini Mental State Examination and Balloons Test are not likely to be caused by LVA and are more likely to reflect actual cognitive impairment. The results contribute to the validity of neuropsychological assessment of older people with visual impairment, leading to more effective and more patient-based rehabilitation.

The Chinese Australian Neuropsychological Normative Study sample performance on Western and Chinese norms: Caveats for cross‐cultural neuropsychology

ObjectiveThe use of neuropsychological tests and norms developed for use with dominant culture English‐speaking Westerners when assessing persons from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds has been appropriately questioned. Some authors have argued, however, that demographic corrections reduce or eliminate cross‐cultural differences. The primary purpose of the current study was to determine the suitability of using existing demographically adjusted Chinese and Western norms with Chinese Australians.MethodChinese Australian Neuropsychological Normative Study (CANNS) test data (based on N = 145 community dwelling Chinese Australians aged 55–87-years) were converted to demographically adjusted standard scores on the basis of comparison normative samples to examine whether the results were comparable across the CANNS and other Western and Chinese normative datasets.ResultsThe CANNS sample performed poorer than Westerners on the learning trials of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) but better than both Westerners and Chinese from China/Hong Kong on Trial 7. Performance on non‐verbal tests including the Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) Copy, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition (WAIS‐III) Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) and Matrix Reasoning (MR), the Five‐Point Test, and the Clock Drawing Test was poorer than that of Westerners despite controlling for age and education. Use of Western norms resulted in significant false positive rates for all non‐verbal tests except MR.ConclusionThe findings of the current study caution against the use of Western tests for which CALD‐specific norms are not available, particularly non‐verbal tests.

Progression of Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease.

Background:Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most prevalent non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), often experienced as more debilitating for patients and caregivers than motor problems. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the course of cognitive decline and the identification of valid progression markers for Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is essential.Objective:This systematic review summarizes the current state of knowledge on cognitive decline over time by reporting effect sizes of cognitive changes in neuropsychological tests.METHODS:1368 studies were identified by a PubMed database search and 25 studies by additionally scanning previous literature. After screening all records, including 69 full-text article reviews, 12 longitudinal studies on the progression of cognitive decline in PD met our criteria (e.g., sample size ≥50 patients).Results:Only a few studies monitored cognitive decline over a longer period (>4 years). Most studies focused on the evaluation of change in global cognitive state by use of the Mini-Mental State Examination, whereas the use of neuropsychological tests was highly heterogenic among studies. Only one study evaluated patients’ cognitive performance in all specified domains (executive function, attention & working memory, memory, language, and visual-spatial function) allowing for diagnosis of cognitive impairment according to consensus guidelines. Medium to strong effect sizes could only be observed in studies with follow-up intervals of four years or longer.Conclusions:The results emphasize the need for the assessment of larger PD cohorts over longer periods of follow-up with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.

Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics

AimProviding an overview of the neuropsychological tests used in Italian memory clinics (defined as Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias—CCDD in Italy) for the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementias.MethodsA...

The use of neuropsychological tests to study the effects of aging on driving performance in the UK

Research was conducted to identify a series of neuropsychological tests to assess the ability to drive. Driving performance of young and old UK drivers was modeled through multiple linear regression and univariate logistic regression tools. The UFOV3 test (i.e. the third subtest of the UFOV test) had comparatively high discriminating ability in separating poor-drivers from not-poor-drivers, with 92.86% of the drivers correctly classified; the UFOV3 test resulted in a Sensitivity of 62.5%. Age and a composite cognitive measure were also found to be sound discriminators of poor-drivers and not-poor-drivers with 91.07% and 89.28% of the drivers correctly classified respectively; both age and the composite cognitive measure resulted in a Sensitivity of 50%. It was found that the commonly recommended Clock Drawing Test and the Trail Making-B test were insignificant predictors of driving ability. Results suggest that for a score greater than 220 on the UFOV3 test, the driver may be further evaluated by a driving specialist to ascertain questionable driving behavior. Also, drivers above the age of 77 were more susceptible to exhibiting unusual driving behavior; if such drivers have UFOV3 scores greater than 220 it would be more appropriate to evaluate driving behavior through a driving specialist.

Towards a Personalised Learning in Basic Design Studio: The use of Neuropsychological Tests

Basic design education was conventionally structured around standardised lesson plans and instructional methods. Although each architectural school considers itself as an ecole, the content and the methods of basic design courses mostly follow a particular layout. The principles or qualities, elements and compositional rules of design constitute the content, whereas the methods can vary according to the instructors. These content and dependent methods consider students as passive receivers, whereas students of basic architectural design course should be active learners, participants and even contributors to the process. Hence, it is of importance to consider the students as individuals with particular skills and learning domains. The characteristics of each student should be depicted. In this way, it could be possible develop personalised learning methods and more active and productive basic design studios. This study aims to present methods of educational psychology, particularly neuropsychological tests as key factors of personalised learning in studios. Keywords: Basic design studio, educational psychology, neuropsychological tests.