Publications by authors named "H G Belanger"
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia and a key determinant of functional outcome. Although conventional paper-and-pencil based cognitive assessments used in schizophrenia remained relatively static during most of the 20th century, this century has witnessed the emergence of innovative digital technologies that aim to enhance the ecological validity of performance-based assessments. This narrative review provides an overview of new technologies that show promise for enhancing the ecological validity of cognitive and functional assessments.
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- This study explores the connection between white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), age, and cognitive performance in a group of combat-exposed Veterans and Service Members.
- The research involved 1,011 participants, revealing that both groups had similar rates of WMHs; however, older individuals with mTBI showed a higher count of WMHs compared to those without.
- Significant relationships were found linking increased WMHs with cognitive impairments in memory and processing speed, suggesting the need for further investigation on the long-term effects of WMHs in mTBI cases.
Background: Depression is prevalent among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans, yet rates of Veteran mental health care utilization remain modest. The current study examined: factors in electronic health records (EHR) associated with lack of treatment initiation and treatment delay; the accuracy of regression and machine learning models to predict initiation of treatment.
Methods: We obtained data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW).
Article Synopsis
- The effects of repeated blast exposure (RBE) on the brain health of US Special Operations Forces (SOF) are not fully understood, and currently, there is no test to diagnose injury from such exposures.
- A study involving 30 active-duty US SOF found that higher blast exposure correlates with changes in brain structure and cognitive performance, particularly affecting the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC).
- These findings indicate that increased blast exposure can lead to health-related issues and suggest that a comprehensive, network-based diagnostic method may be beneficial for identifying brain injuries in SOF personnel.
People with depression often underutilize mental health care. This study was conceived as a first step toward a clinical decision support tool that helps identify patients who are at higher risk of underutilizing care. The primary goals were to (a) describe treatment utilization patterns, early termination, and return to care; (b) identify factors associated with early termination of treatment; and (c) evaluate the accuracy of regression models to predict early termination.
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