Stability of Subjective Executive Functioning in Older Adults with aMCI and Subjective Cognitive Decline.

Objective: Subjective memory concerns are characteristic of individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD), though subjective changes in executive functions have also been reported. In a cohort study, we examined the temporal stability of subjective report of executive functioning in a high education (mean = 16.8 years) sample of cognitively normal (CN) older adults and those with aMCI or SCD.

Visual contrast sensitivity in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and older adults with cognitive complaints.

Deficits in contrast sensitivity (CS) have been reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the extent of these deficits in prodromal AD stages, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or even earlier, has not been investigated. In this study, CS was assessed using frequency doubling technology in older adults with AD (n = 10), amnestic MCI (n = 28), cognitive complaints without performance deficits (CC; n = 20), and healthy controls (HC; n = 29).

Personality traits in women with multiple sclerosis: discrepancy in patient/partner report and disease course.

Objective: Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are believed to undergo personality changes, which could have implications for how they perceive themselves and are perceived by others. We endeavored to examine the extent to which patients' self-perceptions are congruent with how they are perceived by significant others across five trait domains as demarcated by the well known Five-Factor Model (FFM).

Methods: The NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEOFFI) (Costa and McCrae, 1992) was administered to women with MS (n=70) and their spouses or partners.

Cortical atrophy and personality in multiple sclerosis.

Although the cognitive disorder of multiple sclerosis (MS) is well characterized, little is known about personality changes that may occur in this disease. There are reliable personality tests available for research in neurological disease, based on the well-known Five Factor Model. Preliminary research suggests that cognitively impaired MS patients exhibit elevation in Neuroticism, and diminution in Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, as do patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Approaches to tobacco control & lung cancer screening among physician assistants.

Background: This study explores physicians' assistants' (PA) knowledge and practice regarding tobacco cessation counseling, approaches to lung cancer early detection and management of patients at high risk of developing lung cancer.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine approaches to tobacco use prevention and the early detection of lung cancer among PAs from Western New York State.

Results: PAs report promoting use of the nicotine patch, nicotine spray and bupropion when counseling smokers on cessation.

American Indian cancer survivors: exploring social network topology and perceived social supports.

Background: The literature on social networks and social supports attests to the powerful influence of social relationships on health; there is a dearth of such studies with American Indians/Alaska Natives.

Method: This exploratory study assesses the social network topology and perceived social supports received among American Indian cancer survivors and matched controls.

Results: Although there did not appear to be marked differences overall among cases and controls, expressive social supports (eg, companionship, moral support, encouragement, advice, and friendship) were ranked highly across each component of the network.

Approaches to breast cancer screening among nurse practitioners.

Purpose: To determine nurse practitioners' (NPs') knowledge and reported practices regarding breast cancer screening in a climate of conflicting guidelines.

Data Source: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to examine approaches to cancer screening among NPs in western New York.

Conclusions: Among the 175 NP respondents, agreement with the accepted answers for the individual breast cancer-screening items ranged from 51% to 80%; responses did not vary by age group or gender.

Nurse practitioners' knowledge, practice and attitudes about tobacco cessation & lung cancer screening.

Purpose: To determine nurse practitioners' (NPs') knowledge, practice, and attitudes about tobacco cessation counseling and lung cancer early detection.

Data Source: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to examine NPs' approaches to primary and secondary prevention of tobacco use among patients in western New York.

Conclusions: Among the 175 respondents, NPs appropriately counseled tobacco users on tobacco cessation.

Breast cancer screening beliefs by practice location.

Background: This study examines variations in breast cancer screening among primary care clinicians by geographic location of clinical practice.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine approaches to breast cancer screening among physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants involved in primary care practice. A summary index of beliefs about breast cancer screening was created by summing the total number of responses in agreement with each of four survey items; values for this summary variable ranged between zero and four.

Variations in approaches to breast cancer screening among primary care physicians.

Background: Guidelines for breast cancer screening often provide conflicting recommndations.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine approaches to cancer screening among primary care physicians.

Results: Among the 187 respondents, levels of agreement with the "correct" response ranged between 50% and 73% for each of the four items relating to breast cancer screening; only 42% of physicians demonstrated agreement with three or more of the four items.