Neuropsychological Symptoms and Functional Capacity in Older Adults with Chronic Pain.

The impact of chronic pain on neuropsychological functioning of older adults is under-studied. The present study examined the relationship between chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cognition, and functional capacity in community-dwelling older adults (ages 60-89) who completed an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation ( = 452). Psychometrically sound and validated measures were used to assess depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]), cognitive functioning (the Mini Mental Status Exam [MMSE] and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status [RBANS]), and functional capacity (Texas Functional Living Scale [TFLS] and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire [IADL]).

Physical Activity and Neuropsychological Functioning in Older Adults.

Research has identified a positive relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological functioning across the lifespan. The present study further examined the relationship between physical activity, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in community-dwelling older adults (ages 65-96) who completed an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation ( = 526). Psychometrically sound and validated measures were used to assess depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning.

Neurocognitive functioning of patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder commonly associated with motor deficits. However, cognitive impairment is also common in patients with PD. Cognitive concerns in PD may affect multiple domains of neurocognition and vary across different stages of the disease.

Preliminary evidence for digit span performance validity indicators within the neuropsychological assessment battery.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate multiple embedded performance validity indicators within the Digits Forward and Digits Backward subtests of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), including Reliable Digit Span (RDS), as no published papers have examined embedded digit span validity indicators within these subtests of the NAB. Retrospective archival chart review was conducted at an outpatient neuropsychology clinic. Participants were 92 adults (ages 19-68) who completed NAB Digits Forward and Digits Backward, and the Word Choice Test (WCT).

Lifestyle Factors, Cognitive Functioning, and Functional Capacity in Older Adults.

Research suggests that clinical management of cognitive impairment can occur through interventions targeting lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise and sleep quality. The present study examined the associations among lifestyle factors (exercise and sleep quality), cognition, and functional capacity in older adults (ages 56-94) who completed an outpatient neuropsychological evaluation ( = 356). Exercise habits and sleep quality were accessed using a self-report questionnaire and a clinical interview.

The Development and Validation of the Embedded Validity Indicator for the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an embedded measure of performance validity within the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB).

Method: This study involved a retrospective chart review at an outpatient neuropsychology clinic. Participants were 183 adults (ages 18-70) who completed the attention and memory modules of the NAB, as well as the Word Choice Test, Green's Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT), and Green's Non-Verbal MSVT, as part of a clinical neuropsychological assessment (n = 147) or as part of a forensic neuropsychological evaluation (n = 36).

Benefits of Computer Engagement in Older Adults with Dementia.

Two pilot studies aimed to determine the effects of individual computer engagement on behavioral health outcomes in individuals with dementia. The focus was on participants' mental health, challenging behaviors, antipsychotic medications, and professional caregiver stress. Two pilot randomized control trials were conducted.

Can deficits in functional capacity and practical judgment indicate cognitive impairment in older adults?

Neuropsychological literature has demonstrated a significant relationship between cognitive decline and functional capacity, but the directionality of this relationship is still not well understood. Further, the construct of practical judgment has been linked to both cognitive impairment and functional capacity, but these associations are still under-researched. Moreover, few studies to date have examined the relationships among all three constructs utilizing performance-based, ecologically valid and psychometrically sound measures.

Role of neuropsychologists in the evaluation and management of sport-related concussion: an inter-organization position statement.

Over the past 20 years, clinical neuropsychologists have been at the forefront of both scientific and clinical initiatives aimed at developing evidence-based approaches to the evaluation and management of sport-related concussion (SRC). These efforts have directly impacted current policy on strategies for injury assessment and return-to-play by athletes after concussion. Many states are considering legislation requiring (a) education of athletes, parents, coaches, and school/organization officials on the recognition, evaluation, and management of SRCs; (b) removal from play of any youth athlete that is suspected of having sustained a concussion; and (c) not allowing the student to return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared for return to participation in writing by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Role of neuropsychologists in the evaluation and management of sport-related concussion: an inter-organization position statement.

Over the past 20 years, clinical neuropsychologists have been at the forefront of both scientific and clinical initiatives aimed at developing evidence-based approaches to the evaluation and management of sport-related concussion. These efforts have directly impacted current policy on strategies for injury assessment and return-to-play by athletes after concussion. Many states are considering legislation requiring (a) education of athletes, parents, coaches, and school/organization officials on the recognition, evaluation, and management of sport-related concussions; (b) removal from play of any youth athlete that is suspected of having sustained a concussion; and (c) not allowing the student to return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared for return to participation in writing by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Supporting autobiographical memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease using smart phones.

An estimated 5.1 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease (AD). A symptom of AD is the gradual loss of autobiographical memory.

Frontal Release Signs and Their Relationship With the Initiation and Perseveration Component of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale in Persons With Dementia.

As part of a longitudinal study of dementia, 35 elderly patients with dementia were studied, correlating frontal release signs and performance on components of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. A frontal release score was developed using glabellar, palmar grasp, plantar grasp, and palmomental signs. There was a direct relationship between the frontal release score and the Initiation and Perseveration component of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale.