NORMATIVE DATA FOR FOUR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS IN A SAMPLE OF ADULTS WHO ARE ILLITERATE AND FROM LATIN AMERICA

Neuropsychological tests are standardized tasks used to measure psychological functioning that is associated with a particular brain structure. These tests often are used in diagnosing a cognitive deficiency resulting from brain injuries. Currently, there are a limited number of studies that have focused on standardization of neuropsychological tests in Latin America. Therefore, the vast majority of cognitive tests used in the evaluation of patients with brain damage have no normative parameters adjusted to the cultural characteristics of Latinos and Latinas. As a result, neuropsychological diagnoses among this population may be inadequate, and evaluation of rehabilitation program effectiveness limited. The importance of culturally appropriate indices of neurological tests cannot be overstated; of all the problems presented by individuals with brain injuries, cognitive disorders are the leading source of disability for adequate work, family, and social reintegration among this group. There is an urgent need to standardize neuropsychological tests in Latin America, among Latinos in the US and any other regions where neuropsychological test have not been standardized. An important population subgroup in Latin America severely lacking in norms for many neuropsychological tests are those deemed illiterate or unable to read or write. Developing normative data for individuals who are illiterate will allow neuropsychologists to have a more accurate comparison when attempting to diagnose cognitive deficits among this group in Latin America. This dissertation is unique, as no other studies have looked at the normative data and standardization of neuropsychological tests within this population in Latin America

THE INFLUENCE OF DEMENTIA CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH ON QUALITY OF CARE IN ARGENTINA

This study examined the connections between cognitive functioning in individuals with dementia and caregiver burden, burden and mental health, mental health and quality of care. One hundred two dementia caregivers from San Lucas, Argentina completed questionnaires assessing these constructs. Caregiver burden, depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life explained 18.8% of the variance in quality of care – respect and 14.7% of the variance in quality of care – provide. An SEM with generally adequate fit indices uncovered that cognitive functioning in individuals with dementia was inversely associated with caregiver burden, caregiver burden was inversely associated with mental health, and mental health was positively associated with quality of care. These findings suggest that the cascade may also be reversed with the development and use of dementia caregiver interventions that improve caregiver burden and mental health and as a result, the quality of care for individuals with dementia

Qualitative study of loneliness in a senior housing community: the importance of wisdom and other coping strategies.

ObjectiveOlder adults are at a high risk for loneliness, which impacts their health, well-being, and longevity. While related to social isolation, loneliness is a distinct, internally experienced, distressing feeling. The present qualitative study sought to identify characteristics of loneliness in older adults living independently within a senior housing community, which is typically designed to reduce social isolation.MethodSemi-structured qualitative interviews regarding the experience of loneliness, risk factors, and ways to combat it were conducted with 30 older adults, ages 65-92 years. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded using a grounded theory analytic approach based on coding, consensus, co-occurrence, and comparison.ResultsThree main themes with multiple subthemes are described: (A) Risk and Protective factors for loneliness: age-associated losses, lack of social skills or abilities, and protective personality traits; (B) Experience of loneliness: Sadness and lack of meaning as well as Lack of motivation; and (C) Coping strategies to prevent or overcome loneliness: acceptance of aging, compassion, seeking companionship, and environment enables socialization.DiscussionDespite living within a communal setting designed to reduce social isolation, many older adults described feeling lonely in stark negative terms, attributing it to aging-associated losses or lack of social skills and abilities. However, interviewees also reported positive personal qualities and actions to prevent or cope with loneliness, several of which mirrored specific components of wisdom. The results support the reported inverse relationship between loneliness and wisdom and suggest a potential role for wisdom-enhancing interventions to reduce and prevent loneliness in older populations

Successful Aging Among Older Hispanics

Abstract Successful Aging has been defined as the absence of objective physical, cognitive, and social difficulties. More recently, self-rated successful aging (SRSA) has been recognized as an important outcome in its own right. The purpose of this study was to assess SRSA and its correlates among older Hispanics/Latinos. Seventy-four Hispanic/Latino adults age 50+ (31.9% primarily Spanish-speaking; 62.5% women, mean age=69.6±12.2, mean years of education=14.3±3.3) completed a measure of SRSA (scaled from 1 [lowest] to 10 [highest]), and self-report measures of hypothesized correlates, including culturally-relevant factors (language use, acculturation, fatalism, familism, perceived discrimination and frame of reference), as well as physical (perception of physical health and physical performance), cognitive (perception of cognitive problems), and psychosocial correlates (social functioning and resilience). Fifty-five percent of the participants reported SRSA of 8 or above (mean=7.99±, range: 3-10). Factors that were significantly associated with SRSA in univariable models, were entered into a multiple linear regression on SRSA. The final multivariable model explained 58.5% of the variance on SRSA (F(3,54)=27.8, p<.001) and showed that social functioning (B=.21; p=.031), resilience (B=.34; p=.002), and perception of physical health (scaled from 1 [highest] to 5 [lowest]), (B=-.43; p<.001) were independent predictors of SRSA. Culturally-relevant factors were not independently associated with SRSA in the multivariable model. While future longitudinal studies would be better suited to address causality, the present cross-sectional findings indicate psychosocial correlates of SRSA are as important as physical correlates among older Latinos. Future studies might examine whether culturally relevant factors modify these associations

Successful Aging Among Older Hispanics

Abstract Successful Aging has been defined as the absence of objective physical, cognitive, and social difficulties. More recently, self-rated successful aging (SRSA) has been recognized as an important outcome in its own right. The purpose of this study was to assess SRSA and its correlates among older Hispanics/Latinos. Seventy-four Hispanic/Latino adults age 50+ (31.9% primarily Spanish-speaking; 62.5% women, mean age=69.6±12.2, mean years of education=14.3±3.3) completed a measure of SRSA (scaled from 1 [lowest] to 10 [highest]), and self-report measures of hypothesized correlates, including culturally-relevant factors (language use, acculturation, fatalism, familism, perceived discrimination and frame of reference), as well as physical (perception of physical health and physical performance), cognitive (perception of cognitive problems), and psychosocial correlates (social functioning and resilience). Fifty-five percent of the participants reported SRSA of 8 or above (mean=7.99±, range: 3-10). Factors that were significantly associated with SRSA in univariable models, were entered into a multiple linear regression on SRSA. The final multivariable model explained 58.5% of the variance on SRSA (F(3,54)=27.8, p<.001) and showed that social functioning (B=.21; p=.031), resilience (B=.34; p=.002), and perception of physical health (scaled from 1 [highest] to 5 [lowest]), (B=-.43; p<.001) were independent predictors of SRSA. Culturally-relevant factors were not independently associated with SRSA in the multivariable model. While future longitudinal studies would be better suited to address causality, the present cross-sectional findings indicate psychosocial correlates of SRSA are as important as physical correlates among older Latinos. Future studies might examine whether culturally relevant factors modify these associations

To donate, or not to donate, that is the question: Latino insights into brain donation

IntroductionLatinos are underrepresented in brain autopsy research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The study's purpose is to identify Latinos' attitudes about brain donation (BD) to inform methods by which researchers can increase autopsy consent.MethodsForty Latinos (mean age: 59.4 years) completed a semi-structured interview and were presented with educational information about BD. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their understanding of BD and willingness to donate their brain for research.ResultsAmong participants, there was near unanimous support for BD to study ADRD after hearing educational information. However, prior to the information presented, participants reported a lack of knowledge about BD and demonstrated a possibility that misunderstandings about BD may affect participation.DiscussionWhile nearly all study participants agree that donating is beneficial for research and for future generations, the lack of BD information must be addressed to help support positive attitudes and willingness for participation

Neuropsychology as a profession in Italy

The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of individuals working in the field of neuropsychology in Italy, as part of a larger study examining the practice of neuropsychology across various countries. They were asked about their background, professional training, current work situation, types of assessment, preferred diagnostic procedures, as well as the rehabilitation techniques, their targeted populations, teaching responsibilities, and research activities. A total of 154 professionals completed an online survey from April 28, 2016 through June 30, 2016. The majority of participants were women, with a mean age of 42.6 years. Participants reported working for the National Health System, in private practice, or in private rehabilitation facilities. Overall, they reported being very satisfied with their work. Those who identified themselves as neuropsychologists primarily assessed individuals with dementia, stroke, movement disorders, and traumatic brain injury. While the majority of participants declared no problems with the instruments they used, others reported complaints, including but not limited to the financial cost of current neuropsychological tests and the lack of psychometric support. The main perceived obstacles were the lack of willingness to collaborate among professionals, the scarcity of academic training programs, and the lack of clinical training opportunitie

Frequency of cognitive impairment in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Between 29% and 67% of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients have cognitive alterations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of cognitive impairment in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Mexico using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis. METHODS: We evaluated 40 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients and 40 healthy controls from Mexico. RESULTS: 28 (70.0%) patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder had cognitive impairment in two or more cognitive domains. Student´s T test showed statistically poor performance by neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients compared to healthy controls on all three neuropsychological test scores. This significant difference was observed on the Symbols Digit Modalities Test (t = 8.875; p ≤ 0.001); California Verbal Learning Test-II memory (t = 10.418; p ≤ 0.001); and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised (t = 6.123; p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 70% of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients exhibited cognitive impairment in two or more cognitive domains. Determining the frequency of cognitive impairment will guide the decision of Neuropsychologists in planning cognitive rehabilitation across various domains

Qualitative study of loneliness in a senior housing community: the importance of wisdom and other coping strategies.

ObjectiveOlder adults are at a high risk for loneliness, which impacts their health, well-being, and longevity. While related to social isolation, loneliness is a distinct, internally experienced, distressing feeling. The present qualitative study sought to identify characteristics of loneliness in older adults living independently within a senior housing community, which is typically designed to reduce social isolation.MethodSemi-structured qualitative interviews regarding the experience of loneliness, risk factors, and ways to combat it were conducted with 30 older adults, ages 65-92 years. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded using a grounded theory analytic approach based on coding, consensus, co-occurrence, and comparison.ResultsThree main themes with multiple subthemes are described: (A) Risk and Protective factors for loneliness: age-associated losses, lack of social skills or abilities, and protective personality traits; (B) Experience of loneliness: Sadness and lack of meaning as well as Lack of motivation; and (C) Coping strategies to prevent or overcome loneliness: acceptance of aging, compassion, seeking companionship, and environment enables socialization.DiscussionDespite living within a communal setting designed to reduce social isolation, many older adults described feeling lonely in stark negative terms, attributing it to aging-associated losses or lack of social skills and abilities. However, interviewees also reported positive personal qualities and actions to prevent or cope with loneliness, several of which mirrored specific components of wisdom. The results support the reported inverse relationship between loneliness and wisdom and suggest a potential role for wisdom-enhancing interventions to reduce and prevent loneliness in older populations