| 1. |
- Tappen, Rut, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) in Cognitive Screening across Four American Ethnic Groups
- 2010
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In: Clinical neuropsychologist. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0920-1637 .- 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 24:4, s. 646-661
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) in four American ethnic groups (N = 691), evaluate the influence of demographic factors and depressive symptoms on the FAQ and compare its performance with two cognitive screening measures, the Mini-Cog and the MMSE. Half of FAQ items were less frequently done by men than women. FAQ total scores did not differ across the four ethnic groups but regression analyses indicated effects for age, education and depressive symptoms. The Mini-Cog and MMSE evidenced demographic and depressive symptom effects. FAQ performed well across the ethnic groups. Development of age and education corrections for the FAQ is recommended as is a screen for depression in cognitive screening batteries.
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| 2. |
- Berginström, Nils, et al.
(author)
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Attention in Older Adults : A Normative Study of the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test for Persons Aged 70 Years
- 2015
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 29:5, s. 595-610
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Our objective was to present normative data from 70-year-olds on the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA), a computerized measure of attention and response control. Method: 640 participants (330 men and 310 women), all aged 70years, completed the IVA, as well as the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Data were stratified by education and gender. Education differences were found in 11 of 22 IVA scales. Minor gender differences were found in six scales for the high-education group, and two scales for the low-education group. Comparisons of healthy participants and participants with stroke, myocardial infarction, or diabetes showed only minor differences. Correlations among IVA scales were strong (all r > .34, p < .001), and those with the widely used Mini-Mental State Examination were weaker (all r < .21, p < .05). Skewed distributions of normative data from primary IVA scales measuring response inhibition (Prudence) and inattention (Vigilance) represent a weakness of this test. Conclusions: This study provides IVA norms for 70-year-olds stratified by education and gender, increasing the usability of this instrument when testing persons near this age. The data presented here show some major differences from original IVA norms, and explanations for these differences are discussed. Explanations include the broad age-range used in the original IVA norms (66-99years of age) and the passage of 15years since the original norms were collected.
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| 3. |
- Egeland, Jens, et al.
(author)
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Following international trends while subject to past traditions : neuropsychological test use in the Nordic countries
- 2016
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 30, s. 1479-1500
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Historically, the neuropsychological test traditions of the four Nordic countries have spanned from the flexible and qualitative tradition of Luria-Christensen to the quantitative large battery approach of Halstead and Klove-Matthews. This study reports current test use and discusses whether these traditions still influence attitudes toward test use and choice of tests. Method: The study is based on survey data from 702 Nordic neuropsychologists. Results: The average participant used 9 tests in a standard assessment, and 25 tests overall in their practice. Test use was moderated by nationality, competence level, practice profile, and by attitude toward test selection. Participants who chose their tests flexibly used fewer tests than those adhering to the flexible battery approach, but had fewer tests from which to choose. Testing patients with psychiatric disorders was associated with using more tests. IQ, memory, attention, and executive function were the domains with the largest utilization rate, while tests of motor, visual/spatial, and language were used by few. There is a lack of academic achievement tests. Screening tests played a minor role in specialized assessments, and symptom validity tests were seldom applied on a standard basis. Most tests were of Anglo-American origin. Conclusions: New test methods are implemented rapidly in the Nordic countries, but test selection is also characterized by the dominating position of established and much researched tests. The Halstead-Reitan and Luria traditions are currently weak, but national differences in size of test batteries seem to be influenced by these longstanding traditions.
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| 4. |
- Espenes, J., et al.
(author)
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Demographically adjusted trail making test norms in a Scandinavian sample from 41 to 84 years
- 2020
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 34:suppl. 1, s. 110-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective The trail making test (TMT) is one of the most widely used neuropsychological tests. TMT-A provides measures of visual scanning/visuomotor speed and TMT-B involves additional demands on executive functions. Derived scores TMT B-A and TMT B/A enhance measures of executive functioning. However, simple B-A subtraction may lead to false estimates of executive dysfunction in clinical samples. Norms for TMT have been published in several countries but are currently lacking for Scandinavia. Methods A total of 292 healthy controls between age 41 and 84 years were included from the Norwegian "Dementia Disease Initiation" (DDI) study (n = 170) and the Gothenburg Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) study (n = 122). We used a regression-based procedure to develop demographically adjusted norms for basic (TMT-A and TMT-B) and derived measures (TMT B-A and B/A). We also propose a regression-based alternative to the TMT B-A measure named "TMT-beta". The proposed norms were compared to norms from Heaton et al. and Tombaugh. Results Due to differences in the estimated normative effects of demographics on performance, the proposed norms for TMT were better suited in the Scandinavian sample compared with published non-Scandinavian norms. The proposed TMT-beta measure was highly correlated to TMT B-A (r = 0.969,p < 0.001). Conclusion We here propose demographically adjusted norms for the TMT for ages 41 through 84 years based on a Scandinavian sample. We also present the regression-based derived measure TMT-beta which may resolve issues with the conventional TMT B-A measure.
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| 5. |
- Espenes, J., et al.
(author)
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Regression-based normative data for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in Norwegian and Swedish adults aged 49-79 and comparison with published norms
- 2023
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 37:6, s. 1276-1301
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) is a widely used measure of episodic verbal memory. To our knowledge, culturally adapted and demographically adjusted norms for the RAVLT are currently not available for Norwegian and Swedish adults, and imported North American norms are often used. We here develop regression-based norms for Norwegian and Swedish adults and compare our norms to North American norms in an independent sample of cognitively healthy adults. Method: Participants were 244 healthy adults from Norway and Sweden between the aged 49 and 79 years, with between 6 and 24 years of education. Using a multiple multivariate regression-based norming procedure, we estimated effects of age, sex, and years of education on basic and derived RAVLT test scores. The newly developed norms were assessed in an independent comparison group of cognitively healthy adults (n = 145) and compared to recently published North American regression-based norms. Results: Lower age, female sex and more years of education predicted higher performance on the RAVLT. The new norms adequately adjusted for age, education, and sex in the independent comparison group. The American norms corrected for demographics on all RAVLT trials except trials 4, 7, list B, and trials 1-5 total. Test-retest (M = 2.55 years) reliability varied from poor to good. Conclusion: We propose regression-based norms for the RAVLT adjusting for pertinent demographics. The norms may be used for assessment of Norwegian and Swedish adults between the aged of 49 and 79 years, with between 6 and 24 years of education.
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| 6. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Validation of TICS for detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among individuals characterized by low levels of education or illiteracy : a population-based study in rural Greece
- 2017
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 31, s. 61-71
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The efficacy of the most widely used tests for dementia screening is limited in populations characterized by low levels of education. This study aimed to validate the face-to-face administered Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) for detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a population-based sample of community dwelling individuals characterized by low levels of education or illiteracy in rural Greece. Methods: The translated Greek version of TICS was administered through face-to-face interview in 133 elderly residents of Velestino of low educational level (<12years). We assessed its internal consistency and test-retest reliability, its correlation with sociodemographic parameters, and its discriminant ability for cognitive impairment and dementia, as defined by a brief neurological evaluation, including assessment of cognitive status and level of independence. Results: TICS was characterized by adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's : .72) and very high test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient: .93); it was positively correlated with age and educational years. MCI and dementia were diagnosed in 18 and 10.5% of the population, respectively. Its discriminant ability for detection of dementia was high (Area under the curve, AUC: .85), with a sensitivity and specificity of 86 and 82%, respectively, at a cut-off point of 24/25. TICS did not perform well in differentiating MCI from cognitively normal individuals though (AUC: .67). Conclusion: The directly administered TICS questionnaire provides an easily applicable and brief option for detection of dementia in populations of low educational level and might be useful in the context of both clinical and research purposes.
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| 7. |
- Hokkanen, Laura, et al.
(author)
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Training models and status of clinical neuropsychologists in Europe : Results of a survey on 30 countries
- 2019
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 33:1, s. 32-56
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aims of the study were to analyze the current European situation of specialist education and training within clinical neuropsychology, and the legal and professional status of clinical neuropsychologists in different European countries. Method: An online survey was prepared in 2016 by a Task Force established by the European Federation of Psychological Associations, and representatives of 30 countries gave their responses. Response rate was 76%. Results: Only three countries were reported to regulate the title of clinical neuropsychologist as well as the education and practice of clinical neuropsychologists by law. The most common university degree required to practice clinical neuropsychology was the master's degree; a doctoral degree was required in two countries. The length of the specialist education after the master's degree varied between 12 and 60 months. In one third of the countries, no commonly agreed upon model for specialist education existed. A more systematic training model and a longer duration of training were associated with independence in the work of clinical neuropsychologists. Conclusions: As legal regulation is mostly absent and training models differ, those actively practicing clinical neuropsychology in Europe have a very heterogeneous educational background and skill level. There is a need for a European standardization of specialist training in clinical neuropsychology. Guiding principles for establishing the common core requirements are presented.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Norup, A., et al.
(author)
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Education, training, and practice among nordic neuropsychologists : Results from a professional practices survey
- 2017
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 31:Supplement 1, s. 20-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To investigate sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and academic training, work setting and salary, clinical activities, and salary and job satisfaction among practicing neuropsychologists in four Nordic countries. Methods: 890 neuropsychologists from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden participated in an internet-based survey between December 2013 and June 2015. Results: Three-fourths (76%) of the participants were women, with a mean age of 47years (range 24-79). In the total sample, 11% earned a PhD and 42% were approved as specialists in neuropsychology (equivalent to board certification in the U.S.). Approximately 72% worked full-time, and only 1% were unemployed. Of the participants, 66% worked in a hospital setting, and 93% had conducted neuropsychological assessments during the last year. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability, and intellectual disability were the most common conditions seen by neuropsychologists. A mean income of 53,277 Euros was found. Neuropsychologists expressed greater job satisfaction than income satisfaction. Significant differences were found between the Nordic countries. Finnish neuropsychologists were younger and worked more hours every week. Fewer Swedish neuropsychologists had obtained specialist approval and fewer worked full-time in neuropsychology positions. Danish and Norwegian neuropsychologists earned more money than their Nordic colleagues. Conclusion: This is the first professional practice survey of Nordic neuropsychologists to provide information about sociodemographic characteristics and work setting factors. Despite the well-established guidelines for academic and clinical education, there are relevant differences between the Nordic countries. The results of the study offer guidance for refining the development of organized and highly functioning neuropsychological specialty practices in Nordic countries.
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| 10. |
- Viken, Jo Inge, 1976, et al.
(author)
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Ipsilesional bias and processing speed are important predictors of functional dependency in the neglect phenomenon after a right hemisphere stroke.
- 2014
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In: The Clinical neuropsychologist. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1744-4144 .- 1385-4046. ; 28:6, s. 974-93
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Visuospatial neglect (VSN) predicts unfavorable functional outcome in stroke patients. This study examined the relative importance of different core symptoms of VSN as predictors of functional dependency. A consecutive series of 105 right hemisphere stroke patients were tested early after stroke on three basic symptoms of VSN (omissions, asymmetry of omissions and ipsilesional bias of attention) and on two symptoms related to VSN (processing speed and repetitive target detections in visual search). Neurological deficits were also assessed. Functional outcome was measured 3 months and 2 years after stroke with the modified Rankin Scale. Univariate analyses revealed significant relationships with functional outcome for both core and related symptoms of VSN and for neurological deficits. Area under the curve statistics and stepwise logistic regressions showed that the most important predictors assessed early after stroke were presence of ipsilesional bias for dependency at 3 months and visual processing speed for dependency at 2 years after stroke. These results show that valuable prognostic information regarding dependency after right hemisphere stroke can be obtained by assessing fundamental sub-components of VSN early after stroke. The development of standardized clinical methods for investigation of sub-components, such as a right capture of attention and processing speed, is essential.
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