Dynamics of Neuropsychological Symptoms during the Training of Executive Functions in Neurological Patients

Executive function disorder rehabilitation in neurological patients is associated with many difficulties. We investigated the effectiveness of group training, proposed by B. Wilson et al., which has the model of frontal lobes functioning by D. T. Stuss as the theoretical background. The study participants were 16 patients with executive function disorder caused by TBI, strokes, and infections. The training was shortened from 9 weeks to 3 and adopted to the conditions of the rehabilitation centre where the study was held. The evaluation of training effectiveness was carried out by the methods of neuropsychological diagnostics proposed by A. R. Luria as well as standardized quantitative tests (CWIT test, Raven test, FAB) and questionnaires (EBIQ) aimed at assessing the state of executive functions and general well-being. In result positive trends, but not reaching the level of significance, were revealed in the performance of all evaluating methods, with the exception of “arithmetic problems” and “inhibitory control” as part of the FAB test. Statistically significant result was obtained concerning such tests as “counting”, “analysis of story pictures”, and index of total uncorrected errors in the CWIT test. Thus, the results of eventual assessment showed positive dynamic of executive functions state.

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Study of the Interaction between Executive Function and Adaptive Behavior at School in Girls with Fragile X Syndrome

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12081108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 1108

Author(s):

Lorena Joga-Elvira ◽

Jennifer Martinez-Olmo ◽

María-Luisa Joga ◽

Carlos Jacas ◽

Ana Roche-Martínez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Fragile X Syndrome ◽

Adaptive Behavior ◽

Neuropsychological Tests ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Fragile X ◽

School Setting ◽

Control Group ◽

The Relationship

The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between executive functions and adaptive behavior in girls with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) in the school setting. This study is part of a larger investigation conducted at the Hospital Parc Tauli in Sabadell. The sample consists of a total of 40 girls (26 with FXS and 14 control) aged 7–16 years, who were administered different neuropsychological tests (WISC-V, NEPSY-II, WCST, TOL) and questionnaires answered by teachers (ABAS-II, BRIEF 2, ADHD Rating Scale). The results show that there is a greater interaction between some areas of executive function (cognitive flexibility, auditory attention, and visual abstraction capacity) and certain areas of adaptive behavior (conceptual, practical, social, and total domains) in the FXS group than in the control group. These results suggest that an alteration in the executive functions was affecting the daily functioning of the girls with FXS to a greater extent.

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Relationship between Competency to Consent to Treatment and Psychological Well-Being: Mediating Effect of Empowerment and Emotion

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18158170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 8170

Author(s):

Yeun-Joo Hur ◽

Joon-Ho Park ◽

MinKyu Rhee

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Treatment Evaluation ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Mediation Effect ◽

Psychiatric Outpatients ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Consent To Treatment ◽

Study Participants ◽

The Relationship

This study was conducted to evaluate the competency to consent to the treatment of psychiatric outpatients and to confirm the role of empowerment and emotional variables in the relationship between competency to consent to treatment and psychological well-being. The study participants consisted of 191 psychiatric outpatients who voluntarily consented to the study among psychiatric outpatients. As a result of competency to consent to treatment evaluation, the score of the psychiatric outpatient’s consent to treatment was higher than the cut-off point for both the overall and sub-factors, confirming that they were overall good. In addition, the effect of the ability of application on psychological well-being among competency to consent to treatment was verified using PROCESS Macro, and the double mediation effect using empowerment and emotional variables was verified to provide an expanded understanding of this. As a result of the analysis, empowerment completely mediated the relation between the ability of application and psychological well-being, and the relation between the ability of application and psychological well-being was sequentially mediated by empowerment and emotion-related variables. Based on these findings, the implications and limitations of this study were discussed.

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Child maltreatment, cognitive functions and the mediating role of mental health problems among maltreated children and adolescents in Uganda

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health ◽

10.1186/s13034-021-00373-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Herbert E. Ainamani ◽

Godfrey Z. Rukundo ◽

Timothy Nduhukire ◽

Eunice Ndyareba ◽

Tobias Hecker

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Working Memory ◽

Child Maltreatment ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Problems

Abstract Background Child maltreatment poses high risks to the mental health and cognitive functioning of children not only in childhood but also in later life. However, it remains unclear whether child maltreatment is directly associated with impaired cognitive functioning or whether this link is mediated by mental health problems. Our study aimed at examining this research question among children and adolescents in Uganda. Methods A sample of 232 school-going children and adolescents with a mean age of 14.03 (SD = 3.25) was assessed on multiple forms of maltreatment using the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology Exposure—Pediatric Version (pediMACE). Executive functions were assessed by the Tower of London task and working memory by the Corsi Block Tapping task, while mental health problems were assessed using the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for PTSD and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). Results In total, 232 (100%) of the participant reported to have experienced at least one type of maltreatment in their lifetime including emotional, physical, and sexual violence as well as neglect. We found a negative association between child maltreatment and executive functions (β = − 0.487, p < 0.001) and working memory (β = − 0.242, p = 0.001). Mental health problems did not mediate this relationship. Conclusions Child maltreatment seems to be related to lower working memory and executive functioning of affected children and adolescents even after controlling for potential cofounders. Our study indicates that child maltreatment the affects children’s cognitive functionality beyond health and well-being.

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A Longitudinal Analysis of SF-36 scores Within the Candrive Cohort: An Example of Survivor Bias

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1702 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 528-528

Author(s):

Michel Bedard ◽

Hillary Maxwell ◽

Isabelle Gelinas ◽

Shawn Marshall ◽

Gary Naglie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prospective Studies ◽

Mental Component Summary ◽

Well Being ◽

Early Years ◽

Driving Cessation ◽

Completion Status ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Survivor Bias ◽

Study Participants ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract A bias inherent to prospective studies is focusing only on individuals who remain in the study; these individuals may differ from those who leave early. To examine this issue, we analyzed SF-36 scores by completion status for individuals enrolled in the seven-year Candrive cohort. The SF-36 provides a self-reported evaluation of health and well-being along two subscales, the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). Of 928 participants in the cohort, 887 had at least two consecutive years of data starting at baseline (age=76.17, SD=4.81; 61.9% male). A total of 142 participants had 7 years of data. Study discontinuation (due to withdrawal, driving cessation, or death) happened least in early years, and peaked after 6 years (n=235). When analyzed according to completion status, patterns of change in SF-36 scores varied. For example, participants with 7 years of data had mean PCS scores ranging from 51.41 (SD=7.92) at baseline to 46.93 (SD=9.46) at year 7, a change of 0.75 points per year. For those with only two years of data, scores were lower and dropped from 45.82 (SD=9.98) to 43.59 (SD=10.90), a change of 2.23 points over a single year (p<.001). Differences are also evident for other groups. While the results indicate relative stability of SF-36 scores among participants who remained in the study, participants who dropped out reported greater deterioration in scores. These results highlight important differences between participants based on completion status.

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Do opposite ends of same factors underlie life satisfaction vs. depressive symptoms among older people?

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-020-01765-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katja Pynnönen ◽

Katja Kokko ◽

Milla Saajanaho ◽

Timo Törmäkangas ◽

Erja Portegijs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Older People ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Financial Situation ◽

Self Acceptance

Abstract Background Although depressive symptoms are more common among older than younger age groups, life satisfaction tends to remain stable over the life course, possibly because the underlying factors or processes differ. Aim To study whether the factors that increase the likelihood of high life satisfaction also decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms among older people. Methods The data were a population-based probability sample drawn from community-dwelling people aged 75, 80, and 85 years (n = 1021). Participants’ life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction with Life Scale and depressive symptoms with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Physical performance, perceived financial situation, executive functions, loneliness, self-acceptance, and having interests in one’s life were studied as explanatory variables. The data were analyzed using cross-sectional bivariate linear modeling. Results Better physical performance, not perceiving loneliness, having special interests in one’s life, and higher self-acceptance were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms. Better financial situation was related only to life satisfaction. Executive functions were not associated with either of the outcomes. Discussion The opposite ends of the same factors underlie positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to better understand how people maintain life satisfaction with aging when many resources may diminish and depressive symptoms become more prevalent.

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Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAAs) Supplementation Improves Neuropsychological Performances in Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12041092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 1092 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Iris Scala ◽

Maria Pia Riccio ◽

Maria Marino ◽

Carmela Bravaccio ◽

Giancarlo Parenti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Metabolic Control ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Well Being ◽

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽

Card Sorting ◽

Large Neutral Amino Acids ◽

Neutral Amino Acids ◽

Poor Metabolic Control

Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism diagnosed by newborn screening and treated early with diet. Although diet prevents intellectual disability, patients often show impairment of executive functions, working memory, sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility. Large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) have been proposed as a dietary supplement for PKU adults. Few studies show that LNAAs may help in improving metabolic control as well as cognitive functions. In this study, 10 adult PKU patients with poor metabolic control were treated for 12 months with LNAAs (MovisCom, 0.8–1 g/kg/day) and underwent Phe and Tyrosine (Tyr) monitoring monthly. Neuropsychological assessment was performed at T0, T+3, and T+12 months by using the American Psychological General Well-Being Index, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Test of Attentional Performance, and the 9-Hole Peg Test. No change in plasma Phe levels was observed during LNAAs supplementation, while Tyr levels significantly improved during LNAAs supplementation (p = 0.03). Psychometric tests showed an improvement of distress and well-being rates, of executive functions, attention, and vigilance, whereas no difference was noted regarding hand dexterity. This study adds evidence of the advantage of LNAAs supplementation in improving cognitive functions and well-being in patients with PKU with poor metabolic control.

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Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitude as Determinants of Well-being Among Indian IT Temporary Agency Workers

Vision The Journal of Business Perspective ◽

10.1177/09722629211036208 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 097226292110362

Author(s):

Swati Alok ◽

Rajthilak R.

Keyword(s):

Employee Engagement ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Well Being ◽

Direct Effects ◽

Mediation Effects ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Boundaryless Career ◽

Management Approaches ◽

Study Participants ◽

Temporary Agency Workers

The growth of temporary and non-standard employment arrangements post liberalization drives temporary agency workers (TAWs), especially of the information technology (IT) sector, to be agents of their own career identities. As a result, TAWs embrace self-managed/adaptable career management approaches namely protean career (PCO) and boundaryless career (BCO) orientations for their long-term sustainability and well-being. This study investigated the direct effects of PCO and BCO on TAW’s well-being, also, their indirect effects thorough perceived employability (PE). Study participants were 246 TAWs employed by leading Indian IT recruitment agencies and deployed to work for various IT clients. Data were collected through validated questionnaire and analysed through structural equation modelling. Findings confirm direct effects of PCO and BCO on TAW well-being and partial mediation effects of PE. Thus, to boost TAWs’ well-being, organizations may consider developing their protean attitudes via employee engagement programmes, staff agencies through counselling to map workers values/interest with their assigned projects, TAWs workers themselves proactively participating in the challenging assignment at the client place.

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Job demand and control among clinical nurses in a provincial hospital and related factors: Results from a cross-sectional study in 2020.

Journal of Health and Development Studies ◽

10.38148/jhds.0502skpt20-098 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 05 (02) ◽

pp. 20-30

Author(s):

Thi Thu Thuy Tran ◽

◽

Thi Huong Nguyen ◽

Van Bang Nguyen ◽

Thi Thanh Xuan Le

Keyword(s):

Well Being ◽

Job Control ◽

Work Environments ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Nurses ◽

Provincial Hospital ◽

Job Demand ◽

Study Participants ◽

Night Shifts

Objective: This study aimed to examine the psychological work environments and associated factors among clinical nurses in a provincial tertiary hospital in the North of Vietnam in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all nurses of 22 clinical wards who directly provided care to patients. 261/318 eligible nurses returned the self-reported survey questionnaires that consisted of the Vietnamese version of the Job Content Questionnaire 22 items and originally developed questions on personal characteristics and work conditions. Descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regressions were applied to describe the current job demand, job control, and related factors at the significant level p less than 0.05. Results: The response rate of the current study was 82.1%. Nurses reported moderate job demand (29.39±3.64) and job control (66.86±5.79). Increased job control was significantly associated with more frequency of receiving support from superiors (p<0.001), a self-perceived opportunity of promotion (p = 0.011), and more night shifts per week (p=0.004). Less support from co-workers and more night shifts were associated with a higher job demand score among study participants (p = 0.041 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Several nurses in the provincial hospital work in unfavorable work environments with high job demand and low job control, which could adversely affect nurses’ well-being. It is essential to promote social support at work to improve the psychological working conditions and performance of study participants. Keywords: Job demand, Job control, JCQ, clinical nurses, provincial hospital, Vietnam

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Profiles of Executive Function Across Children with Distinct Brain Disorders: Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, and Brain Tumor

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617717000364 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 529-538 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Gabriel C. Araujo ◽

Tanya N. Antonini ◽

Vicki Anderson ◽

Kathryn A. Vannatta ◽

Christina G. Salley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Traumatic Brain Injury ◽

Brain Tumor ◽

Executive Function ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Control Group ◽

Medical Illness ◽

Brain Disorders ◽

Brain Disorder ◽

Orthopedic Injury

AbstractObjectives:This study examined whether children with distinct brain disorders show different profiles of strengths and weaknesses in executive functions, and differ from children without brain disorder.Methods:Participants were children with traumatic brain injury (N=82; 8–13 years of age), arterial ischemic stroke (N=36; 6–16 years of age), and brain tumor (N=74; 9–18 years of age), each with a corresponding matched comparison group consisting of children with orthopedic injury (N=61), asthma (N=15), and classmates without medical illness (N=68), respectively. Shifting, inhibition, and working memory were assessed, respectively, using three Test of Everyday Attention: Children’s Version (TEA-Ch) subtests: Creature Counting, Walk-Don’t-Walk, and Code Transmission. Comparison groups did not differ in TEA-Ch performance and were merged into a single control group. Profile analysis was used to examine group differences in TEA-Ch subtest scaled scores after controlling for maternal education and age.Results:As a whole, children with brain disorder performed more poorly than controls on measures of executive function. Relative to controls, the three brain injury groups showed significantly different profiles of executive functions. Importantly, post hoc tests revealed that performance on TEA-Ch subtests differed among the brain disorder groups.Conclusions:Results suggest that different childhood brain disorders result in distinct patterns of executive function deficits that differ from children without brain disorder. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. (JINS, 2017,23, 529–538)

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Clinical and neuropsychological assessment of executive function in a sample of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20140191 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 72 (12) ◽

pp. 954-959 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Andrea Bandeira de Lima ◽

Fernanda Moreira ◽

Marleide da Mota Gomes ◽

Heber Maia-Filho

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Executive Function ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Clinical Data ◽

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽

Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽

Control Group ◽

Seizure Type ◽

Card Sorting

Objective To compare the executive functions of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy with a control group and to correlate with clinical data, intelligence and academic performance. Method Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. Thirty-one cases and thirty-five controls were evaluated by the WCST (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test).The results were compared with clinical data (seizure type and frequency, disease duration and number of antiepileptic drugs used), IQ (WISC-III) and academic performance (APT). Results Patients with epilepsy had poorer executive function scores. There was no positive linear correlation between test scores and epilepsy variables. There was a positive association between academic performance and some executive function results. Conclusion Children with well controlled idiopathic epilepsy may show deficits in executive functions in spite of clinical variables. Those deficits may influence academic performance.

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