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Rivella C, Zanetti A, Bertamino M, Severino M, Primavera L, Signa S, Moretti P, Viterbori P. [Formula: see text] Executive functions and psychosocial impairment in children following arterial ischemic stroke. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:276-298. [PMID: 35668031 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2083093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the executive function (EF) of children with a history of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and preserved intellectual abilities, with reference to age at stroke onset, lesion characteristics, language, and motor functioning. In addition, the associations between EF and emotional and behavioral functioning were investigated. A battery of standardized neuropsychological tests was administered to children with previous AIS aged 7-12 in order to assess EF, including inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attention. Parents rated questionnaires regarding real-life emotional and behavioral functioning. Finally, clinical and neuroradiological data were also gathered. Thirty patients were enrolled. Eight children fall in the lower end of the normative range or below in more than half of the EF measures, with working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility equally impaired, and attention relatively better preserved. Larger lesion size and language deficits were significantly associated with higher EF impairment. Emotional and behavioral functioning was lower in children with weaker EF. Children with a history of AIS, even those with preserved intellectual functioning, have a high risk of showing poor EF, mostly regardless of clinical features or functional impairment. EF difficulties are in turn associated with emotional and behavioral problems. Therefore, a standardized evaluation of EF in this population is mandatory as part of the follow-up, in order to ensure an early intervention and prevent related difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Rivella
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Zanetti
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Bertamino
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ludovica Primavera
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Signa
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Viterbori
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Jammula VR, Leeper H, Gilbert MR, Cooper D, Armstrong TS. Effects of Cognitive Reserve on Cognition in Individuals With Central Nervous System Disease. Cogn Behav Neurol 2021; 34:245-258. [PMID: 34508028 PMCID: PMC8635253 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive reserve (CR) has been proposed to account for functional outcome differences in brain pathology and its clinical manifestations. The purpose of our paper is to systematically review the effects of CR on cognitive outcomes in individuals with neurodegenerative and structural CNS diseases. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and PsychInfo using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Seventeen studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Education level was the most commonly used measure for CR, and various neuropsychological tests were used to measure cognitive outcomes. Regardless of the CNS disease of the individuals, almost all of the studies reported a positive association between CR and cognitive outcomes when they were evaluated cross-sectionally. However, when evaluated longitudinally, CR had either no effect on, or a negative association with, cognitive outcomes. Based on studies across a broad spectrum of CNS diseases, our findings suggest that CR may serve as a predictor of cognitive outcomes in individuals with CNS diseases. However, studies to date are limited by a lack of imaging analyses and standardized assessment strategies. The ability to use a standardized measure to assess the longitudinal effects of CR may allow for the development of more targeted treatment methods, resulting in improved disease outcomes for individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varna R. Jammula
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Heather Leeper
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mark R. Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Diane Cooper
- NIH Library/Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Terri S. Armstrong
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Executive Functions and Attention in Childhood Epilepsies: A Neuropsychological Hallmark of Dysfunction? J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2021; 27:673-685. [PMID: 33183389 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617720001125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with epilepsy are at risk for several lifetime problems, in which neuropsychological impairments may represent an impacting factor. We evaluated the neuropsychological functions in children suffering from three main epilepsy categories. Further, we analyzed the longitudinal evolution of the neuropsychological profile over time. METHODS Patients undergoing neuropsychological evaluation at our Department from 2012 to 2018 were identified retrospectively. We selected patients aged 6-16 years and with at least two evaluations. Three epilepsy categories were considered: focal/structural, focal self-limited, and idiopathic generalized. Each evaluation included the same structured assessment of main neuropsychological domains. The effect of the epilepsy category, illness duration, seizure status, and medication was computed in multilevel models. RESULTS We identified 103 patients (focal self-limited = 27; focal/structural = 51; and idiopathic generalized = 25), for 233 evaluations. The majority of deficits were reported in attention and executive functions (>30% of patients); the results were dichotomized to obtain global indexes. Multilevel models showed a trend toward statistical significance of category of epilepsy on the global executive index and of illness duration on global attention index. Illness duration predicted the scores of executive and attention tasks, while category and medication predicted executive task performance. Focal/structural epilepsies mostly affected the executive domain, with deficits persisting over time. By contrast, an ameliorative effect of illness duration for attention was documented in all epilepsies. CONCLUSIONS This study offers lacking information about the evolution of deficits in time, the role of epilepsy category, and possible psychological implications for high-order cognitive skills, central in several social and academic problems.
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Bertamino M, Signa S, Vagelli G, Caorsi R, Zanetti A, Volpi S, Losurdo G, Amico G, Dodi I, Prato G, Ronchetti AB, Di Rocco M, Nagel M, Severino M. An atypical case of post-varicella stroke in a child presenting with hemichorea followed by late-onset inflammatory focal cerebral arteriopathy. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:463-471. [PMID: 33392044 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bertamino
- Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Signa
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Gianina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Vagelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Caorsi
- Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Gianina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Zanetti
- Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Autoinflammatory Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Center, IRCCS Istituto Gianina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Losurdo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Gianina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Amico
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Genetic and Genomics of Rare Disease, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Icilio Dodi
- Emergency Unit, Pietro Barilla Children Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Prato
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Gianina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maja Di Rocco
- Rare Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Costabile T, Pane C, Aurisicchio L, Salvati A, Lieto M, Peluso S, Reia A, De Lucia N, De Rosa A, Filla A, De Michele G, Saccà F. Application of the p9NORM correction method to timed neuropsychological tests in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3633-3641. [PMID: 32462388 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Timed neuropsychological tests do not take into account physical impairment during scoring procedures. Dysarthria and upper limb impairment can be easily measured with the PATA rate test (PRT) and the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT). We recently validated a normalization method for timed neuropsychological tests using the PRT and 9HPT (p9NORM). We now validate the p9NORM in Parkinson's disease (Yarnall et al. Neurology 82(4):308-316; 2014) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). METHODS We enrolled twenty-six patients with PD, eighteen patients with MSA, and fifteen healthy controls (HC). p9NORM was applied to patients with abnormal PRT and/or 9HPT. All subjects were tested with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. RESULTS No differences emerged in demographics across groups: (PD: mean age ± SD 66 ± 8; education 9 ± 4 years; MSA: age 60 ± 8; education 10 ± 4 years; HC: age 61 ± 12; education 9 ± 4 years). In MSA patients, the scores on the trail making test (TMT-A p = 0.003; TMT-B p = 0.018), attentional matrices (AM; p = 0.042), and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT p = 0.027) significantly differed following application of p9NORM. In PD patients, the TMT-A (p < 0.001), TMT-B (p = 0.001), and AM (p = 0.001) differed after correction. PD and MSA showed cognitive impairment relative to HC performance. When comparing MSA with PD, the SDMT, AM, and fluencies were similar. TMT-A and -B raw scores were different between groups (p = 0.006; p = 0.034), but these differences lost significance after p9NORM corrections (p = 0.100; p = 0.186). CONCLUSIONS We confirm that the p9NORM can be successfully used in both PD and MSA patients, as it mitigates the impact of disability on timed tests, resulting in a more accurate analysis of cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Costabile
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Luisa Aurisicchio
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Adriana Salvati
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Maria Lieto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Silvio Peluso
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Antonio Reia
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Natascia De Lucia
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, 80131, Napoli, NA, Italy
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Carioti D, Danelli L, Guasti MT, Gallucci M, Perugini M, Steca P, Stucchi NA, Maffezzoli A, Majno M, Berlingeri M, Paulesu E. Music Education at School: Too Little and Too Late? Evidence From a Longitudinal Study on Music Training in Preadolescents. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2704. [PMID: 31920782 PMCID: PMC6930811 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely believed that intensive music training can boost cognitive and visuo-motor skills. However, this evidence is primarily based on retrospective studies; this makes it difficult to determine whether a cognitive advantage is caused by the intensive music training, or it is instead a factor influencing the choice of starting a music curriculum. To address these issues in a highly ecological setting, we tested longitudinally 128 students of a Middle School in Milan, at the beginning of the first class and, 1 year later, at the beginning of the second class. 72 students belonged to a Music curriculum (30 with previous music experience and 42 without) and 56 belonged to a Standard curriculum (44 with prior music experience and 12 without). Using a Principal Component Analysis, all the cognitive measures were grouped in four high-order factors, reflecting (a) General Cognitive Abilities, (b) Speed of Linguistic Elaboration, (c) Accuracy in Reading and Memory tests, and (d) Visuospatial and numerical skills. The longitudinal comparison of the four groups of students revealed that students from the Music curriculum had better performance in tests tackling General Cognitive Abilities, Visuospatial skills, and Accuracy in Reading and Memory tests. However, there were no significant curriculum-by-time interactions. Finally, the decision to have a musical experience before entering middle school was more likely to occur when the cultural background of the families was a high one. We conclude that a combination of family-related variables, early music experience, and pre-existent cognitive make-up is a likely explanation for the decision to enter a music curriculum at middle school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiré Carioti
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Laura Danelli
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria T. Guasti
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Perugini
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Steca
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Majno
- SONG onlus – Sistema in Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Berlingeri
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
- Center of Developmental Neuropsychology, ASUR Marche, Pesaro, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Eraldo Paulesu
- Psychology Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi, Orthopedic Institute Milano, Milan, Italy
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Senese VP, Zappullo I, Baiano C, Zoccolotti P, Monaco M, Conson M. Identifying neuropsychological predictors of drawing skills in elementary school children. Child Neuropsychol 2019; 26:345-361. [PMID: 31390949 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2019.1651834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Much evidence indicates that drawing is related to different neuropsychological abilities in children. However, a comprehensive cognitive model of drawing in children is still lacking. Here, we conducted a study on the neuropsychological predictors of drawing in a sample of 142 typically developing elementary school children (M age = 8.8 years; SD = 1.1). Based on a path analysis, we examined the contribution of visual perception (matching geometrical figures), complex spatial abilities (e.g., complex figures identification and mental rotation), visual attention, working memory, verbal and visual-motor skills, as well as of gender, age and socio-economic status, to copying the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). Results showed that ROCF copying was influenced in a specific and additive way by visual perception, visual-motor coordination, and verbal abilities as well as age, while it was indirectly related to visual attention, working memory, and to complex spatial abilities. These findings provide the grounds for identifying the neuropsychological bases of drawing in elementary school children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Isa Zappullo
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Baiano
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuropsychological Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Monaco
- Cognitive-Behavioral School of Psychotherapy "Serapide SPEE", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Conson
- Developmental Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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Mathematical skills in children with pilocytic astrocytoma. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2019; 161:161-169. [PMID: 30523458 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-018-3744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric patients with circumscribed cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) tumors generally perform within the normal range on neuropsychological tests after a complete tumor resection. The outcome in academically relevant abilities such as mathematics, which in adults involve some cerebellar functions, is however much less understood. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the neuroplasticity of mathematical skills and associated cognitive functions following cerebellar resection of PA in pediatric patients. METHODS Twenty-two children (mean age = 11.2 + 1.8), including 11 PA patients (females = 6) and 11 healthy controls (females = 6), were administered a battery of mathematical (MaT) and neuropsychological tests. Single-case statistical analyses were carried out (Crawford's t) as well as between-group comparisons (Wilcoxon test). Spearman correlations between MaT and neuropsychological tests were calculated. RESULTS Thirty-six percent of the patients showed difficulties in some mathematical tasks, 50% of them within a broader cognitive deficit. Verbal working memory was associated with MaT performance both in patients and controls while, crucially, visuospatial memory, and visual-motor integration were associated with MaT in patients only. Among patients, MaT correlated negatively with tumor size and positively with the interval surgery test. CONCLUSIONS The results evince an overall recovery of mathematical abilities despite PA in the majority of patients. This functional reestablishment is supported by visuospatial and visuomotor integration functions that contribute to set up emerging mathematical skills in these patients. Higher levels of compensation are found in more developed tumors as compared to smaller ones.
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Neuropsychological And Psychopathological Profile Of Anti-Nmdar Encephalitis: A Possible Pathophysiological Model For Pediatric Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2018; 34:1309-1319. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acy088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe, but treatable, autoimmune disorder, characterized by autoantibodies causing hypofunction of blocking NMDA receptors leading to a unique constellation of cognitive, motor, and psychiatric symptoms. Neuropsychological and psychopathological outcome has not been fully explored, particularly in children. Aim of this study was to investigate pediatric anti-NMDAR encephalitis as a model of impairment of the complex frontal-subcortical circuits who are implicated in several of the childhood neuropsychiatric disorders.
Method
Seven children diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis at our department underwent an evaluation of the global mental functioning before discharge, a neuropsychological and psychological/behavioral standardized examination within one month after discharge and subsequently were followed up longitudinally for mean 35 months (range 24–48 months). Collected neuropsychological data were evaluated retrospectively.
Results
Deficits in attention, executive functions and/or visual motor functions involving executive functions were seen in all children within one month after discharge. These deficits were long lasting in about a half of the patients. In addition, four patients developed persistent psychopathological dysfunctions: difficulties to regulate their own behavior, impulsivity, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Conclusions
Our data are in line with research suggesting a crucial role of the executive functions impairments in cognitive outcome disturbance of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We found also behavioral and psychological deficits pointing to a more comprehensive framework of frontal-subcortical dysfunction, in which the NMDA mediated transmission appear to have a role, as suggested by neurobiological, pharmacological, and neuroimaging studies.
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Peviani V, Scarpa P, Vedovelli S, Bottini G. Mini-Mental State Pediatric Examination (MMSPE) standardization and normative data on Italian children aged 36 to 72 months. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2018; 9:92-96. [DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2018.1522590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Peviani
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Pina Scarpa
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience, NeuroMi, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Vedovelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience, NeuroMi, Milano, Italy
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Cavazzana A, Begliomini C, Bisiacchi PS. Intentional binding as a marker of agency across the lifespan. Conscious Cogn 2017; 52:104-114. [PMID: 28501697 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The feeling of control over actions and their external effects is known as Sense of Agency (SoAg). People usually have a distinctive SoAg for events caused by their own actions. However, if the agent is a child or an older person, this feeling of being responsible for the consequences of an action may differ from what an adult would feel. The idea would be that children and elderly may have a reduced SoAg since their frontal lobes are developing or have started to loose their efficiency. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether the SoAg changes across lifespan, using the Intentional Binding (i.e., the temporal attraction between a voluntary action and its sensory consequence) as implicit measure. Data show that children and elderly are characterized by a reduced SoAg as compared to adults. These findings provide a fundamental step in the characterization of SoAg dynamics throughout individuals' lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Cavazzana
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia, 8, Padova, Italy; Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 9A, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Chiara Begliomini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia, 8, Padova, Italy; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Silvia Bisiacchi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia, 8, Padova, Italy; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Venezia, 8, Padova, Italy
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12
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Saccà F, Costabile T, Abate F, Liguori A, Paciello F, Pane C, De Rosa A, Manganelli F, De Michele G, Filla A. Normalization of timed neuropsychological tests with the PATA rate and nine-hole pegboard tests. J Neuropsychol 2017; 12:471-483. [PMID: 28477351 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite neurological patients show frequent physical impairment, timed neuropsychological tests do not take this into account during scoring procedures. OBJECTIVE We propose a normalization method based on the PATA Rate Task (PRT) and on the nine-hole pegboard test (9HPT) as a measure of dysarthria and upper limb dysfunction. METHODS We tested 65 healthy controls on timed neuropsychological tests (Attentional Matrices [AM], Trail Making Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Verbal Fluencies) to determine the time spent on phonation or on hand movement during test execution. We developed correction formulas to normalize test times considering the patient's PRT/9HPT, their normality limits, and the test timing. We tested the method on 24 patients with Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA), as a model of motor and speech impairment. RESULTS In healthy controls, phonation or hand movement is 13.5-61.7% of total test time. In FRDA patients, the effect of normalization improved all test results (range: 0.51-48.4%; p < .001). FRDA patients had worst scores in all tests when compared to controls, and the difference remained significant after correction except for the AM. At the individual level, the normalization method improved equivalent scores with fever patients showing impaired scores after correction. CONCLUSIONS We propose an innovative normalization method to reduce the impact of neurological disability on timed neuropsychological tests. This could be easily integrated in a clinical setting, as it requires a simple preliminary test with the PRT and 9HPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Costabile
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Abate
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Liguori
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Paciello
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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13
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Scarpa P, Toraldo A, Peviani V, Bottini G. Let’s cut it short: Italian standardization of the MMSPE (Mini-Mental State Pediatric Examination), a brief cognitive screening tool for school-age children. Neurol Sci 2016; 38:157-162. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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14
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A novel inherited SCN1A mutation associated with different neuropsychological phenotypes: is there a common core deficit? Epilepsy Behav 2015; 43:89-92. [PMID: 25569746 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We report a three-generation, clinically heterogeneous family in which we identify a novel inherited splicing mutation of the SCN1A gene. Thirteen subjects were submitted to genetic analysis, clinical and instrumental examination, and neuropsychological assessment. In eight subjects, a heterozygous c.2946+5G>A donor splice site alteration in the SCN1A gene was found. Half of them had never had a seizure and showed normal EEG and cognitive profile, whereas the other half had a history of seizures and variable neuropsychological impairments ranging from moderate cognitive disabilities to mild visual-motor impairments. Different clinical phenotypes were identified, including generalized epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+), Dravet syndrome, and partial epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (PEFS+). Remarkable clinical heterogeneity can be found among family members carrying the same SCN1A gene mutation. Variable involvement of visual-motor abilities might represent a neuropsychological feature which needs to be further explored in other familial cases.
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15
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Senese VP, De Lucia N, Conson M. Cognitive predictors of copying and drawing from memory of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure in 7- to 10-year-old children. Clin Neuropsychol 2015; 29:118-32. [PMID: 25562707 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2014.995711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive models of drawing are mainly based on assessment of copying performance of adults, whereas only a few studies have verified these models in young children. Moreover, developmental investigations have only rarely performed a systematic examination of the contribution of perceptual and representational visuo-spatial processes to copying and drawing from memory. In this study we investigated the role of visual perception and mental representation in both copying and drawing from memory skills in a sample of 227 typically developing children (53% females) aged 7-10 years. Participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). The fit and invariance of the predictive model considering visuo-spatial abilities, working memory, and executive functions were tested by means of hierarchical regressions and path analysis. Results showed that, in a gender invariant way, visual perception abilities and spatial mental representation had a direct effect on copying performance, whereas copying performance was the only specific predictor for drawing from memory. These effects were independent from age and socioeconomic status, and showed that cognitive models of drawing built up for adults could be considered for predicting copying and drawing from memory in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Paolo Senese
- a Psychometric Laboratory, Department of Psychology , Second University of Naples , 81100 Caserta , Italy
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16
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Menlove L, Reilly C. Memory in children with epilepsy: a systematic review. Seizure 2014; 25:126-35. [PMID: 25457449 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Research suggests an increased risk for cognitive impairment in childhood epilepsy with memory being one area of cognition most likely to be affected. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of memory difficulties may help improve awareness of the difficulties and allow efficacious supports to be put in place. METHOD A systematic review was carried out using the search terms 'memory', 'children' and 'epilepsy' in the database PUBMED. Eighty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. The review focuses on comparisons of memory scores of children with epilepsy and controls, and comparison of memory scores of children with epilepsy to normative scores. Predictors of memory impairment and the effect of surgery on memory functioning are also reviewed. RESULTS The majority (78%) of studies reviewed revealed that children with epilepsy scored lower than controls and normative scores on measures of memory. Post-surgery, memory scores were reported to improve in 50% of studies. Predictors of memory impairment included a greater number of AEDs used, younger age of onset, increased seizure frequency and longer duration of epilepsy. CONCLUSION Children with epilepsy have a high frequency of memory impairments. However, the exact prevalence of difficulties is not clear due to the lack of population-based data. Most studies have not controlled for IQ and thus it is unclear if difficulties are always related to global cognitive difficulties. There is need for future population-based studies and studies focussing on the neurobiology of memory problems in children with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Menlove
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, United Kingdom.
| | - Colin Reilly
- Research Department, Young Epilepsy, St. Piers Lane, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, United Kingdom.
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17
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Cavazzana A, Begliomini C, Bisiacchi PS. Intentional binding effect in children: insights from a new paradigm. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:651. [PMID: 25202256 PMCID: PMC4142789 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intentional binding (IB) refers to the temporal attraction between a voluntary action and its sensory consequence. Since its discovery in 2002, it has been considered to be a valid implicit measure of sense of agency (SoA), since it only occurs in the context of voluntary actions. The vast majority of studies considering IB have recruited young adults as participants, while neglecting possible age-related differences. The aim of the present work is to study the development of IB in 10-year-old children. In place of Libet's classical clock method, we decided to implement a new and more suitable paradigm in order to study IB, since children could have some difficulties in dealing with reading clocks. A stream of unpredictable letters was therefore used: participants had to remember which letter was on the screen when they made a voluntary action, heard a sound, or felt their right index finger moved down passively. In Experiment I, a group of young adults was tested in order to replicate the IB effect with this new paradigm. In Experiment II, the same paradigm was then administered to children in order to investigate whether such an effect has already emerged at this age. The data from Experiment I showed the presence of the IB effect in adults. However, Experiment II demonstrated a clear reduction of IB. The comparison of the two groups revealed that the young adult group differed from the children, showing a significantly stronger linkage between actions and their consequences. The results indicate a developmental trend in the IB effect. This finding is discussed in light of the maturation process of the frontal cortical network.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Begliomini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua Padova, Italy ; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padua Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia S Bisiacchi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua Padova, Italy ; Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padua Padova, Italy
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Costanzo F, Varuzza C, Menghini D, Addona F, Gianesini T, Vicari S. Executive functions in intellectual disabilities: a comparison between Williams syndrome and Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2013; 34:1770-80. [PMID: 23501586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Executive functions are a set of high cognitive abilities that control and regulate other functions and behaviors and are crucial for successful adaptation. Deficits in executive functions are frequently described in developmental disorders, which are characterized by disadaptive behavior. However, executive functions are not widely examined in individuals with intellectual disability. The present study is aimed at evaluating the etiological specificity hypotheses pertaining to executive functions by comparing individuals with intellectual disability of different etiology, as Williams syndrome and Down syndrome, on different aspects of executive functions. To this aim a battery evaluating attention, short-term and working memory, planning, categorization, shifting and inhibition, was administered to 15 children, adolescents and adults with Williams syndrome, to 15 children, adolescents and adults with Down syndrome and to 16 mental-age-matched typically developing children. The two groups with intellectual disability showed impairment in a set of executive functions, as auditory sustained attention, visual selective attention, visual categorization and working memory, and preserved visual sustained attention, auditory selective attention and visual inhibition. However, a distinctive profile has been found between the two syndromic groups on other executive functions. While participants with Down syndrome were poor in shifting and verbal aspects of memory and inhibition, those with Williams syndrome were poor in planning. The specific weakness and straights on executive functions may support the etiological specificity hypothesis accounting for distinctive cognitive development syndrome-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Costanzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, I-00165 Rome, Italy
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Vignoli A, Canevini MP, Darra F, La Selva L, Fiorini E, Piazzini A, Lazzarotto F, Zucca C, Dalla Bernardina B. Ring chromosome 20 syndrome: a link between epilepsy onset and neuropsychological impairment in three children. Epilepsia 2009; 50:2420-7. [PMID: 19583784 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ring chromosome 20 [r(20)] syndrome is a well-defined chromosomal disorder characterized by epilepsy, mild-to-moderate mental retardation, and lack of recognizable dysmorphic features. Epilepsy is often the most important clinical manifestation of the syndrome, even if its appearance is not constantly precocious. Seizures are frequently drug resistant. METHODS We describe three children with [r(20)] syndrome in whom the onset of epilepsy (age at onset range: 4 years and 6 months to 9 years and 4 months) determined a kind of epileptic status (age at onset range: 6 years and 10 months to 9 years and 8 months) with dramatic neuropsychological deterioration. This epileptic status lasted for several months because of refractoriness to most antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), but it was treated successfully with a combination of valproate and lamotrigine in two children. RESULTS As soon as seizures stopped, the children showed prompt recovery with partial restoration of the neuropsychological impairment. CONCLUSION This clinical picture can be described as abrupt epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia Vignoli
- Epilepsy Centre, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Aureli A, Sebastiani P, Del Beato T, Marimpietri A, Melillo V, Sechi E, Di Loreto S. Investigation on the possible relationship existing between the HLA-DR gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or mental retardation. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 21:985-91. [PMID: 19144284 DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the possible relationship existing between the HLA-DR gene and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or mental retardation (MR). The diagnosis of ADHD and mental retardation were established through clinical interviews with the parents, children and teachers, according to the criteria in DSM-IV. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed both by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) and by sequence based typing (SBT) in a cohort of 81 affected children and a sample of 100 healthy controls. Here, we report a positive association of HLA-DR4 with ADHD but not with MR. The study adds confirmation to the role of the HLA-DRB1 in the etiology of some types of childhood neuropsychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aureli
- CNR ITOI Institute for Organ Transplantation and Immunocytology, L'Aquila, Italy
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