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Yıldırım E, Büyükişcan ES, Kalem ŞA, Gürvit İH. Remote Neuropscyhological Assessment: Teleneuropsychology. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2024; 61:167-174. [PMID: 38868842 PMCID: PMC11165610 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28535] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Teleneuropsychology, which includes the remote application of neuropsychological tests to patients via telephone or videoconferencing, can expand access to health services for patients who reside in distant areas or have mobility restrictions. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the use of teleneuropsychology in cognitive assessment. In this review, the aim was to critically review the results of studies conducted in the field of teleneuropsychology and the fundamental principles related to tele-neuropsychological assessment. Additionally, the "guideline for home-based teleneuropsychology" developed for Türkiye's practices is outlined in this review. Method A literature search was conducted using the Web of Science and PubMed databases to include all types of articles related to the subject. Results The results of studies on in-clinic and home-based teleneuropsychological assessment indicate that tests that assess cognitive functions such as attention, memory, executive functions, and language, particularly those based on verbal administration, can be reliably applied through teleneuropsychological assessment. However, there are factors to consider when referring patients for teleneuropsychological assessment, selecting tests for assessment, and making ethical considerations. Additionally, it is important to follow recommended steps for both the clinician and the patient and/or their caregiver before and during the interview in order for the assessment to be carried out effectively. Conclusion Although direct contact with the patient is an essential element in clinical neuropsychology practice, when necessary, teleneuropsychological assessment performed by trained experts following appropriate application procedures can be a good alternative to face-to-face evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yıldırım
- Işık University, Department of Psychology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Şükriye Akça Kalem
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İ. Hakan Gürvit
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sperling SA, Acheson SK, Fox-Fuller J, Colvin MK, Harder L, Cullum CM, Randolph JJ, Carter KR, Espe-Pfeifer P, Lacritz LH, Arnett PA, Gillaspy SR. Tele-Neuropsychology: From Science to Policy to Practice. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:227-248. [PMID: 37715508 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this paper is to accelerate the number of randomized experimental studies of the reliability and validity in-home tele-neuropsychological testing (tele-np-t). METHOD We conducted a critical review of the tele-neuropsychology literature. We discuss this research in the context of the United States' public and private healthcare payer systems, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system's telehealth lists, and existing disparities in healthcare access. RESULTS The number of tele-np publications has been stagnant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are less published experimental studies of tele-neuropsychology (tele-np), and particularly in-home tele-np-t, than other tele-np publications. There is strong foundational evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and reliability of tele-np-t, but relatively few studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology. CONCLUSIONS More studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology are necessary to support inclusion of tele-np-t codes on the CMS and CPT telehealth lists, and subsequently, the integration and delivery of in-home tele-np-t services across providers and institutions. These actions are needed to maintain equitable reimbursement of in-home tele-np-t services and address the widespread disparities in healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Sperling
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Joshua Fox-Fuller
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary K Colvin
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lana Harder
- Children's Health, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - C Munro Cullum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John J Randolph
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Randolph Neuropsychology Associates, PLLC, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Patricia Espe-Pfeifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura H Lacritz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Peter A Arnett
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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Takakura Y, Otsuki M, Takagi R, Houkin K. A validation study for wide-range remote assessment of cognitive functions in the healthy older Japanese population: a pilot randomised crossover trial. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:575. [PMID: 37723429 PMCID: PMC10507887 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of a wide range of cognitive functions using video teleconference (VTC) systems cannot be applied in practice yet. We aimed to determine the feasibility and reliability of previously unvalidated remote cognitive function tests in Japan using common information and communication technology (ICT) devices, software, and VTC systems compared with face-to-face (FTF) assessment. METHODS The sample consisted of 26 participants from senior citizens clubs and an employment service centre in Sapporo Japan, including 11 females and 15 males (age averaged 78.6 ± 6.8 years). Tests included the RCPM, Story recall, 10/36 spatial recall, selective reminding test, SDMT, PASAT, FAB, TMT-A, TMT-B, visual cancellation task, digit span, tapping span. The experimental design was a counterbalanced crossover randomised controlled trial. Intraclass correlations (ICCs), paired-samples t-tests, Cohen's Kappa (κ) coefficients, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were calculated to compare the scores between VTC and FTF assessments. RESULTS All ICCs were significant and ranged from 0.47 (RCPM time) to 0.92 (RCPM score and PASAT), with a mean ICC of 0.75. Digit span using Cohen's Kappa (κ) coefficient was significant, but the tapping span was not. Paired samples t-test showed statistically significant differences in SDMT, RCPM time, and cancellation time. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that remote video conference-based neuropsychological tests even using familiar devices and software may be able to assess a wide range of cognitive functions in the Japanese older population. As for the processing speed tasks, we need to create our own standards for the remote condition. For the tapping span, we should consider increasing the number of trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takakura
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, N-12,W-5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Mika Otsuki
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, N-12,W-5, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Ryo Takagi
- Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kiyohiro Houkin
- Emeritus Professor, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Crivelli L, Calandri IL, Kimie Suemoto C, Salinas RM, Velilla LM, Yassuda MS, Caramelli P, Lopera F, Nitrini R, Sevlever GE, Sosa AL, Acosta D, Baietti AMC, Cusicanqui MI, Custodio N, De Simone SD, Derio CD, Duque-Peñailillo L, Duran JC, Jiménez-Velázquez IZ, Leon-Salas JM, Bergamo Y, Clarens MF, Damian A, Demey I, Helou MB, Márquez C, Martin ME, Martin MDGM, Querze D, Surace EI, Acosta-Egea S, Aguirre-Salvador E, de Souza LC, Cançado GHDCP, Brucki SMD, Friedlaender CV, Gomes KB, Gutierrez M, Ríos CL, Galindo JGM, Montesinos R, Nuñez-Herrera A, Ospina-Henao S, Rodríguez G, Masson VR, Sánchez M, Schenk CE, Soto L, Barbosa MT, Tosatti JAG, Vicuña Y, Espeland M, Hakansson K, Kivipelto M, Baker L, Snyder H, Carrillo M, Allegri RF. Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS): Study design and harmonization. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4046-4060. [PMID: 37204054 PMCID: PMC11021182 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm-FINGERS) is the first non-pharmacological multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) to prevent cognitive impairment in Latin America (LA). Our aim is to present the study design and discuss the strategies used for multicultural harmonization. METHODS This 1-year RCT (working on a 1-year extension) investigates the feasibility of a multi-domain lifestyle intervention in LA and the efficacy of the intervention, primarily on cognitive function. An external harmonization process was carried out to follow the FINGER model, and an internal harmonization was performed to ensure this study was feasible and comparable across the 12 participating LA countries. RESULTS Currently, 1549 participants have been screened, and 815 randomized. Participants are ethnically diverse (56% are Nestizo) and have high cardiovascular risk (39% have metabolic syndrome). DISCUSSION LatAm-FINGERS overcame a significant challenge to combine the region's diversity into a multi-domain risk reduction intervention feasible across LA while preserving the original FINGER design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Crivelli
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Rosa María Salinas
- Laboratorio de Demencias del Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Lina Marcela Velilla
- Neuroscience Group of Antioquia Medical School, Antioquia University, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Mônica Sanches Yassuda
- Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Såo Paulo School of Medicine, Såo Paulo, Brazil
- Gerontology, School of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, University of Såo Paulo, Såo Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Neuroscience Group of Antioquia Medical School, Antioquia University, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Såo Paulo School of Medicine, Såo Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luisa Sosa
- Laboratorio de Demencias del Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Daisy Acosta
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena (UNPHU), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Ana María Charamelo Baietti
- Clínica de la Memoria-Hospital Británico, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Neuropsicología, Facultad de Medicina-Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Nilton Custodio
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Perú
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Perú
| | - Sergio Dansilio De Simone
- Departamento de Neuropsicología, Facultad de Medicina-Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carolina Delgado Derio
- Unidad de Cerebro Saludable, Departamento de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | | | - Ivonne Z. Jiménez-Velázquez
- Centro de Investigación en Geriatría, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Recinto de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Jorge Mario Leon-Salas
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica, Life Science Research Institute, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Yanina Bergamo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Andrés Damian
- CUDIM Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ignacio Demey
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Carlos Márquez
- Instituto de Nutricion y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | | | - Diego Querze
- Department of Neurology, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sabrina Acosta-Egea
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica, Life Science Research Institute, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Leonardo Cruz de Souza
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Sonia Maria Dozzi Brucki
- Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Såo Paulo School of Medicine, Såo Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Karina Braga Gomes
- Faculdade de Farmícia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Myriam Gutierrez
- Unidad de Cerebro Saludable, Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | - Joyce Graciela Martinez Galindo
- Laboratorio de Demencias del Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rosa Montesinos
- Unidad de Diagnóstico de Deterioro Cognitivo y Prevención de Demencia, Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Perú
| | | | - Sebastián Ospina-Henao
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Médicas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guillermina Rodríguez
- Department of Demography and Biostatistics, Ministry of Public Health, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Mónica Sánchez
- Cognitive Disorders Unit–Neuromedicenter, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Christian E. Schenk
- Neurology Division, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Ligia Soto
- Cognitive Disorders Unit–Neuromedicenter, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maira Tonidandel Barbosa
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Abdo Gonçalves Tosatti
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Yosselin Vicuña
- Inbiomed (Instituto de Investigacion en Biomedicina), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mark Espeland
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krister Hakansson
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Centre for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet and Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Baker
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Ricardo Francisco Allegri
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad de la Costa (CUC), Barranquilla, Colombia
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Canyazo CM, Keller G, Helou B, Arruabarrena M, Corvalán N, Carello A, Harris P, Feldman M, Fernández R, Calandri IL, Martin ME, Allegri RF, Crivelli L. Effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation on mild cognitive impairment using teleneuropsychology. Dement Neuropsychol 2023; 17:e20220079. [PMID: 37533595 PMCID: PMC10392881 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2022-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the continuity of cognitive rehabilitation worldwide. However, the use of teleneuropsychology to provide cognitive rehabilitation has contributed significantly to the continuity of the treatment. Objectives To measure the effects of cognitive telerehabilitation on cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and memory strategies in a cohort of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods A sample of 60 patients with mild cognitive impairment according to Petersen's criteria was randomly divided into two groups: 30 treatment cases and 30 controls (waiting list group). Subjects were matched by age, sex, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The treatment group received ten cognitive telerehabilitation sessions of 45 minutes duration once a week. Pre-treatment (week 0) and post-treatment (week 10) measures were assessed for both groups. Different linear mixed models were estimated to test treatment effect (cognitive telerehabilitation vs. controls) on each outcome of interest over time (pre/post-intervention). Results A significant group (control/treatment) x time (pre/post) interaction revealed that the treatment group at week 10 had better scores in cognitive variables: memory (RAVLT learning trials p=0.030; RAVLT delayed recall p=0.029), phonological fluency (p=0.001), activities of daily living (FAQ p=0.001), satisfaction with memory performance (MMQ satisfaction p=0.004) and use of memory strategies (MMQ strategy p=0.000), as well as, and a significant reduction of affective symptomatology: depression (GDS p=0.000), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI-Q p=0.045), forgetfulness (EDO-10 p=0.000), and stress (DAS stress p=0.000). Conclusions Our study suggests that CTR is an effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez Canyazo
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Hospital Fleni, Servicio de Neuroinmunología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Greta Keller
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Belen Helou
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Nicolas Corvalán
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Carello
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Harris
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Monica Feldman
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Psicología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Ricardo Francisco Allegri
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de la Costa, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Fleni-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Crivelli
- Hospital Fleni, Departamento de Neurología Cognitiva, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Fleni-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Salvadori E, Pantoni L. Teleneuropsychology for vascular cognitive impairment: Which tools do we have? CEREBRAL CIRCULATION - COGNITION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 5:100173. [PMID: 37457663 PMCID: PMC10299844 DOI: 10.1016/j.cccb.2023.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The halt of clinical activities imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic forced clinicians to find alternative strategies to provide continuity of care and services, and led to a renewed interest in use of teleneuropsychology (TNP) to remotely assess patients. Recent TNP guidelines recommend maximizing the reproduction of standard in-person assessment, particularly through videoconferences. However, consistency of the adaptations of usual cognitive tests to videoconference needs further elucidation. This review aims at critical reviewing which cognitive tests could be recommended for a remote evaluation of patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) among those widely recognized as reference standards. Current evidence supports the use of global cognitive efficiency (MMSE and MoCA), verbal memory (Revised Hopkins Verbal Learning Test), and language tests (phonemic and semantic verbal fluencies, Boston Naming Test), while there is a lack of strong validity support for measures of visuospatial functions (Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure), and executive functioning and processing speed (Trail making Test, and Digit symbol or Symbol digit tests). This represents a major limitation in the evaluation of VCI because its cognitive profile in often characterized by attention and executive deficits. At present, a videoconference TNP visit appears useful for a brief evaluation of global cognitive efficiency, and to 'triage' patients towards a second level in person evaluation. In future, hybrid models of TNP based on data collected across multiple modalities, incorporating both adaptation of usual cognitive tools and new computerized tools in the supervised videoconference setting, are likely to become the best option for a comprehensive remote cognitive assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Salvadori
- NEUROFARBA Department, Neuroscience Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pantoni
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Fittipaldi S, Baez S, Gonzalez-Silva C, Duran-Aniotz C. Latin American women in dementia research: outstanding contributions, barriers, and opportunities from Argentinian, Chilean, and Colombian colleagues. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1168414. [PMID: 37358953 PMCID: PMC10285056 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1168414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Women's contributions to science have been consistently underrepresented throughout history. Despite many efforts and some progresses being made to reduce gender inequity in science, pursuing an academic career across disciplines, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias, remains challenging for women. Idiosyncratic difficulties of Latin American countries likely accentuate the gender gap. In this Perspective, we celebrate outstanding contributions from Argentinian, Chilean, and Colombian colleagues in dementia research and discuss barriers and opportunities identified by them. We aim to acknowledge Latin American women's work and bring visibility to the challenges they face throughout their careers in order to inform potential solutions. Also, we highlight the need to perform a systematic assessment of the gender gap in the Latin American dementia community of researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Fittipaldi
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin, Ireland
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center (CNC), Universidad de San Andres (UdeSA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Baez
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Gonzalez-Silva
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Duran-Aniotz
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
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Seubert-Ravelo AN, Serrano-Juárez CA, Cabañas-Tinajero JÁ, González-Gutiérrez FA, Moreno-Villagómez J, Prieto-Corona B, Reyes-Méndez C, Téllez-Rodríguez M, Yáñez-Téllez MG. Teleneuropsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: the perspective from a middle-income country. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:12-30. [PMID: 36912340 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2189229] [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: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there have been no studies of the benefits and difficulties with this modality in middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the current use of TeleNP in Mexico. METHOD Mexican neuropsychologists were invited to participate in an online survey regarding the use of TeleNP during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was based on issues from a literature review and consisted of 36 questions requiring yes/no, multiple choice, or ordinal answers. The survey was created using Google Forms and asked respondents to provide informed consent. A total of 107 clinical neuropsychologists completed the survey. RESULTS 82% of participants currently use TeleNP, and most reported learning about TeleNP through personal experience, literature research, and colleagues. Brief evaluations, delivery of results, and intervention were the principal services provided, most frequently on a home-to-home basis. Almost 30% of clinicians reported not requiring informed consent for use of the modality. Consultations included children, adolescents, and adults in similar numbers; older adults were less frequent. Technological limitations were the most frequent reason for ruling out the modality with particular patients. Perceived benefits included the ability to continue consultations despite social distancing measures, lesser risk of COVID-19 infection, and the possibility of seeing patients with limited access to neuropsychological services. Reasons for not using TeleNP included a lack of standardized instruments, not feeling comfortable with the modality, and lack of technological resources and skills. CONCLUSIONS Despite the socioeconomic differences between Mexico and high-income countries, most of our findings were similar to reports from those countries. However, technological limitations were common, and smartphones were commonly used, contrary to recommendations in the literature. The future use of TeleNP in Mexico should include formal training and ethical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Natalia Seubert-Ravelo
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Carlos Alberto Serrano-Juárez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - José-Ángel Cabañas-Tinajero
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Fátima Aideé González-Gutiérrez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Julieta Moreno-Villagómez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Belén Prieto-Corona
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Carolina Reyes-Méndez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Marybeth Téllez-Rodríguez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
| | - Ma Guillermina Yáñez-Téllez
- Clinical Neuropsychology Residency Program, Research and Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla, México
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Garcia JM, Morales Mejia YL, Ochoa Lopez AP, Woods SP, Valier H, Medina LD. Evidence for the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the Medication Management Ability Assessment administered via tele-assessment. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2022:1-13. [PMID: 35998647 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2114356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We translated the Medication Management Ability Assessment (MMAA) from English to Spanish for use via tele-assessment and examined its reliability and validity. Following International Test Commission Guidelines for Translating and Adapting Tests, we used translation/back-translation and a small focus group (n = 6) to adapt a Spanish version of the MMAA. Eighty-six Spanish-speaking adults completed the adapted MMAA via tele-assessment at baseline and at a two-week follow-up visit. Participants also completed several self-report and performance-based cognitive and functional measures. The internal consistency of the MMAA was excellent (standardized Cronbach's α = 0.90). Performance-based functional assessments (PBFAs) and objective cognition were positively associated with the MMAA at small to medium effect sizes. Self-report measures of daily function and cognition, measures of health literacy, and estimates of premorbid intellectual functioning were not significantly associated with MMAA performance. The test-retest reliability of the MMAA was good (CCC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.62, 0.81]; rs = 0.37, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a small practice effect (Cohen's d = 0.36, p = 0.001). Preliminary evidence for the construct validity of a Spanish-language MMAA administered via tele-assessment further expands the potential clinical utility of PBFAs in culturally diverse, Spanish-speaking populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Garcia
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Helen Valier
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luis D Medina
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Caldichoury N, Soto-Añari M, Camargo L, Porto MF, Herrera-Pino J, Shelach S, Rivera-Fernández C, Ramos-Henderson M, Gargiulo PA, López N. Clinical utility of Phototest via teleneuropsychology in Chilean rural older adults. Dement Neuropsychol 2022; 16:316-323. [PMID: 36619838 PMCID: PMC9762386 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for neuropsychological care for older adults with memory complaints in different contexts, including rural areas or areas with difficult access. Objective This study aimed to analyze the clinical utility of the Phototest, through telemedicine, to identify mild cognitive impairment in rural older adults with memory complaints, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We performed a cross-sectional, case-control, and clinical utility comparison of brief cognitive tests (BCTs). The sample included 111 rural elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 130 healthy controls from the Los Lagos region, Chile. The instruments adopted were modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEm) and adapted version of the Phototest (PT) for Chile. Results To identify mild cognitive impairment, using a cutoff score of 27-28 points, the Phototest showed a sensitivity of 96.6% and a specificity of 81.8%; indicators superior to those of the MMSEm. Conclusions The Phototest is more accurate than the MMSEm in identifying cognitive alterations in rural older adults with cognitive memory complaints through telemedicine. Therefore, its use in primary care is recommended in order to perform early detection of preclinical cognitive alterations in mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Caldichoury
- Universidad de Los Lagos, Departamento de Ciencias Sociales, Osorno,
Chile
| | - Marcio Soto-Añari
- Universidad Católica San Pablo, Laboratorio de Neurociencia,
Arequipa, Perú
| | - Loida Camargo
- Universidad del Sinú, Facultad de Medicina, Cartagena de Indias,
Colombia
| | - María Fernanda Porto
- Universidad de la Costa, Departamento de Ciencias Sociales,
Barranquilla, Colombia
| | | | - Salomón Shelach
- Universidad Católica San Pablo, Laboratorio de Neurociencia,
Arequipa, Perú
| | | | - Miguel Ramos-Henderson
- Universidad Santo Tomás, Facultad De Salud, Centro de Investigación
e Innovación en Gerontología Aplicada, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Pascual Angel Gargiulo
- Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas,
Departamento de Patología, Laboratorio de Neurociencias y Psicología Experimental,
Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Norman López
- Universidad de la Costa, Departamento de Ciencias Sociales,
Barranquilla, Colombia
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Gaigher JM, Lacerda IB, Dourado MCN. Dementia and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:879598. [PMID: 35873228 PMCID: PMC9301378 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.879598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic raised significant concerns related to the management of care for people with dementia, but few studies have examined the mental health of older adults with dementia and their caregivers during the pandemic, when compared to other populations. This systematic review thus aims to compare and discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with dementia and on their caregivers' mental health. METHODS A search was performed in the PubMed/Medline and ISI databases according to the PRISMA methodology. We included studies published in 2020 and 2021 with the following combinations of keywords: "COVID-19 and mental health and elderly," "COVID-19 and mental health and dementia;" "COVID-19 and dementia and caregivers," "pandemic and mental health and elderly," and "pandemic and anxiety." RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included. Technology has proven to be an essential ally during the pandemic, since all 22 studies performed remote data collection. Nearly all the studies emphasized that social isolation and withdrawal can lead to the emergence or increase of neuropsychiatric symptoms and motor difficulties. However, the findings were mixed concerning the pandemic's impact on the cognition of people with dementia. Caregivers also suffered from the pandemic's impact, experiencing an increase in the burden of care and symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Few studies suggested measures to alleviate the difficulties of people with dementia and their caregivers. There are reports of the benefits of technology in communication and treatment through teleconsultations, however, not everyone has access to such technology, making it difficult to disseminate this tool to the target population. CONCLUSIONS The studies generally showed that social isolation can increase motor deficits and neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregivers' burden and anxiety. New avenues for care and intervention are thus needed for older adults with cognitive deficits and their caregivers to avoid the intensification of physical and psychological suffering. Technological initiatives and support should consider people with cognitive impairment and different levels of technology literacy. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mariano Gaigher
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel Barbeito Lacerda
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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