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Wollney EN, Bylund CL, Bedenfield N, Parker ND, Rosselli M, Curiel Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Armstrong MJ. Persons living with dementia and caregivers' communication preferences for receiving a dementia diagnosis. PEC Innov 2024; 4:100253. [PMID: 38298558 PMCID: PMC10828581 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective As the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia increases, so does the need to understand the preferences of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and caregivers for how clinicians can deliver a dementia diagnosis effectively, which can be a difficult process. This study describes the diagnostic communication preferences of PLWD and caregivers. Methods We conducted semi-structured individual phone interviews with two groups: PLWD who were diagnosed in the past two years (n = 11) and family caregivers of PLWD (n = 19) living in Florida. PLWD and caregivers were not recruited/enrolled as dyads. Results The groups' communication preferences were largely similar. Data were analyzed thematically into five themes: communicate the diagnosis clearly, meet information needs, discuss PLWD/caregiver resources, prepare for continued care, and communicate to establish and maintain relationships. Conclusion Participants wanted clear communication, information, and support, but differed in some details (e.g. the language used to describe the diagnosis and the amount/type of desired information). Clinicians can apply general principles but will need to tailor them to individual preferences of PLWD and caregivers. Innovation Limited research has elicited PLWD and caregivers' communication preferences for receiving dementia diagnoses, particularly through an individualized data collection method allowing for richer descriptions and deeper understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easton N. Wollney
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Carma L. Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Noheli Bedenfield
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Naomi D. Parker
- College of Journalism & Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Mónica Rosselli
- Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Rosie E. Curiel Cid
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | | | - Melissa J. Armstrong
- Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Armstrong MJ, Bedenfield N, Rosselli M, Curiel Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Galvin JE, Lachner C, Grant Smith A, de Los Ángeles Ortega M, Mohiuddin Y, Shatzer J, Marasco D, Willis D, Bylund CL. Best Practices for Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia: Results of a Multi-Stakeholder Modified Delphi Consensus Process. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200223. [PMID: 38152063 PMCID: PMC10750429 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Many individuals with dementia and their families report not receiving a dementia diagnosis. Previously published standards for delivering a dementia diagnosis are now more than 10 years old and were developed without patient and caregiver input. The objective of this study was to identify best practices for delivering a diagnosis of dementia using existing literature, involvement of diverse stakeholders, and consensus building through a formal modified Delphi approach. Methods We convened a multi-stakeholder working group including a patient, caregivers, Alzheimer's Association staff, and clinicians from diverse backgrounds. The panel used the American Academy of Neurology process for recommendation development, consisting of a half-day workshop and 3 rounds of anonymous modified Delphi voting to achieve consensus. Results The working group convened from May 2022 through January 2023. The group chose to focus statements on a limited number of best practices that can be applied across clinic types. Seven best practice statements achieved consensus after a maximum of 3 rounds of voting. These included the following: (1) Clinicians must show compassion and empathy when delivering a diagnosis of dementia (level A). During dementia diagnosis disclosure, clinicians should (2) ask regarding diagnosis preferences, (3) instill realistic hope, (4) provide practical strategies, (5) provide education and connections to high-quality resources, (6) connect caregivers to support resources, and (7) provide written summaries of the diagnoses, plan, and relevant resources (each level B). Discussion Clinicians need to customize discussion of a dementia diagnosis for individual patients and their caregivers. These 7 best practices provide a diagnosis communication framework that can be implemented across varied clinical settings. Additional strategies, such as using optimal general communication approaches, are also important for dementia diagnosis discussions. Thoughtful application of these best practices is particularly important when caring for individuals from underrepresented communities. Further improving communication regarding dementia diagnoses will require health system changes (e.g., for sufficient time), improved access to specialty dementia care, and clinician training for delivering difficult diagnoses. More research is needed to identify culturally sensitive approaches to discussing dementia diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Armstrong
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Noheli Bedenfield
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Monica Rosselli
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Rosie E Curiel Cid
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - James E Galvin
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Christian Lachner
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Amanda Grant Smith
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - María de Los Ángeles Ortega
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Yasmin Mohiuddin
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Julie Shatzer
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Deann Marasco
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Dianna Willis
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
| | - Carma L Bylund
- Department of Neurology (MJA, NB, YM), University of Florida College of Medicine; UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (MJA, NB, YM), Gainesville; Department of Psychology (MR), Florida Atlantic University, Davie; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RECC), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; FL Neuro-Health (MK), Miami; Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (JEG), Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton; Department of Neurology (CL); Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (CL), Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville; Byrd Alzheimer's Institute (AGS); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences (AGS), Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center (MÁO), Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; Alzheimer's Association (JS, DM), Florida Region, Clearwater; Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics (CLB), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL; and [N/A - caregiver representative] (DW)
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Wollney EN, Armstrong MJ, Bedenfield N, Rosselli M, Curiel-Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Levy X, Bylund CL. Barriers and Best Practices in Disclosing a Dementia Diagnosis: A Clinician Interview Study. Health Serv Insights 2022; 15:11786329221141829. [PMID: 36506598 PMCID: PMC9729996 DOI: 10.1177/11786329221141829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of individuals with dementia want to receive a diagnosis. Research suggests, however, that only a fraction of individuals with dementia receive a diagnosis and patients and families often feel the information is poorly explained. We thus aimed to assess clinician-reported barriers to dementia disclosure and recommendations for giving a dementia diagnosis. To accomplish this, we performed telephone interviews with 15 clinicians from different specialties using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. Clinician-reported barriers fit 3 categories: patient and caregiver-related barriers, clinician-related barriers, and barriers related to the triadic interaction. Patient and caregiver-related barriers included lack of social support, misunderstanding the diagnosis, and denial. Clinician barriers included difficulty giving bad news, difficulty communicating uncertainty, and lack of time. Triadic interaction barriers included challenges meeting multiple goals or needs and family requests for non-disclosure. Recommendations for best practice included for clinicians to foster relationships, educate patients and family, and take a family-centered approach. Clinicians described recommendations for fostering relationships such as using empathic communication and developing and maintaining connection. Educating patients and families included tailoring communication, explaining how the diagnosis was reached, and following up. Family approaches included meeting with family members prior to delivering the diagnosis and involving the caregiver in the discussion. Findings may inform updated recommendations for best practices when communicating a dementia diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easton N Wollney
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA,Easton N Wollney, Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Melissa J Armstrong
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Noheli Bedenfield
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Monica Rosselli
- Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Davie, FL, USA
| | - Rosie E Curiel-Cid
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ximena Levy
- Clinical Research Unit, Division of Research, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Carma L Bylund
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Nahmias L, Beaulieu AN, Ortega A, Hincapie DM, Kitaigorodsky M, Curiel RE, Loewenstein D. The Cognitive Stress Test (CST): An Innovative Tool to Differentiate Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) Older Adults from those with Pre‐Mild Cognitive Impairment (Pre‐MCI) and Amnestic MCI (aMCI). Alzheimers Dement 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.063696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leeron Nahmias
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | | | - Alexandra Ortega
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | | | | | - Rosie E Curiel
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | - David Loewenstein
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
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Hinchman CA, Cabral DF, Ciesla M, Flothmann M, Nunez C, Rice J, Loewenstein DA, Kitaigorodsky M, Cahalin LP, Rundek T, Pascual-Leone A, Cattaneo G, Gomes-Osman J. Exercise engagement drives changes in cognition and cardiorespiratory fitness after 8 weeks of aerobic training in sedentary aging adults at risk of cognitive decline. Front Rehabil Sci 2022; 3:923141. [PMID: 36189006 PMCID: PMC9397848 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.923141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background With our aging population, many individuals are at risk of developing age-related cognitive decline. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive performance in aging adults. This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary aging adults at risk for cognitive decline. Methods Fifty-two participants (age 62.9 ± 6.8, 76.9% female) engaged in eight weeks of moderate-to high-intensity exercise (19 in-person, 33 remotely). Global cognition was measured by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, and the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Fourth Edition. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured via heart rate recovery at minute 1 (HRR1) and 2 (HRR2), and exercise engagement (defined as percent of total exercise time spent in the prescribed heart rate zone). We measured pre and post changes using paired t-tests and mixed effects models, and investigated the association between cardiorespiratory and cognitive performance using multiple regression models. Cohen's d were calculated to estimate effect sizes. Results Overall, 63.4 % of participants demonstrated high engagement (≥ 70% total exercise time spent in the prescribed heart rate zone). There were significant pre-post improvements in verbal fluency and verbal memory, and a significant decrement in working memory, but these were associated with small effect sizes (Cohen's d <0.5). Concerning cardiorespiratory fitness, there was a pre-to-post significant improvement in HRR1 (p = 0.01, d = 0.30) and HRR2 (p < 0.001, d = 0.50). Multiple regressions revealed significant associations between cardiorespiratory and cognitive performance, but all were associated with small effect sizes (Cohen's d < 0.5). Interestingly, there were significant between-group differences in exercise engagement (all p < 0.001), with remote participants demonstrating greater exercise engagement than in-person participants. Conclusion Improvements in cognition and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed after 8 weeks of moderate to high-intensity exercise in aging adults. These results suggest that committing to a regular exercise regimen, even for a brief two-month period, can promote improvements in both cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance, and that improvements are driven by exercise engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Hinchman
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Danylo F Cabral
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | | | - Marti Flothmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.,Evelyn McKnight Brain Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Christina Nunez
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Jordyn Rice
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - David A Loewenstein
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Lawrence P Cahalin
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Tatjana Rundek
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.,Evelyn McKnight Brain Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Linus Health, Waltham, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Rosindale, MA, United States.,Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Rosindale, MA, United States.,Guttmann Brain Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriele Cattaneo
- Guttmann Brain Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joyce Gomes-Osman
- Linus Health, Waltham, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States.,Evelyn McKnight Brain Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Beaulieu A, Nahmias L, Hincapie D, Ortega A, Kitaigorodsky M, Curiel R, Loewenstein D. A-144 A Cross-Validation Study of Memory and Non-Memory Neuropsychology Measures with Spanish-Speaking Older Adults. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac060.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of the Spanish versions of memory vs. non-memory instruments in a Spanish-speaking sample; specifically, the comparative performance for the English versions in amnestic MCI (aMCI) and cognitively unimpaired (CU) elders.
Method: 255 Non-Hispanic English speakers (NH-ES; 157 CU; 98 aMCI) and 201 Hispanic Spanish speakers (H-SS; 103 CU; 98 aMCI) were classified using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and a validated culturally fair test. ANCOVA procedures were used to test for differences between four groups across languages adjusting for age, sex, and education for memory (e.g., Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-HVLT-R; NACC Logical Memory) and non-memory measures (e.g., Trail-Making Test A-B, Category and Phonemic Fluency).
Results: For memory measures, CU older adults were statistically differentiated from aMCI counterparts regardless of language. No significant differences between H-SS aMCI and NH-ES aMCI groups’ on HVLT-R and NACC story passages immediate/delayed conditions. No significant differences found between H-SS CU and NH-ES CU on memory indices. Conversely, Bonferroni corrected means (p<.05) revealed that even after adjustment for demographic covariates, ES CU outperformed H-SS CU counterparts on Trails A-B, and Category/Phonemic Fluencies. NH-ES aMCI groups scored better than H-SS aMCI on Trails B.
Conclusions: Results indicate that memory measures experience less bias when employed among different linguistic/cultural groups regardless of cognitive status. In contrast, CU H-SS groups scored lower on all non-memory measures. Factors that lead to potential bias, particularly among CU are discussed. Trails-B evidenced bias for both Hispanic CU and MCI, making this a measure that requires the judicious use of appropriate norms.
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Nahmias L, Ortega A, Beaulieu AN, Curiel Cid RE, Zheng D, Kitaigorodsky M, Adjouadi M, Crocco EA, Georgiou M, Gonzalez-Jimenez C, Goryawala MZ, Nagornaya N, Pattany PM, Sfakianaki E, Visser U, Loewenstein D. A-214 A Novel Computerized Cognitive Test for the Detection of MCI and its Association with Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Prone Brain Regions. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac060.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: First, to determine whether a digitized cognitive stress test, the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Sematic Interference and Learning, Brief Computerized Version (LASSI-BC) could differentiate between Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) groups. Second, to correlate LASSI-BC performance to volumetric reductions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-prone regions.
Methods: 111 elders underwent a clinical and neuropsychological evaluation, along with the LASSI-BC. All participants were independent community-dwellers, had knowledgeable informants, and did not meet DSM-V criteria for any active neuropsychiatric disorder, Mood Disorder or Psychotic Disorder. Eighty-seven participants (51 CU; 36 aMCI) underwent MRI imaging. The volumes of 12 AD-prone regions were related to LASSI-BC and other memory indices correcting for False Discovery Rate (FDR).
Results: After adjusting for initial learning ability, the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference (frPSI) of LASSI-BC successfully differentiated between groups. Measures of frPSI were associated with volumetric reductions in AD-prone regions (hippocampus, amygdala, inferior temporal-lobes, precuneus and posterior cingulate) in aMCI cohort. A combination of maximum learning capacity and frPSI on the LASSI-BC yielded an area under ROC curve of 0.876 with greater sensitivity and specificity when compared to other traditional tests (e.g., HVLT).
Conclusions: Performance on the LASSI-BC successfully discriminated between diagnostic groups and is significantly associated with volumetric loss among aMCI individuals. This is significant as diagnostic cognitive tests of preclinical and prodromal AD should also be required to exhibit sensitivity to biomarkers of AD (e.g., amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration in AD-prone regions), which may address some of the most critical challenges facing clinical trials.
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Loewenstein DA, Curiel Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Ortega A, Hincapie D, Zheng DD, Amaya A, Gallardo L, Manso L, Sosa J, Crocco EA. Persistent Failure to Recover from Proactive Semantic Interference on the Cognitive Stress Test Differentiates Between Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, Pre-Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:313-322. [PMID: 36155503 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susceptibility to proactive semantic interference (PSI) and the inability to ameliorate these difficulties with one additional learning trial have repeatedly been implicated as early features of incipient Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unfortunately, persistent failure to recover from PSI (frPSI) after repeated learning trials, are not captured by existing memory measures, or been examined in pre-mild cognitive impairment (PreMCI). OBJECTIVE A novel Cognitive Stress Test (CST) was employed to measure the impact of PSI, initial failure to recover from PSI and persistent effects of PSI, despite multiple learning trials of the new to-be-remembered material (pfrPSI). We hypothesized that PSI deficits on the CST would persist in both PreMCI and amnestic MCI (aMCI) groups over repeated learning trials when compared to cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults. METHODS One hundred fifty older adults (69 CU, 31 PreMCI, and 50 aMCI) underwent a standardized clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. The CST was independent of diagnostic classification. RESULTS Even after adjusting for strength of initial learning, aMCI and PreMCI groups demonstrated greater persistent PSI (pfrPSI) relative to the CU group despite repeated learning trials of List B. Further, the aMCI group made a higher number of semantic intrusion errors relative to the PreMCI and CU groups on all List B Cued Recall trials. CONCLUSION Persistent PSI appears to be a common feature of aMCI and PreMCI. The possible theoretical mechanisms and empirical implications of these new findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Loewenstein
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosie E Curiel Cid
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra Ortega
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Diana Hincapie
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - D Diane Zheng
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra Amaya
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Liz Gallardo
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leslie Manso
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jaylene Sosa
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Crocco
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Sosa J, Amaya AC, Gonzalez‐Jimenez CJ, Gorman K, Leal E, Kitaigorodsky M, Curiel RE, Loewenstein D. The association between proactive semantic interference and blood sugar levels. Alzheimers Dement 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.058587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaylene Sosa
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | | | | | | | - Eduardo Leal
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
| | | | - Rosie E Curiel
- University of Miami/Miller School of Medicine Miami FL USA
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Kitaigorodsky M, Curiel Cid RE, Crocco E, Gorman KL, González-Jiménez CJ, Greig-Custo M, Barker WW, Duara R, Loewenstein DA. Changes in LASSI-L performance over time among older adults with amnestic MCI and amyloid positivity: A preliminary study. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:98-105. [PMID: 34464879 PMCID: PMC8557121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to develop measures that are sensitive to the earliest subtle cognitive changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to improve early detection and track disease progression. The Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference (LASSI-L) has been shown to successfully discriminate between cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to correlate with total and regional brain amyloid load. The present study investigated how the LASSI-L scores change over time among three distinct diagnostic groups. Eighty-six community-dwelling older adults underwent a baseline evaluation including: a clinical interview, a neuropsychological evaluation, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET). A follow up evaluation was conducted 12 months later. Initial mean values were calculated using one-way ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). A 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis was utilized to examine differences in LASSI-L performance over time. The MCI amyloid positive group demonstrated a significantly greater decline in LASSI-L performance than the MCI amyloid negative and CU groups respectively. The scales that best differentiated the three groups included the Cued A2, which taps into maximum learning capacity, and Cued B2, which assesses the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference. Our findings further support the LASSI-L's discriminative validity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Crocco
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Greig-Custo
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Warren W Barker
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Ranjan Duara
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - David A Loewenstein
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
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Kitaigorodsky M, Crocco E, Curiel‐Cid RE, Leal G, Zheng D, Eustache MK, Greig‐Custo MT, Barker W, Duara R, Loewenstein DA. The relationship of semantic intrusions to different etiological subtypes of MCI and cognitively healthy older adults. Alzheimers Dement (Amst) 2021; 13:e12192. [PMID: 34084887 PMCID: PMC8144934 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is increasing evidence that susceptibility to proactive semantic interference (PSI) and the failure to recover from PSI (frPSI) as evidenced by intrusion errors may be early cognitive markers of both preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS One hundred forty-five participants were administered extensive clinical and neuropsychological evaluations including the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L), a sensitive cognitive stress test measuring PSI and frPSI. Participants also underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amyloid positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. RESULTS PSI and frPSI errors were much more prevalent in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-AD (amyloid positive) group than the other diagnostic groups. The number of intrusion errors observed across the other MCI groups without amyloid pathology and those with normal cognition were comparable. DISCUSSION Semantic intrusion errors on the LASSI-L occur much less frequently in persons who have different types of non-AD-related MCI and may be used as an early cognitive marker of prodromal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
| | - Elizabeth Crocco
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
| | - Rosie E. Curiel‐Cid
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Giselle Leal
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
| | - Diane Zheng
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
| | - Melissa K. Eustache
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
| | - Maria T. Greig‐Custo
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory DisordersMount Sinai, Medical CenterNew YorkUSA
| | - William Barker
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory DisordersMount Sinai, Medical CenterNew YorkUSA
| | - Ranjan Duara
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory DisordersMount Sinai, Medical CenterNew YorkUSA
| | - David A. Loewenstein
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiUSA
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research CenterGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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Kitaigorodsky M, Loewenstein D, Curiel Cid R, Crocco E, Gorman K, González-Jiménez C. A Teleneuropsychology Protocol for the Cognitive Assessment of Older Adults During COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:651136. [PMID: 34054655 PMCID: PMC8155705 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.651136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted the need for a teleneuropsychology protocol for the cognitive assessment of older adults, who are at increased risk for both COVID-19 and dementia. Prior recommendations for teleneuropsychological assessment did not consider many of the unique challenges posed by COVID-19. The field is still in need of clear guidelines and standards of care for the assessment of older adults under the current circumstances. Advantages of teleneuropsychological assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic include reduced risk of contracting the virus, eliminating travel time and reducing cost, and more rapid access to needed services. Challenges include disparities in technology access among patients, reduced control over the testing environment, impeded ability to make behavioral observations, and limited research on valid and reliable cognitive assessment measures. The aim of this perspective review is to propose a teleneuropsychological protocol to facilitate neuropsychological assessment utilizing a virtual platform. The proposed protocol has been successful with our clinical and research populations and may help neuropsychologists implement teleneuropsychology services without compromising validity or reliability. However, there is increasing need for research on teleneuropsychological assessment options for both clinical and research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - David Loewenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rosie Curiel Cid
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Elizabeth Crocco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Katherine Gorman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Christian González-Jiménez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Loewenstein DA, Curiel Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Crocco EA, Zheng DD, Gorman KL. Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment is Characterized by the Inability to Recover from Proactive Semantic Interference across Multiple Learning Trials. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2021; 8:181-187. [PMID: 33569565 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2021.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties in inhibition and self-monitoring are early features of incipient Alzheimer's disease and may manifest as susceptibility to proactive semantic interference. However, due to limitations of traditional memory assessment paradigms, recovery from interference effects following repeated learning opportunities has not been explored. OBJECTIVE This study employed a novel computerized list learning test consisting of repeated learning trials to assess recovery from proactive and retroactive semantic interference. DESIGN The design was cross-sectional. SETTING Participants were recruited from the community as part of a longitudinal study on normal and abnormal aging. PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of 46 cognitively normal individuals and 30 participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. MEASUREMENTS Participants were administered the Cognitive Stress Test and traditional neuropsychological measures. Step-wise logistic regression was applied to determine which Cognitive Stress Test measures best discriminated between diagnostic groups. This was followed by receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS Cued A3 recall, Cued B3 recall and Cued B2 intrusions were all independent predictors of diagnostic status. The overall predictive utility of the model yielded 75.9% sensitivity, 91.1% specificity, and an overall correct classification rate of 85.1%. When these variables were jointly entered into receiver operating characteristic analyses, the area under the curve was .923 (p<.001). CONCLUSIONS This novel paradigm's use of repeated learning trials offers a unique opportunity to assess recovery from proactive and retroactive semantic interference. Participants with mild cognitive impairment exhibited a continued failure to recover from proactive interference that could not be explained by mere learning deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Loewenstein
- David A. Loewenstein, PhD, ABPP-CN; Director, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging; Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Professor of Neurology; University of Miami, 1695 NW 9th Ave, Suite 3202, Miami, FL 33136; ; Phone: (305) 355-7016; Fax: (305) 255-9076
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Crocco EA, Curiel RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Grau GA, Garcia JM, Duara R, Barker W, Chirinos CL, Rodriguez R, Loewenstein DA. Intrusion Errors and Progression of Cognitive Deficits in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and PreMCI States. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2021; 50:135-142. [PMID: 34161947 PMCID: PMC8376744 DOI: 10.1159/000512804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), intrusion errors on subscales that measure proactive semantic interference (PSI) may be among the earliest behavioral markers of elevated Alzheimer's disease brain pathology. While there has been considerable cross-sectional work in the area, it is presently unknown whether semantic intrusion errors are predictive of progression of cognitive impairment in aMCI or PreMCI (not cognitively normal but not meeting full criteria for MCI). METHODS This study examined the extent to which the percentage of semantic intrusion errors (PIE) based on total responses on a novel cognitive stress test, the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L), could predict clinical/cognitive outcomes over an average 26-month period in older adults initially diagnosed with aMCI, PreMCI, and normal cognition. RESULTS On the LASSI-L subscale sensitive to PSI, a PIE cut point of 44% intrusion errors distinguished between those at-risk individuals with PreMCI who progressed to MCI over time compared to individuals with PreMCI who reverted to normal on longitudinal follow-up. Importantly, PIE was able to accurately predict 83.3% of aMCI individuals who later progressed to dementia. DISCUSSION These preliminary findings indicate that PIE on LASSI-L subscales that measure PSI may be a useful predictor of clinical progression overtime in at-risk older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Crocco
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A
| | - Rosie E. Curiel
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A.,Corresponding Author: Rosie E. Curiel Cid, Psy.D., Associate Professor and Neuropsychologist, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Suite 3202, Miami, FL 33136.,
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A
| | - Gabriella A. Grau
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A
| | - Jessica M. Garcia
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A
| | - Ranjan Duara
- Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, U.S.A
| | - Warren Barker
- Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, U.S.A
| | - Cesar L. Chirinos
- Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, U.S.A
| | - Rosemarie Rodriguez
- Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, U.S.A
| | - David A. Loewenstein
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136. U.S.A
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Curiel Cid RE, Crocco EA, Kitaigorodsky M, Beaufils L, Peña PA, Grau G, Visser U, Loewenstein DA. A Novel Computerized Cognitive Stress Test to Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2021; 8:135-141. [PMID: 33569559 PMCID: PMC10026190 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Loewenstein Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) is a novel and increasingly employed instrument that has outperformed widely used cognitive measures as an early correlate of elevated brain amyloid and neurodegeneration in prodromal Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The LASSI-L has distinguished those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and high amyloid load from aMCI attributable to other non-AD conditions. The authors designed and implemented a web-based brief computerized version of the instrument, the LASSI-BC, to improve standardized administration, facilitate scoring accuracy, real-time data entry, and increase the accessibility of the measure. OBJECTIVE The psychometric properties and clinical utility of the brief computerized version of the LASSI-L was evaluated, together with its ability to differentiate older adults who are cognitively normal (CN) from those with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). METHODS After undergoing a comprehensive uniform clinical and neuropsychological evaluation using traditional measures, older adults were classified as cognitively normal or diagnosed with aMCI. All participants were administered the LASSI-BC, a computerized version of the LASSI-L. Test-retest and discriminant validity was assessed for each LASSI-BC subscale. RESULTS LASSI-BC subscales demonstrated high test-retest reliability, and discriminant validity was attained. CONCLUSIONS The LASSI-BC, a brief computerized version of the LASSI-L is a valid and useful cognitive tool for the detection of aMCI among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Curiel Cid
- Rosie E. Curiel, Psy.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3202, Miami, FL 33136.
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16
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Capp KE, Curiel Cid RE, Crocco EA, Stripling A, Kitaigorodsky M, Sierra LA, Melo JG, Loewenstein DA. Semantic Intrusion Error Ratio Distinguishes Between Cognitively Impaired and Cognitively Intact African American Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:785-790. [PMID: 31884484 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semantic intrusion errors on memory tests may represent very early cognitive changes associated with elevated Alzheimer's disease pathology within the brain, including amyloid-β (Aβ). Subscales that measure proactive semantic interference (PSI) and intrusions related to PSI on the Loewenstein Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) have been associated with high levels of brain amyloid load, structural changes on brain MRI in Hispanic and non-Hispanic groups. It is presently unknown whether intrusion errors or other measures of the LASSI-L can differentiate between African-American (AA) older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or classified as cognitively normal (CN). OBJECTIVE This study examined the extent to which a high percentage of semantic intrusion errors on LASSI-L subscales susceptible to PSI and other LASSI-L measures could differentiate between AA aMCI and CN groups. METHODS Forty-eight AA older adults were recruited (27 CN and 21 aMCI) and received a through clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. The LASSI-L was administered independent of diagnostic classification. RESULTS With and without statistical adjustment for literacy, AA aMCI participants scored lower on all LASSI-L measures. ROC analyses revealed an area under the curve exceeding 90% and correctly classified 86% of AA aMCI with 82% specificity for AA CN participants. CONCLUSIONS Percentage of intrusion errors on the LASSI-L subscales susceptible to PSI differentiated AA aMCI from AA CN. This adds to emerging evidence indicating that the LASSI-L may be culturally appropriate and can differentiate between aMCI and CN in diverse ethnic/cultural groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosie E Curiel Cid
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Crocco
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Luis A Sierra
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose G Melo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David A Loewenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Crocco E, Curiel-Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, González-Jiménez CJ, Zheng D, Duara R, Loewenstein DA. A Brief Version of the LASSI-L Detects Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease States. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:789-799. [PMID: 33074233 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) is an increasingly utilized cognitive stress test designed to identify early cognitive changes associated with incipient neurodegenerative disease. OBJECTIVE To examine previously derived cut-points for cognitively unimpaired older adults that were suggestive of performance impairment on multiple subscales of the LASSI-L. These cut-points were applied to a new sample of older adults who were cognitive healthy controls (HC: n = 26) and those on the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum from early stage mild cognitive impairment (EMCI: n = 28), late stage MCI (LMCI: n = 18) to mild AD (AD: n = 27). METHODS All participants were administered the LASSI-L. All cognitively impaired participants were PET amyloid positive which likely reflects underlying AD neuropathology, while cognitively normal counterparts were deemed to have amyloid negative scans. RESULTS There was a monotonic relationship between the number of deficits on LASSI-L subscales and independent classification of study groups with greater severity of cognitive impairment. Importantly, taken together, impairment on maximum learning ability and measures of proactive semantic interference (both reflected by cued recall and intrusion errors) correctly classified 74.1% of EMCI, 94.4% of LMCI, and 96.3% of AD. Only 7.7% of HC were incorrectly classified as having impairments. CONCLUSION A modest number of LASSI-L subscales taking approximately 8 minutes to administer, had excellent discriminative ability using established cut-offs among individuals with presumptive stages of AD. This has potential implications for both clinical practice and clinical research settings targeting AD during early prodromal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Crocco
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosie E Curiel-Cid
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marcela Kitaigorodsky
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christian J González-Jiménez
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Diane Zheng
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjan Duara
- 1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Miami, FL, USA.,Wien Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David A Loewenstein
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,1Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Miami, FL, USA
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Leon A, Kitaigorodsky M, Coronado D, Ireland S, Aguila-Puentes G, Kumbhani S, Netto D. B-57A Comparison of the Orientation Log (O-Log) and the Galveston Orientation Amnesia Test (GOAT) as Measures of Overall Mental Status in Rehabilitation Inpatients Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acx076.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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