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Emotional dysregulation (ED) has not yet been defined as a clinical entity, although it plays an important role in child and adolescent psychopathology. It is a transdiagnostic construct defined as the inability to regulate the intensity and quality of emotions to produce an appropriate emotional response, to cope with excitability, mood instability, and emotional over-reactivity. The aim of this study is to assess, in a sample of female patients with internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior, the correlation between cognitive profile (assessed with Wechsler Scales) and the dimensions of emotion regulation assessed with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). We also investigated whether a discrepancy between the General Ability Index (GAI) and the Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) could have predictive value for certain ED domains. Our results confirmed a statistically significant prediction of the ΔGAI-CPI for individual DERS domains and for the total (p = 0.014 for DERS-TOT, p = 0.04 for GOALS, p = 0.002 for STRATEGIES and p = 0.015 for CLARITY); furthermore, IAG and PRI correlate with worse ability to find ER strategies (p = 0.04, p = 0.010). These results suggest the importance of examining the impact of cognitive vulnerabilities on the ability to manage emotions and psychopathology in general, even with normal FSIQ/GAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke both have the potential to cause significant damage to the brain, with resultant neuropsychological impairments. How these different mechanisms of injury influence cognitive and behavioral changes associated with brain damage, however, is not well understood. Moreover, previous research directly comparing TBI and stroke has not accounted carefully for lesion location and size. Here, using a detailed lesion-matching approach that was used previously to compare neuropsychological outcomes in stroke versus tumor, we compared the neuropsychological profiles of 14 patients with focal lesions caused by TBI to those of 27 lesion-matched patients with stroke. Each patient with TBI was matched to two patients with stroke, based on lesion location and size (except 1 TBI case where only 1 stroke match was available). Demographic attributes (age, gender, handedness, education) were also matched in the TBI: stroke triplets, as much as possible. The patients with TBI versus stroke had similar performances across all cognitive and behavioral measures, with no significant or clinically meaningful differences. A supplemental analysis on developmental- versus adult-onset TBI cases (with their respective stroke matches) also yielded non-significant results, with TBI and stroke groups being statistically indistinguishable. Our results suggest that focal lesions caused by TBI versus stroke have similar neuropsychological outcomes in the chronic recovery phase, when location and size of lesion are comparable across TBI versus stroke mechanisms of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Previous research has suggested that neurodevelopmental conditions may be associated with distinctive cognitive profiles on the Wechsler intelligence tests (of which the most recent editions are the WAIS-IV and WISC-V). However, the extent to which a cognitive profile can be reliably identified for individuals meeting criteria for autism or ADHD remains unclear. The present review investigated this issue. Method A search was conducted in PsycInfo, Embase, and Medline in October 2022 for papers reporting the performance of children or adults diagnosed with autism or ADHD on the WAIS-IV or the WISC-V. Test scores were aggregated using meta-analysis. Results Scores were analyzed from over 1,800 neurodivergent people reported across 18 data sources. Autistic children and adults performed in the typical range for verbal and nonverbal reasoning, but scored ~1 SD below the mean for processing speed and had slightly reduced scores on working memory. This provides evidence for a "spiky" cognitive profile in autism. Performance of children and adults with ADHD was mostly at age-expected levels, with slightly reduced scores for working memory. Conclusion Although the pattern of performance on the Wechsler tests is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to use for diagnostic purposes, autism appears to be associated with a cognitive profile of relative strengths in verbal and nonverbal reasoning and a weakness in processing speed. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears less associated with a particular cognitive profile. Autistic individuals may especially benefit from a cognitive assessment to identify and support with their strengths and difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to describe the neuropsychological profile of a 54-year-old female patient with a 5-year clinical history of a frontoparietal lesion due to recurrent atypical grade II meningioma. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a single-case design, in which the patient's cognitive, affective, and functional components were evaluated. The results revealed a profile with dysexecutive characteristics due to deficits in auditory working memory, verbal and graphic fluency, attention, processing speed, and prolonged response times caused by an overexertion of inhibition; in addition, delays and difficulties in tactile recognition and impairments in visuoconstructional praxis tasks were identified. The strengths of the profile were centered on abstraction, planning, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving. This study highlights the importance of further analyzing the implications of the neoplasm at cognitive, emotional, and functional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The cognitive profile of any neurological disorder is very important throughout the duration of a person's treatment. It has a role in diagnosis, prognosis, and even after remission of active symptoms. It is a common trend among clinicians to monitor and compare the cognitive profiles of different disease conditions to locate the area of maximum dysfunction, with respect to a particular diagnosis. This study correlates the cognitive profiles of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and mild vascular cognitive impairment (mVCI). Materials and Methods The study population comprised 30 mTBI and 30 mVCI patients medically diagnosed by a neurologist. The patients were been selected from the neuromedical outpatient department (OPD) and neurosurgery OPD of the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum. Simple random sampling had been used to select the sample. The patients diagnosed with the stated disease conditions were referred for neuropsychological assessment. Testable and cooperative patients were recruited for the study. To stabilize the data and for a transparent comparison, 30 healthy controls with no medically diagnosed illnesses were also added to the study. The results were analyzed using R. Results and Conclusion The study concluded that cognitive profiles of mTBI and mVCI patients were significantly different from the cognitive profiles of healthy controls, but there was no statistically significant difference between the cognitive profiles of mVCI and mTBI patients except in confrontation naming and recognition memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sotos syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by NSD1 gene (nuclear receptor binding SET domain containing protein 1) variants and characterized by overgrowth, macrocephaly, learning disabilities, and co-occurring neuropsychiatric symptoms. Methods: Literature sources published in 2002–2023 were selected and analyzed from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Results: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed among children and adolescents with Sotos syndrome. The majority have intellectual disabilities or borderline intellect. Verbal IQ is higher than performance IQ. Individuals display difficulties in expressing language. Aggression is reported by parents. Children express autistic behavior, ADHD, anxiety based on phobias, and early bedtime-wake times. Conclusions: Sotos syndrome is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Slow intellectual and language development, aggressive outbursts, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and hyperactivity are present in the newest studies. Comprehensive assistance is needed for Sotos syndrome patients in responding to areas of difficulty. There is still a lack of research on the developmental characteristics of these children and the possibilities of improving psychosocial adaptation by providing multidisciplinary long-term medical, educational, and social care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify the cognitive performance and personality traits of individuals convicted of committing sexual violence against children and adolescents. The sample was 217 participants, average age was 49 years and poor education. Rape (49.8%) and sexual abuse (47%) were the most frequent crimes. Main victims (93%) were girls about 10-years-old who were known by their aggressors. Cognitively, difficulties were observed in visuoconstruction skills, planning, ability to perform tasks and apply problem-solving strategies, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Regarding personality traits, low levels of openness to experience, high conscientiousness and failures of impulse control were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Essential tremor (ET), while defined by progressive motor symptoms, is increasingly associated with cognitive impairments (e.g. attention, memory, and executive functions). This study characterizes the cognitive profile of individuals with ET on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), a commonly-used neuropsychological screening measure. Method: Seventy-seven individuals (mean age: 70.6, 34% female) diagnosed with ET and being considered for surgical/procedural intervention were recruited from a Movement Disorders Clinic. All participants completed the RBANS, Grooved Pegboard Test (GPB), and Fahn, Tolosa, Marin Tremor Scale (FTMTS) in the clinical evaluation of their tremor. Results: One-sample t-tests found Immediate Memory, Language, Attention, and Total Scale Index scores to be significantly lower than the expected population mean (p <.05). List Learning, Semantic Fluency, Coding, and List Recall subtests were significantly lower and Picture Naming was significantly higher than the expected population mean (p <.05). GPB scores were correlated with the Attention Index as well as List Learning and Coding subtests. FTMTS Severity was correlated with the Coding subtest and FTMTS Disability was correlated with the Figure Recall subtest. Conclusions: Results support prior literature indicating cognitive weaknesses in those with ET. Individuals with ET had poorer global cognitive abilities, with specific decrements in Immediate Memory, Attention, and Language. Notably, the Attention Index and Coding subtest were most affected by motor functioning. Cognitive screening measures, like the RBANS, can efficiently identify strengths and weaknesses in individuals with ET seeking surgical/procedural interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have identified areas of cognitive weakness in children diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), in the areas of working memory and processing speed in particular. In adulthood, this literature is still scant, and no studies have compared the cognitive profile of university students with dyslexia (DD) with that of students with Mixed-type SLD. Method: Thus, in this study, the WAIS-IV was used to examine the cognitive functioning of three groups of university students: students with DD, with Mixed-type SLD, and typical students. Statistical analyses were performed to examine differences in WAIS-IV FSIQ, main, and additional indexes and subtests. Results: The results showed strengths in perceptual reasoning and good verbal comprehension abilities in both the DD and Mixed-type SLD group, with weaknesses in working memory and processing speed, leading to a pattern of a better General Ability Index (GAI) than Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) in both clinical groups. Thus, discrepancies between GAI and CPI, well documented in children with SLD, still manifest in adulthood in university students. Our findings also revealed worse cognitive performance in university students with mixed learning disorder relative to students with only a reading deficit. Conclusions: The cognitive features and distinctive subtest profiles that emerged should guide the assessment and the definitions of intervention programs, special educational needs, and strategies of compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with functional disorders (FD) often experience cognitive problems such as forgetfulness and distractibility alongside physical symptoms that cannot be attributed to a known somatic disease. Method: Test scores of cognitive tests and psychiatric rating scales of 100 outpatients diagnosed with a functional disorder were compared to a control group (n = 300) of patients with other diagnoses and to test norms for the general population. Results: Out of the 100 patients with functional disorders, 59 reported significant subjective cognitive symptoms. A moderate difference (d = 0.5-0.7) was found between the FD group mean and the population mean in processing speed tests, as well as in four psychiatric rating scales (depression, anxiety, phobias, somatisation) but there were no statistically significant differences in verbal and nonverbal reasoning or in logical memory. Somatisation and logical verbal memory scores were higher in the FD group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that a decline in processing speed is a central feature in the cognitive profile of patients with functional disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wechsler scales are among the most widely used tests in cognitive and neuropsychological assessments. When assessing children aged 6:0–7:7 years the clinician can choose between Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Information about how the tests function and differ in this overlapping age range is limited. Using a between-subjects design, the present study compared the cognitive profiles of typically developing Swedish-speaking children in Finland in this overlapping age range (6:1 – 7:2 years), assessed with the Swedish versions of either WPPSI-IV (n = 38) or WISC-V (n = 24). Profile analyses and one-way ANCOVA were performed to investigate differences in the comparable subtests, indexes and Full Scale IQ. On the subtest level, children assessed with WISC-V had significantly lower scores on the subtests Vocabulary, Matrix Reasoning, and Bug/Symbol Search compared to children assessed with WPPSI-IV. On the index level, scores for the Verbal Comprehension Index and the Fluid Reasoning Index were significantly lower for children assessed with WISC-V. The Full Scale IQ was significantly lower on WISC-V. Taken together, the findings indicate that WPPSI-IV and WISC-V produce partly different cognitive profiles. These differences are important to recognize when choosing which test to use and when interpreting the results of clinical assessments of children in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical Parkinsonism (AP) syndromes are characterized by a wide spectrum of non-motor symptoms including prominent attentional and executive deficits. However, the cognitive profile of AP and its differences and similarities with that of Parkinson's Disease (PD) are still a matter of debate. The present meta-analysis aimed at identifying patterns of cognitive impairment in AP by comparing global cognitive functioning, memory, executive functions, visuospatial abilities, language, non-verbal reasoning, and processing speed test performances of patients with AP relative to healthy controls and patients with PD. All investigated cognitive domains showed a substantial impairment in patients with AP compared to healthy controls. When AP syndromes were considered separately, their cognitive functioning was distributed along a continuum from Multiple Systemic Atrophy at one extreme, with the least impaired cognitive profile (similar to that observed in PD) to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, with the greatest decline in global cognitive and executive functioning (similar to Corticobasal Syndrome). These findings indicate that widespread cognitive impairment could represent an important clinical indicator to distinguish AP from other movement disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavioural phenotype in Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with an uneven cognitive profile and social and executive difficulties. Still, studies in adult populations of TS are scarce, and the interactions between different behavioural domains are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive profile in relation to measures of ADHD and ASD in a Swedish sample of 30 adult women with TS. Standardized psychological tests and questionnaires were used for behavioural assessments in a sample of adult women with a diagnosis of TS (n = 30). Both frequentist and Bayesian statistics were applied. The cognitive profile was characterized by a verbal > non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) split, and 77% of the sample displayed a split exceeding cut-off for clinical significance. Symptoms on screening measures reaching thresholds for ADHD were reported in two of the 30 participants (7%) and thresholds for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in one participant (3%). Bayesian statistics gave substantial evidence for no association between the IQ split and symptoms of ADHD/ASD. These results show that the TS phenotype in adulthood is associated with a clinically significant uneven cognitive profile, and particular impairments in integrative executive functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) are often associated with emotional-behavioral problems. Many studies highlighted a greater psychopathological risk in SLD, describing both internalizing and externalizing problems. The aims of this study were to investigate the emotional-behavioral phenotype through the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and evaluate the mediating role of background and cognitive characteristics on the relationship between CBCL profile and learning impairment in children and adolescents with SLD. One hundred and twenty-one SLD subjects (7–18 years) were recruited. Cognitive and academic skills were assessed, and parents completed the questionnaire CBCL 6–18. The results showed that about half of the subjects manifested emotional-behavioral problems with a prevalence of internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, over externalizing ones. Older children showed greater internalizing problems than younger ones. Males have greater externalizing problems compared to females. A mediation model analysis revealed that learning impairment is directly predicted by age and familiarity for neurodevelopmental disorders and indirectly via the mediation of the WISC-IV/WAIS-IV Working Memory Index (WMI) by the CBCL Rule-Breaking Behavior scale. This study stresses the need to combine the learning and neuropsychological assessment with a psychopathological evaluation of children and adolescents with SLD and provides new interpretative insights on the complex interaction between cognitive, learning, and emotional-behavioral phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligence scales are widely used for cognitive profile analyses in the diagnosis of learning disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore the cognitive profiles of children with learning disabilities on a new test of intelligence, the Anadolu-Sak Intelligence Scale. The intelligence test was administered to 89 children diagnosed with general learning disabilities. A matched control group (N = 92) was randomly selected from the norm sample. Data analyses included latent profile analyses and comparisons of scores across groups and within-group comparisons. The findings showed that the mean general intelligence and means of the verbal and visual ability of children with learning disabilities were in the average range but closer to the lower boundary. The mean of working memory was slighdy below the average range and significantly lower than the mean of the matched control group, latent profile analyses showed three distinct profiles: the zigzag profile, the wavy profile, the and waterfall profile. The only weakness shared by the three profiles is visual sequential processing memory. The results imply that weak sequential processing memory may contribute to learning disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) demonstrated dysfunction across a broad range of cognitive domains. However, the limited number of neuropsychological studies on BPD and their occasionally conflicting results have precluded a clear characterization of the neuropsychological features associated with this personality disorder. Therefore, the main aim of the present study is to provide an updated overview of neuropsychological functions related to BPD. A meta-analysis of 36 studies was performed, comparing the performance of BPD patients and healthy controls (HCs) across several cognitive domains. Significant differences between BPD patients and HCs in multiple cognitive domains were found. The smallest effect size was observed for general executive function, while the largest effect sizes were found in the long-term spatial memory and inhibition domains. In conclusion, the neuropsychological profile of BPD, characterized by deficits in inhibition as well as attention, memory, and executive functions, can result in difficulties in performing everyday activities. Accordingly, assessing neuropsychological functions could assist clinicians in developing more targeted non-pharmacological treatments. • BPD profile is characterized by deficits in multiple cognitive domains. • Early intervention on the neurocognitive functions could lead to better outcomes. • More targeted non-pharmacological treatments could improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: To explore the cognitive functioning of ET patients without dementia and delineate its imaging counterpart. Methods: We enrolled 99 subjects (49 non-demented ET patients and 50 education-matched healthy controls) that underwent neuropsychological and MRI evaluation. In order to identify the cognitive parameters that better reflect the profile of ET patients, we used a double statistical approach: (i) direct comparison between groups and (ii) machine learning approach with feature selection. Then, to evaluate the correlation between cognitive performances and the degree of brain atrophy in the ET group, we included the results derived from the uni- and multivariate analysis in whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) model. Results: In ET patients, the univariate analysis showed differences in cognitive tests evaluating executive functions (FAB, MCST-CA), verbal memory-delayed recall (RAVLT-DR), and working memory (Digit Span B). The relative scores were significantly worse compared to controls, although within the normal range (subclinical dysfunctions). The machine learning approach also provided similar findings: tests exploring the executive functions, verbal memory, and language (RAVLT-DR, FAB, COWAT, RAVLT-IR, TOKEN) showed the highest importance rank in classification's task. Regardless of the explored test, the MRI analysis revealed a correlation (p < 0.005 uncorrected, whole brain) between test scores and widespread areas including cerebellum, inferior and middle frontal cortices, cingulate cortices, and temporal cortex. Conclusion: This study improves the knowledge on cognitive impairment in ET, as our findings demonstrate a heterogeneous pattern of cognitive dysfunction involving memory, executive function, and language domains in the ET group. This clinical profile relates with the deep involvement of the cerebellum and its connections with large-scale brain structures, suggesting that changes spreading in wide-ranging brain pathways may contribute to the physiopathology of cognitive dysfunction in ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HFMD cases with more severe CNS complications are linked to neurological sequelae. • Cognitive dysfunction is aggravated in HFMD cases with more severe CNS complications. • The risks of sequelae and cognitive deficits are similar among different pathogens. • HFMD cases without/with mild CNS involvement did not present with any sequelae. • Cognitive function was also associated with socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term sequelae and cognitive profiles resulting from severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement. 294 HFMD cases were included in a retrospective follow-up study. Physical examinations were conducted. The Chinese Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) was used to assess intelligence. 58 mild HFMD cases and 99 severe HFMD cases with mild CNS involvement did not present any neurological sequelae. In comparison, the sequelae incidence for severe HFMD with more severe CNS complications was 50.0%. The proportion of full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) impairment was 45.0%. In the 2:6–3:11 age group, severe HFMD with more severe CNS complications and lower maternal education level were risk factors for verbal comprehension disorder. Urban–rural residence and lower paternal education level were risk factors for FSIQ disorder. Furthermore, in the 4:0–6:11 age group, severe HFMD with more severe CNS complication was a risk factor for visual spatial disorder and fluid reasoning disorder. Lower paternal education level was a risk factor for FSIQ disorder. Early assessment and intervention among severe HFMD patients with more severe CNS involvement at a very young age will prove beneficial for their future performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular dementia (VaD) is a clinically heterogeneous entity. There is a dearth of studies for comparison of the cognitive profile of cerebral small-vessel disease (SVD) with large-vessel disease. Objective: We planned to evaluate and compare the cognitive profile of SVD and large-vessel VaD and evaluate various risk factors associated with them. Materials and Methods: Patients of VaD were recruited after excluding mixed and ambiguous cases. Patients were classified into SVD and large-vessel VaD and analyzed for their clinic-epidemiological and cognitive profiles. Results: Among 76 patients, 48 (62.5%) have SVD and 28 (37.5%) have large-vessel disease. Hypertension (93.4%) was the commonest risk factor, followed by smoking (34.21%), hyperlipidemia (26.31%), and diabetes mellitus (DM, 22.36%). Hypertension (P < 0.05) and DM were common in SVD, whereas smoking, hyperlipidaemia, and cardiac diseases were common in large-vessel disease. Attention (77.1% vs 25%), executive function (68.8% vs 28.6%), and calculation (58.3% vs 32.1%) were significantly more impaired in SVD compared to large-vessel disease, whereas visuoperceptual (21.4% vs 6.3%), praxis (28.6% vs 4.2%), and gnosis (14.3% vs 2.1%) were significantly more impaired in large-vessel disease than in SVD. Disruption of frontal-subcortical connection was responsible for the cognitive profile in SVD, but in large-vessel disease, it resulted from the cumulative loss of function from different lesions. Conclusions: Despite having common vascular risk factors, few are more common in SVD than in large-vessel disease. The different clinical and cognitive profile is due to the diverse anatomical lesions in these two subclasses of VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) lacks of sensitivity in detecting cognitive deficits associated with subcortical damage. The HIV-Dementia Scale (HDS), a screening tool originally created for detecting cognitive impairment due to subcortical damage in HIV + patients, has proved to be useful in other neurological diseases. Until now, an Italian version of the HDS is not available. We aimed at: (1) validating the HDS Italian version (HDS-IT) in a cohort of cognitively healthy subjects (CN); (2) exploring the suitability of HDS-IT in detecting cognitive impairment due to subcortical damage (scCI). The psychometric properties of the HDS-IT were assessed in 180 CN (mean age 67.6 ± 8.3, range 41–84) with regard to item-total correlation, test–retest reliability and convergent validity with MMSE. Item-total correlations ranged 0.44–0.72. Test–retest reliability was 0.70 (p < 0.001). The HDS-IT scores were positively associated with MMSE score (rS = 0.49, p < 0.001). Then, both the HDS-IT and the MMSE were administered to 44 scCI subjects (mean age 64.9 ± 10.6, range 41–84). Mean HDS-IT total score was close to the original version and significantly lower in the scCI group compared to CN (8.6 ± 3.6 vs. 12.6 ± 2.5, p < 0.001). ROC analysis yielded an optimal cutoff value of 11, with sensitivity of 0.70 and specificity of 0.82. Patients showed poorer scores on HDS-IT compared to CN (12.6 ± 2.5 vs. 8.6 ± 3.6, p < 0.001). Our results support the use of HDS-IT as a screening tool suitable for detecting cognitive deficits with prevalent subcortical pattern, being complementary to MMSE in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease. Richardson's syndrome (PSP‐RS) and predominant parkinsonism (PSP‐P) are characterized by wide range of cognitive and behavioural disturbances, but these variants show similar cognitive pattern of alterations, leading difficult differential diagnosis. For this reason, we explored with an Artificial Intelligence approach, whether cognitive impairment could differentiate the phenotypes. Forty Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, 25 PSP‐P, 40 PSP‐RS, and 34 controls were enrolled following the consensus criteria diagnosis. Participants were evaluated with neuropsychological battery for cognitive domains. Random Forest models were used for exploring the discriminant power of the cognitive tests in distinguishing among the four groups. The classifiers for distinguishing diseases from controls reached high accuracies (86% for PD, 95% for PSP‐P, 99% for PSP‐RS). Regarding the differential diagnosis, PD was discriminated from PSP‐P with 91% (important variables: HAMA, MMSE, JLO, RAVLT_I, BDI‐II) and from PSP‐RS with 92% (important variables: COWAT, JLO, FAB). PSP‐P was distinguished from PSP‐RS with 84% (important variables: JLO, WCFST, RAVLT_I, Digit span_F). This study revealed that PSP‐P, PSP‐RS and PD had peculiar cognitive deficits compared with healthy subjects, from which they were discriminated with optimal accuracies. Moreover, high accuracies were reached also in differential diagnosis. Most importantly, Machine Learning resulted to be useful to the clinical neuropsychologist in choosing the most appropriate neuropsychological tests for the cognitive evaluation of PSP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder (estimated incidence 1/30,000 to 100,000 live births). So far, only a few studies have focused on the cognitive profile of individuals with SRS, and these were conducted some time ago, concentrated on pediatric cohorts, and included patients who had been diagnosed using a variety of clinical diagnostic systems. There has yet to be any research on the intellectual functioning of adults with SRS. This study sought to establish the intelligence, strengths and weaknesses within intellectual profile of adults with SRS, compared with normative data. Ten individuals with 11p15 epimutation aged 18-39 years completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition. Measures of interest included participants' intelligence (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient [FSIQ]) and four domains of cognitive functioning: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. Discrepancy scores were calculated, and descriptive statistical and linear correlations were used to investigate factors associated with IQ outcome. Clinical and medical information such as rehabilitation, and perceived difficulties in daily life were collected by interviews and questionnaires. Results showed that the mean FSIQ score was in the average range (M = 95.40, SD = 18.55) and they performed best on verbal comprehension. Frequent daily difficulties were reported by patients and/or their families: learning disabilities and low self-esteem were perceived by 60% of adults. Early intervention and multidisciplinary care from childhood to adulthood are important in SRS for care potential medical, cognitive and psychosocial problems. This is the first study to document the intellectual functioning of adults with SRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White-Sutton (WHSUS) is a recently recognized syndrome caused by mutations of the POGZ gene. Approximately 70 patients have been reported to date. Intellectual disability, hypotonia, behavioral abnormalities, autism, and typical facial dysmorphisms are recognized as WHSUS features; however, still few patients receive a comprehensive psychometric, behavioral and neurological examination. In this report, we describe the pediatric, dysmorphological, neurological, psychometric and behavioral phenotype in a new WHSUS patient due to a novel heterozygous POGZ mutation, highlighting the distinctive epileptic phenotype and the cognitive pattern. Case presentation: The patient, an 8 years-old girl, presented history of hypotonia, motor and speech delay, and distinctive facial features. The diagnosis of WHSUS followed the identification of the de novo variant p.Asp828GlyfsTer36 (c.2482dupG) in the POGZ gene. The patient showed a distinctive neurological phenotype with the occurrence of both paroxysmal not-epileptic events in the first 6 months of age and EEG abnormalities without evidence of clinical seizures after the first year of age. Psychological and behavioral testing highlighted moderate intellectual and communication deficit, mild autism spectrum and visual-motor integration deficit. Conclusions: This is the first described case of WHSUS with a co-existence of paroxysmal not-epileptic events and abnormal EEG without seizures in the same patient. Together with the available literature data, this observation suggests that paroxysmal not-epileptic events could be more frequent than expected and that this feature belongs to the WHSUS phenotypic spectrum. Autism is a known comorbidity of WHSUS but is still poorly investigated. Specific clinical testing could help detect also mild autistic phenotypes and better define autism prevalence in POGZ-related syndrome. Special attention should be given to symptoms such as stereotypies, social withdrawal, and hyperactivity that, when present, should be considered as possible signs of autism symptoms. The dissection of the neurological and behavioral phenotype is crucial for individualized therapies tailored to patient's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with developmental coordination disorder struggles academically inspite of having a high IQ and they were considered to be present with limited cognitive abilities and in the current study, we aim to examine the IQ of children with and without developmental coordination disorder and also we aimed to identify the children who exhibits cognitive weakness. Hundred children were included in the study and 50 children's were with the diagnosis of DCD. The included children were of age group 5-10 years and exclusion criteria include children with IQ less than 70 and exhibits neurological and any other musculoskeletal disorders. WISC-IV was used in the study to examine the cognitive capability of children with and without DCD. In the current study it is documented that children with DCD exhibits poor performance than typically developing children in response speed and working memory. It has been documented through individual assessment that children with DCD exhibit varying capability while performing in sports and other academic activities. Inspite of having a greater score in full scale IQ, children displays difficulty in cognitive indices. We conclude that there is a heterogeneous profile noted in children with DCD and the wide variation noted in cognitive profile will be taken into consideration when designing assistance plan in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interpreting cognitive assessment results for individuals from indigenous communities can be complex. Factors such as culture, language, and education may influence results. Although there is research regarding the cognitive assessment of typically functioning individuals from indigenous communities there is limited information on adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This is important because adults with ID are frequently referred for cognitive assessment. Methods: 60 adults from indigenous communities were assessed using the WAIS-IV. Scores for verbal and perceptual abilities were compared for age, sex, education, and first language spoken. Results: Higher perceptual abilities were found compared to verbal abilities. Only education significantly influenced scores, and it impacted both verbal and perceptual abilities. Conclusion: Adults with ID from indigenous communities were found to have significantly stronger visual-spatial compared to verbal abilities. More education was correlated with higher scores. Implications for practice include the importance of using a strength-based approach with an emphasis on visual, hands-on learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to characterize the cognitive performance of individuals with animal hoarding.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 33 individuals between the ages of 29 to 84 (M = 61.39; SD = 12.69) with animal hoarding have been assessed. The participants completed a neurocognitive battery including measures of general cognitive functioning, visual memory and organization, verbal fluency, and verbal reasoning.Results: Data suggest that individuals with animal hoarding have high rates of cognitive deficits related to visual memory and verbal reasoning.Conclusions: Based on the performance tests used, we can suggest the existence of cognitive difficulties related especially to the executive functions of individuals with animal hoarding in this sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we identify an endophenotype for individuals with Autism spectrum disorder - level 1 (ASD-1) and normal cognitive functioning using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fourth Edition with a clinical sample of 80 diagnosed ASD-1 children without intellectual disability (with FSIQ>70), and a comparison matched-paired control group (n = 80) combined for age, gender of children and parents' level education. From results emerged that the clinical ASD-1 with High functioning group (ASD-1 HF) performed worse than the matched-paired control group on Processing Speed Index and Working Memory Index, reflecting the sensitivity of these measures to generalized cognitive impairment. This result is also confirmed by the absence of a difference between the ASD-1 HF and control groups in the General Ability Index and the large difference to the Cognitive Proficiency Index in favour of the control group. Again, 36% of ASD children had a rare and large difference between the 4 indices and then the FSIQ could be deemed uninterpretable as unitary and cohesive ability. We argue that the ASD-1's cognitive profile cannot be interpreted as a unitary entity represented from simply FSIQ, but we can obtain a better assessment of cognitive level in ASD subjects using separately the General Ability Index and the Cognitive Proficiency Index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the differential cognitive strategies used by emotional dependents in the present study, it is intended to deepen the analysis of cognitive distortions and the coping strategies most used by young people involved in an affective-dependent relationship. Method: 241 Spanish students, with ages between 16 and 26 years old (M = 19.97; SD = 2.510), have participated in the research. The Emotional Dependence Questionnaire (CDE), the Automatic Thoughts Inventory (IPA) and the COPE-28 Coping Questionnaire have been applied. Results: It has been found that 24.89% of participants have emotional dependence. These young people employ coping strategies such as Social Support, Religion, Denial, Self-Inculpation, Disconnection and Relief, as well as all cognitive distortions evaluated, except the Fallacy of reason, compared to young people without dependence. It has been proven that boys tend to modify their plans and seek attention as representative aspects of dependence. No differences were found in levels of emotional dependence according to age level and relationship time. Conclusions: young people with emotional dependence have a characteristic cognitive profile with cognitive distortions and coping strategies that chronify their differential perception of the affectivedependent relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering their common affection in certain language dimensions, this study attempts to explore cognitive profiles associated with Specific Learning Disorders, Specific Language Impairment, Asperger Syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in two dimensions (Predominantly Inattentive and Combined). The sample consisted of a clinical population of 156 children between 6 and 15 years old (M=9.5, SD=2.18) who were applied WISC-IV. The four indexes from this scale (verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed) and the full-scale intelligence quotient were considered as dependent variables. Data analysis was focused on the assessment of intergroup and intragroup differences. Results prove a highly distinctive profile for Specific Language Impairment compared to the other disorders and a general pattern of strengths and weaknesses among them. Conclusions from this study contribute to the improvement of clinical practice as our data highlight significant differences between neurodevelopmental disorders which may drive to more individualised interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common epileptic syndrome in childhood, characterized by brief and infrequent partial motor seizures, with or without generalization and mostly recurring during sleep. Because of its favorable efficacy, tolerability, and safety profile, levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy is often administered in these patients. Long-term effects of LEV therapy and its influence on cognitive functions remain controversial. This evaluated the changes in the cognitive profile of children with BECTS treated with LEV monotherapy for 2 years, compared with a control group of children with specific learning disabilities. Our patient cohort included 20 children aged 8–14 years diagnosed as having BECTS and administered LEV monotherapy and 10 age/sex-matched controls with specific learning disabilities. All participants underwent a standardized test for assessing cognitive profile (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition [WISC-IV]) before drug therapy and after 2 years of treatment. Average LEV blood level and electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were periodically monitored. Several factors such as age, sex, response to therapy, and EEG pattern changes were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t -test for paired and independent samples. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Children administered LEV for 24 months showed a mild but statistically significant improvement in overall cognitive abilities. Verbal skills, visual–perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed showed slight but significant improvement. In the control group, cognitive profile remained substantially unchanged at 2-year follow-up. Not only do our data suggest a nonworsening of the cognitive profile in BECTS with LEV but, on the contrary, cognitive scores also improved over time, unlike the control group. • LEV therapy in children with BECTS does not negatively affect cognitive profile. • After 24 months of follow-up, global cognitive functions were slightly improved. • Also, the executive functions after 24 months were slightly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore changes in verbal comprehension subtest and index scores from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (WISC)-IV to WISC-V for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as the test revision dropped the subtest that has proven to be most challenging for those with ASD (i.e. Comprehension). Methods: In all, 48 children with ASD who had been assessed with WISC-IV and re-evaluated with WISC-V were included in this study. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine changes in scores between administrations. Results: Results indicated that changes in subtest scores were minimal although a statistically significant index score change occurred. Discussion: These data suggest that administering additional measures of verbal intellect to individuals with ASD (i.e. beyond the two core verbal comprehension subtests of WISC-V) is critical for capturing the totality of their strengths and weaknesses, to effectively inform treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure cognitive functioning. The aims of this study were 1) to obtain the cognitive profile of Spanish patients with schizophrenia on the WAIS-IV; 2) to compare their profile to the profile of a healthy control group; and 3) to compare the cognitive profile of patients with schizophrenia to the performance observed in two separate previous studies in Canada and China. A sample of 99 outpatients and 99 healthy control participants, matched on age, sex, and educational level, were measured using the WAIS-IV, including 10 core subtests, 4 indices, and 2 general intelligence scores, to obtain their cognitive profile. Results showed that only the performance on the Verbal Comprehension Index and its subtests was similar in the patient and control groups. This pattern of cognitive impairment was similar to the pattern reported in the Canadian and Chinese studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sotos syndrome is a congenital overgrowth disorder, associated with intellectual disability. Previous research suggests that Sotos syndrome may be associated with relative strength in verbal ability and relative weakness in non‐verbal reasoning ability but this has not been explicitly assessed. To date, the cognitive profile of Sotos syndrome is unknown. Cognitive abilities of a large and representative sample of individuals with Sotos syndrome (N = 52) were assessed using the British Ability Scales (BAS3). The majority of participants had intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning. The cluster score profile analysis revealed a consistent verbal ability > non‐verbal reasoning ability profile. Four specific criteria were proposed as the Sotos syndrome cognitive profile (SSCP): verbal ability > non‐verbal reasoning ability; quantitative reasoning T‐score or matrices T‐score <20th percentile; quantitative reasoning T‐score < mean T‐score; recognition of designs T‐score or recognition of pictures T‐score > mean T‐score. Of the 35 participants included in the profile analysis, 28 met all four SSCP criteria, yielding a sensitivity of 0.8. The sensitivity of each of the SSCP criteria was >0.9. Individuals with Sotos syndrome display a clear and consistent cognitive profile, characterized by relative strength in verbal ability and visuospatial memory but relative weakness in non‐verbal reasoning ability and quantitative reasoning. This has important implications for the education of individuals with Sotos syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the severities and profiles of intellectual disability (ID) in a population-based group of children with Down syndrome and related the findings to coexisting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods: There were about 100 children with Down syndrome living in Uppsala County, Sweden, at the time of the study who all received medical services from the same specialist outpatient clinic. The 60 children (68% male) were aged 5-17 years at inclusion: 41 were assessed within the study and 19 had test results from previous assessments, performed within three years before inclusion. We compared two age groups: 5-12 and 13-18 years old.Results: Of the 60 children, 49 were assessed with a cognitive test and the 11 children who could not participate in formal tests had clinical assessments. Mild ID was found in 9% of the older children and in 35% of the younger children. Severe ID was found in 91% of the older children and 65% of the younger children. Verbal and nonverbal domains did not differ.Conclusion: Intellectual level was lower in the older children and patients with Down syndrome need to be followed during childhood with regard to their ID levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cognitive abilities are necessary for successful learning. Children with different cognitive ability levels may have diverse performances. The current study aimed at investigating the cognitive profile in children and its relationship with Academic Performance. Methods: The population of the current cross sectional study consisted of all students in Jajarm City, Iran. The subjects were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling; and 289 students aged 6 to 13 years were included in the study. Data were collected using the Rey- Osterrieth complex figure test, coding subtest from Wechsler intelligence scale and behavioral rating inventory of executive functions. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient and the Scheffe post hoc test were used for data analysis. Results: The obtained results showed that 'processing speed', 'perceptual organizational ability', 'monitoring', 'planning', 'working memory', 'initiate', 'emotional regulation', 'shifting', and 'inhibit ' were significantly correlated with Academic Performance (P<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between cognitive profile and Academic Performance. Thus, teachers need to consider the variable of cognitive abilities in academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading is a key aspect in the process of acquiring and developing school learning. Cognitive deficits in Down syndrome affect the developmental process of reading; however, these deficits can be minimized with an early reading learning program. The method for teaching reading in Down syndrome of Troncoso & del Cerro (2005) has been selected. In this paper, a single case study is presented where the cognitive and psycholinguistic profile was assessed along with the reading level of a 5-year-old child with Down syndrome. Early reading treatment was applied for 6 months in an Early Childhood Care Center coordinated with parents and school. The child only improved attention and reading positively close to typical development. Despite the low level of neuropsychological development and initial intellectual quotien, the child with Down syndrome increased his reading skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the current literature, whether patients with mild mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mMTLE) have typical neurocognitive profile similar to patients with treatment-refractory seizures still remains unknown. The purpose of the present work was to analyze the neuropsychological profile in a group of consecutive patients with mMTLE. Methods Forty consecutive patients whose conditions were diagnosed with mMTLE and 30 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated with an extensive neuropsychological battery. In addition, self-report questionnaires were also administered to evaluate the subjective impairments in prospective and retrospective memories. Finally, the levels of depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory — Form Y1 (STAI-YI e 2). Results Patients with mMTLE patients showed higher BDI-II scores (15.9 ± 13.9 vs 7.2 ± 6.7; p =, 002), and higher STAI-Y1 (41.2 ± 14.6 vs 32.6 ± 9.8; p =, 005) together with both objective and subjective memory deficits. Although BDI-II and STAI scores strongly correlated to the outcome in Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire (PRMQ) (p < 0.0021), these results did not change without depression scores. Conclusion We showed that a specific neurocognitive profile in patients with mMTLE exists. The neuropsychological features are mood depression, verbal memory immediate and delayed deficits, and subjective prospective and retrospective memory deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rationale, aims, and objectives: The article is dedicated to the search of more accurate psychodiagnostic methods and methods of evaluation that can help to define the degree of manifestation of cognitive deficiency among patients suffering from various schizophrenic disorders. The notions of cognitive deficiency and cognitive profile are analysed; we understand them as the correlation between intact and damaged components of cognitive processes and their diagrammatic representation. The authors prove that it is essential to provide a detailed scale of cognitive deficiencies detectable in case of schizophrenic disorders and to design universal algorithms that could translate the results of traditional content analysis of cognitive disorders into quantitative indicators. The article is based on the authors' experiments. We examined 128 patients, among whom 76 were suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (F20 according to ICD) and 52 were suffering from schizotypal disorder (F21 according to ICD). Method: In evaluation of cognitive deficiency, we used both traditional methods devised in Russia and foreign tests that are seldom used by medical psychologists in their daily practice. We have analysed the difference in doing the cognitive tests between the groups of patients with different forms of schizophrenia and also suffering from it for different periods (up to 5 y and more than 5 y). Results: On the basis of the quantitative indicators, a cognitive profile of each particular illness was compiled. As a result, we have defined different varieties of cognitive deficiency depending on the symptoms and dynamics of the disease. Conclusion: The authors have provided a detailed description of the structure and dynamics of the cognitive deficiency in case of different forms of schizophrenia and compiled cognitive profiles based on those data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Down Syndrome (DS) will cause alterations in cognitive development. Thus, it is necessary to consider how reading and writing development there are individual determinants which can affect this process. This study assessed the cognitive and psycholinguistic profile and writing and reading level of a 5 year old child with DS compared with a typically developing child. The aims of the present study is know some cognitive differences present in the intellectual disability compared to typical development which could interfere with reading and writing development. However, these differences in reading and writing may be lower, among other things, with specific early intervention focused on reading and writing in children with DS. The findings evidence a difference in cognitive and language profile between participants, however, these differences are lower in reading and writing level after early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their recent paper, Alkoby et al. (2017) provide the readership with an extensive and very insightful review of the factors influencing NeuroFeedback (NF) performance. These factors are drawn from both the NF literature and the Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) literature. Our short review aims to complement Alkoby et al.’s review by reporting recent additions to the BCI literature. The object of this paper is to highlight this literature and discuss its potential relevance and usefulness to better understand the processes underlying NF and further improve the design of clinical trials assessing NF efficacy. Indeed, we are convinced that while NF and BCI are fundamentally different in many ways, both the BCI and NF communities could reach compelling achievements by building upon one another. By reviewing the recent BCI literature, we identified three types of factors that influence BCI performance: task-specific, cognitive/motivational and technology-acceptance-related factors. Since BCIs and NF share a common goal (i.e., learning to modulate specific neurophysiological patterns), similar cognitive and neurophysiological processes are likely to be involved during the training process. Thus, the literature on BCI training may help (1) to deepen our understanding of neurofeedback training processes and (2) to understand the variables that influence the clinical efficacy of NF. This may help to properly assess and/or control the influence of these variables during randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11 DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans. The presence of learning difficulty is reported in the majority of individuals with 22q11DS, but there is considerable heterogeneity in cognitive and educational profiles and in the age-related changes. Method Verbal, non-verbal and spatial abilities, and educational attainment of 18 children and adolescents with 22q11 DS were assessed at two time points 5 years apart. Results There was a decline in full-scale IQ, with a sharper decline in verbal than non-verbal skills, whereas spatial abilities remained stable over time. Individual profile analysis revealed discrepancies between full-scale IQ and reading skills, suggestive of 'hyperlexia,' for more than two-thirds of participants. Conclusions The relative strength in verbal ability observed in 22q11 DS is more apparent when children are younger, and a more even cognitive profile is observed in older children and adolescents. Educational attainments keep pace with development, and literacy skills are globally higher than might be expected from full-scale IQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: It is well established that healthy adults obtain low performances when simultaneously interpreting the results of multiple tests. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of French-speaking healthy older adults with low scores for the RAPID (Réseau d'Aide au diagnostic et à la PrIse en charge des Détériorations cognitives et de maladies neurologiques chroniques en Franche-Comté et au niveau national) battery test and consider different combinations of test scores within a specific domain and across different domains. Methods: The prevalence of low scores (i.e., ≤5th percentile) on the 14 RAPID primary measures was calculated from the RAPID normative sample (n = 476), based on 4 ages (50-89 years) and 3 levels of education. Results: A high percentage (40.1%) of the normative sample obtained at least one or more low scores (i.e., false positives). In contrast, the risk of having low scores was much less important (<2%) when considering the combinations of 2 testscores. Conclusion: Low scores are very common in healthy older subjects and are thus not necessarily pathological or indicative of truly impaired functioning. The information derived from a cognitive profile may provide a greater clinical relevance in an individual, since very few of the healthy older adults obtained low scores on combinations of 2 testscores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are very less data on the comparison between the cognitive profile in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Parkinson's-plus groups, especially in India. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the cognitive profile across PD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) groups and compare them using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and verbal fluency tests. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: MMSE, FAB, and verbal fluency tests were administered in a total of 73 patients constituting 22 patients in MSA, 26 patients in PD, and 25 patients in PSP group, respectively. Twenty-six participants both age- and gender-matched were enrolled in control group. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 20.0. Descriptive statistics were done to find out the mean and standard deviation of different variables. ANOVA was done for followed by post hoc Bonferroni test to assess the cognitive function in three groups. Results: ANOVA showed that there is a significant difference for MMSE scores (P = 0.038) being worse scores for PSP and maximum for MSA. A significant difference was found for FAB scores within three groups. There is a significant difference for FAB scores (P = 0.00003) being worse scores for PSP and highest scores obtained for PD. All the subtests of FAB test differed significantly except motor programming across MSA, PSP, and PD groups. Conclusions: Our data suggest that global cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction are worst in PSP among the three groups. Patients with MSA had significant cognitive decline as opposed to previous experience. FAB scores and verbal fluency tests are good tests to assess cognitive impairment in these diseases. Subsets of FAB score have significant differences but cannot help differentiating conclusively between these three diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia have been studied extensively, but there is no consensus about their course or their analysis in aging population. The objective of the present study is to compare neurocognitive profiles between people over (group A) and under (group B) 65 years of age with schizophrenia and between aging individuals with schizophrenia and healthy individuals of the same age (group C). 90 people enrolled in the study (44 male, 46 female), divided into 3 age groups. The participants were assessed with the Cambridge Cognitive Examination-Revised (CAMCOG-R) and the Memory Subtests of the Barcelona Test - Revised Edition. Worse scores were found (p< .05) when comparing group A with B (except in memory subtests; no difference) and group A with C, being Language the area where more effect size is observed (η2= 0.481). We conclude that the aging process produces more cognitive deficits in schizophrenia than in healthy population and that, in general, the deficits in patients with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cortical and subcortical cognitive impairments have been found in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Roughly, they comprise visuoconstructive and executive dysfunction, whereas memory would remain relatively spared. However, the cognitive profile of patients with prodromal DLB remains poorly illustrated to date. Methods: We included 37 patients with prodromal DLB (age 67.2 ± 8.6 years, 18 men, Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE] score 27.4 ± 2) and 29 healthy control subjects (HCs; age 68.8 ± 7.9 years, 15 men, MMSE score 29.0 ± 0.9). They were presented with an extensive neuropsychological test battery to assess memory; speed of processing; executive function; visuoperceptual, visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities; language; and social cognition. Results: Compared with HCs, patients had lower scores on a visual recognition memory test (Delayed Matching to Sample-48 items; p ≥ 0.021) and lower free recall (all p ≥ 0.035), but not total recall, performance on a verbal episodic memory test (Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test). Short-term memory (p = 0.042) and working memory (p = 0.002) scores were also lower in patients. Assessment of executive function showed no slowing but overall lower performance in patients than in HCs (all p ≥ 0.049), whereas assessment of instrumental function yielded mixed results. Indeed, patients had lower scores on language tests (p ≥ 0.022), apraxia for pantomime of tool use (p = 0.002) and imitation of meaningless gesture (p = 0.005), as well as weakened visuospatial abilities (p = 0.047). Visuoconstruction was also impaired in patients. However, visuoperceptual abilities did not differ between groups. Finally, theory of mind abilities were lower in patients than in HCs (p < 0.05), but their emotion recognition abilities were similar. Conclusions: This study presents the cognitive profile in patients with prodromal DLB. In line with the literature on DLB with dementia, our results show lower performance on tests of executive function and visuoconstruction. However, we found, from a prodromal stage of DLB, memory (free recall and visual recognition) and social cognition deficits, as well as weakened visuospatial and praxic abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our research is to look into the diversity within gifted and talented students. This is important to better understand their complexity and thus offer a more appropriate educational programs. There are rather few empirical works which attempt to identify high abilities profiles (giftedness and talent) that actually exist beyond the theoretical level. The present work intends to single out the different patterns or profiles resulting from the combination of the successful intelligence abilities (analytical, synthetic and practical), as defined by Stenberg. A total of 431 students from the Region of Murcia participated in this study. These students performed the Aurora Battery tasks (Chart, Grigorenko, & Sternberg, 2008), designed to measure the analytical, practical and creative intelli gence. Analytically gifted students (#=27), practically gifted (#=33) and creatively gifted (#= 34) were identified, taking as criteria scores equal to or higher than 120 IQ on each intelligence. Different Q-factor analyses were carried out for the three groups of students, in such a way that students were grouped according to their similarities. A total of 10 profiles showing how successful intelligence abilities are combined were obtained, something that has made possible to support the theory put forward by Sternberg (2000): the analytical, practical and creative talent profiles, as well as the resulting combinations, the analytical-practical, analytical-creative, prac tical-creative profiles, along with the consummate balance talent (high performance in the three types of intelligence). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Calls for an alternative to valproic acid (VPA) as drug of choice for idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) have intensified since the recent International League Against Epilepsy recommendation that the drug should not be administered to women of childbearing age. Zonisamide (ZNS), a third-generation antiepileptic drug, has proven effective in generalized seizures and could be considered an alternative to VPA in this population. Objectives: The present study was designed to examine possible differences in cognitive profile between ZNS and VPA as monotherapy in patients with IGE in real-life settings. Methods: We conducted a comparative, descriptive, observational, retrospective cohort study in two groups of patients diagnosed with IGE treated with ZNS ≥200 mg/day or VPA ≥1000 mg/day as stable monotherapy for at least the previous 6 months. We used specific neuropsychological tests for short- and long-term mnemonic functions, working memory, visuospatial speed, attention and processing speed, verbal fluency, executive functions, visual perception, abstraction, anxiety, depression, and apathy. Results: We included 16 patients in the study: eight in the VPA and eight in the ZNS group. Significantly superior mean scores were obtained by the VPA group in working memory (Forward Digits test) and by the ZNS group in execution time for the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the remaining tests. Conclusion: Zonisamide as monotherapy has a similar cognitive profile to that of VPA in patients with IGE. The final treatment selection setting should be individualized. ZNS may be a reasonable alternative to VPA in some cases in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although by definition a transient ischemic attack (TIA) lasts less than 24 h, many patients experience cognitive complaints beyond focal symptom resolution. However, their prevalence, causes and profile are unclear. We therefore performed a systematic review on cognitive impairment after TIA. Summary: Medline and Embase were searched for relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed, and data synthesis was performed according to the severity of cognitive impairment. Thirteen studies were included, with considerable heterogeneity concerning methods and timing of cognitive testing. Confounding, detection bias and attrition were the main causes of a high risk of bias in several studies. The prevalence of post-TIA mild cognitive impairment ranged from 29 to 68%. Severe cognitive impairment was found in 8-22% of patients. Studies using a cognitive screening instrument and those performed shortly after TIA or several years later, reported the highest frequencies of impairment. Patients evaluated with a screening tool were substantially older than those who underwent a full neuropsychological assessment (weighted mean age difference 10.9 years). Based on limited data, the post-TIA cognitive profile showed prominent executive function deficits. Insufficient data refrained us from drawing conclusions on causality. The few studies that reported neuroimaging results found a minor correlation with cognitive impairment. Key Messages: Mild cognitive impairment is present in more than a third of the TIA patients and has a profile comparable with vascular cognitive impairment. Reported rates of post-TIA cognitive impairment are highly variable and higher frequencies are found with cognitive screening tools. Considerable heterogeneity and insufficient data limit further conclusions about potential causative factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the case of a non-alcoholic patient with chronic myeloid leukemia who developed iatrogenic Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) following stem cell transplantation. Four years after the WE acute event, the patient’s cognitive profile was mainly characterized by moderate memory impairment, and functional and daily-living difficulties. Our report sustains the hypothesis that a iatrogenic form of WE may produce long-term cognitive sequelae even when thiamine therapy is administered in the acute phase until the resolution of the neurological signs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]