In the current study, we introduce the Item-Specific Deficit Approach (ISDA), a novel method for characterizing memory process deficits in list-learning data. To meet this objective, we applied the ISDA to California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) data collected from a sample of 132 participants (53 healthy participants and 79 neurologically compromised participants). Overall, the ISDA indices measuring encoding, consolidation, and retrieval deficits demonstrated advantages over some traditional indices and indicated acceptable reliability and validity. Currently, the ISDA is intended for experimental use, although further research may support its utility for characterizing memory impairments in clinical assessments. KeywordsMemory; Psychometrics; Brain injury; Traumatic brain injury; Human immunodeficiency virus Verbal memory is often the focus of neuropsychological studies, in which descriptive indices are frequently extracted from list-learning data. These are used to identify memory process disruptions. Such indices are easily derived from list-learning tests and can be utilized when experimental manipulations may not be feasible. Unfortunately, the verbal memory profiles derived using these indices often lead to mixed results across studies and/or disagree with results from studies using experimental manipulations and measures of list-learning characteristics (e. Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdf This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Schultheis, Madigan, Christodoulou, & Averill, 2000; Parkinson's disease: Beatty et al., 2003 vs. Faglioni, Saetti, & Botti, 2000. The objective of the current study is to introduce and evaluate a new set of memory process indices that can be applied to list-learning data and account for weaknesses in previously used measures. NIH Public AccessPsychologists have often employed a three-stage model when discussing episodic memory (Ellis & Hunt, 1983; but see Howe, 1988). Here, memory is conceptualized as three distinct process units. The first is encoding, where information is taken in and transformed into a format that can be stored in the brain. The second stage is consolidation, where the transformed information is stored in the brain for later use. The third is retrieval, or extraction of the stored information for ...

Objectives To examine the effects of aging and neuropsychological (NP) impairment on driving simulator performance within a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cohort. Methods Participants included 79 HIV-infected adults (n = 58 > age 50, n = 21 ≤ 40) who completed a NP battery and a personnel computer-based driving simulator task. Outcome variables included total completion time (time) and number of city blocks to complete the task (blocks). Results Compared to the younger group, the older group was less efficient in their route finding (blocks over optimum: 25.9 [20.1] vs 14.4 [16.9]; P = .02) and took longer to complete the task (time: 1297.6 [577.6] vs 804.4 [458.5] seconds; P = .001). Regression models within the older adult group indicated that visuospatial abilities (blocks: b = –0.40, P < .001; time: b = –0.40, P = .001) and attention (blocks: b = –0.49, P = .001; time: b = –0.42, P = .006) independently predicted simulator performance. The NP-impaired group performed more poorly on both time and blocks, compared to the NP normal group. Conclusions Older HIV-infected adults may be at risk of driving-related functional compromise secondary to HIV-associated neurocognitive decline.

No abstract

Objective To assess the initial features and evolution of neurologic Postacute Sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (neuro‐PASC) in patients with and without prior neurologic disease. Methods Participants with neurologic symptoms following acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were recruited from October 9, 2020 to October 11, 2021. Clinical data included a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection history, neurologic review of systems, neurologic exam, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and symptom‐based self‐reported surveys at baseline (conducted after acute infection) and 6‐month follow‐up assessments. Results Fifty‐six participants (69% female, mean age 50 years, 29% with prior neurologic disease such as multiple sclerosis) were enrolled, of which 27 had completed the 6‐month follow‐up visit in this ongoing study. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection severity was largely described as mild (39.3%) or moderate (42.9%). At baseline, following acute infection, the most common neurologic symptoms were fatigue (89.3%) and headaches (80.4%). At the 6‐month follow‐up, memory impairment (68.8%) and decreased concentration (61.5%) were the most prevalent, though on average all symptoms showed a reduction in reported severity score at the follow‐up. Complete symptom resolution was reported in 33.3% of participants by 6 months. From baseline to 6 months, average MoCA scores improved overall though 26.3% of participants’ scores decreased. A syndrome consisting of tremor, ataxia, and cognitive dysfunction (PASC‐TAC) was observed in 7.1% of patients. Interpretation Early in the neuro‐PASC syndrome, fatigue and headache are the most commonly reported symptoms. At 6 months, memory impairment and decreased concentration were most prominent. Only one‐third of participants had completed resolution of neuro‐PASC at 6 months, although persistent symptoms trended toward improvement at follow‐up.

No abstract