Validity of cognitive complaints in substance-abusing patients and non-clinical controls: the Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI)

Efficacy of cognitive training on cognition, symptoms and functioning: Impact of motivation and attendance

While cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) and compensatory strategy training both have large literature bases supporting their efficacy on both proximal and distal outcomes, the research base on stand-alone cognitive training (CT) is smaller and less consistent, with little information about factors associated with better outcomes. In this study, we examined the efficacy of CT on training task, cognitive, symptom, and functional ability measures as well as the impact of motivational interviewing (MI), motivation level, and session attendance on treatment outcomes. Adults with psychotic spectrum disorders (n = 114) were randomized to MI or a sham control interview (CI), followed by 4 months of computerized CT. In whole sample analyses, participants improved on training tasks, cognitive performance, and psychiatric symptoms, but self-reported cognition, self-reported depression, and functional ability did not change. Compared to CI, MI was associated with greater reductions in self-reported depressive symptoms. Motivation level and session attendance did not significantly influence outcomes. Findings support the efficacy of CT on several key outcomes, and its simplicity may be advantageous in uptake in community clinics with limited staffing. The lack of functional gains underscores the need to incorporate treatment ingredients that promote generalization and real-world implementation of learned skills. We also speculate that engagement during course of training may be a better predictor of training success than baseline task-specific motivation.

The association between cannabis use and subjective memory complaints in older adults in the United States

OBJECTIVE

The U.S. population is aging and increasing numbers of older adults are using cannabis. Cognitive decline is common in older age and subjective memory complaints (SMC) have been associated with increased risk for dementia. While residual cognitive effects of cannabis use at younger ages are well understood, the links between cannabis use and cognition in older adults is less clear. The present study represents the first population-level analysis of cannabis use and SMC in older adults in the U.S.

METHOD

We used the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) dataset to evaluate SMC in respondents over age 50 (N = 26,399) according to past-year cannabis use.

RESULTS

Results revealed that 13.2% (95%CI: 11.5%-15.0%) of those who reported cannabis use also reported SMC, compared to 6.4% (95%CI: 6.1%-6.8%) among individuals with no cannabis use. Logistic regression revealed a two-fold increase (OR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.88-2.60) of reporting SMC in respondents who had used cannabis in the past year, which was attenuated (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.10-1.72) when controlling for additional factors. Other covariates, including physical health conditions, misuse of other substances, and mental illness also significantly contributed to SMC outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis use represents a modifiable lifestyle factor that has potential for both risk and protective properties that may impact the trajectory of cognitive decline in older age. These hypothesis generating results are important for characterizing and contextualizing population-level trends related to cannabis use and SMC in older adults.

The kynurenine pathway relates to post-acute COVID-19 objective cognitive impairment and PASC

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and natural history of post-acute COVID-19 objective cognitive impairment and function, and their relationship to demographic, clinical factors, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and biomarkers.

METHODS

A total of 128 post-acute COVID-19 patients (age = 46 ± 15; 42% women, acute disease severity: not hospitalized: 38.6% mild: 0-1 symptoms, 52% 2+ symptoms; 9.4% hospitalized) completed standard cognition, olfaction, and mental health examinations 2-, 4-, and 12-month post diagnosis. Over the same time frame, WHO-defined PASC was determined. Blood cytokines, peripheral neurobiomarkers, and kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites were measured. Objective cognitive function was demographically/practice corrected, and impairment prevalence was determined using the evidence-based Global Deficit Score method to detect at least mild cognitive impairment (GDS > 0.5). Linear mixed effect regression models with time effect (month post diagnosis) evaluated the relationships to cognition.

RESULTS

Across the 12-month study period, mild to moderate cognitive impairment ranged from 16% to 26%, and 46.5% were impaired at least once. Impairment associated with poorer work capacity (p < 0.05), and 2-month objectively tested anosmia (p < 0.05). PASC with (p = 0.01) and without disability (p < 0.03) associated with acute COVID-19 severity. KP measures showed prolonged activation (2 to 8 months) (p < 0.0001) linked to IFN-beta in those with PASC. Of the blood analytes, only the KP metabolites (elevated quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenine, the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) associated (p < 0.001) with poorer cognitive performance and greater likelihood of impairment. PASC, independent of disability associated with abnormal kynurenine/tryptophan (p < 0.03).

INTERPRETATION

The kynurenine pathway relates to post-acute COVID-19 objective cognitive impairment and PASC, thereby enabling biomarker and therapeutic possibilities.

Examining the Efficacy of Bright Light Therapy on Cognitive Function in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors

Patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) may experience cognitive impairment that can persist after treatment. Several studies have shown that bright light therapy may improve cognition, potentially due to its effects on the circadian system via brain regions that respond preferentially to light. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, the efficacy of bright light therapy on cognition was examined in HSCT survivors. Forty-seven HSCT survivors at an urban hospital in the United States were screened for mild cognitive impairment, randomized to either bright white light (BWL) or comparison dim red light (DRL) conditions using a block randomization approach, and instructed to use their assigned light box every morning upon awakening for 30 min for 4 weeks. Assessments occurred at baseline, the end of the second week of the intervention, the end of the intervention, and at follow-up (8 weeks later). The primary outcome was objective cognitive function as measured by a global composite score on neuropsychological tests. Secondary outcomes included cognitive performance in individual domains, self-reported cognitive function, fatigue, sleep and sleep quality, and circadian rhythm robustness. Repeated-measures linear mixed models for both objective and self-reported cognitive function indicated significant main effects for time (ps < 0.05) suggesting significant improvements in both conditions over time. Time by light condition interaction effects were not significant. Models focused on secondary outcomes yielded no significant effects. Both BWL and DRL groups demonstrated significant improvements in objective cognitive and self-reported cognitive function over time, but there was no hypothesized effect of BWL over DRL nor associations with circadian rhythm robustness. Therapeutic effects of both light conditions, practice effects, and/or placebo effects may account for the findings.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02677987 (9 February 2016).

Associations between patient-reported outcomes and radiation dose in patients treated with radiation therapy for primary brain tumours

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Higher radiation doses to the brain may negatively affect quality of life.

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Higher radiation doses to the brain may negatively affect patient-reported cognition.

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Patients with fatigue had received higher dose to certain areas in the brain.

Aim

This study aimed to explore associations between radiation dose and patient-reported outcomes in patients with a primary non-glioblastoma brain tumour treated with radiation therapy (RT), with a focus on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and self-reported cognitive function.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 78 patients who had received RT for a non-glioblastoma primary brain tumour, underwent neuropsychological testing and completed questionnaires on HRQoL, cognitive function, fatigue, depression, anxiety and perceived stress. The study explores the association between HRQoL scores, self-reported cognitive function and radiation doses to total brain, brainstem, hippocampus, thalamus, temporal lobes and frontal lobes. In addition, we examined correlations between neuropsychological test scores and self-reported cognitive function.

Results

The median time between RT and testing was 4.6 years (range 1–9 years). Patients who had received high mean radiation doses to the total brain had low HRQoL scores (Cohen’s d = 0.50, p = 0.04), brainstem (d = 0.65, p = 0.01) and hippocampus (d = 0.66, p = 0.01). High mean doses to the total brain were also associated with low scores on self-reported cognitive functioning (Cohen’s d = 0.64, p = 0.02), brainstem (d = 0.55, p = 0.03), hippocampus (d = 0.76, p < 0.01), temporal lobes (d = 0.70, p < 0.01) and thalamus (d = 0.64, p = 0.01). Self-reported cognitive function correlated well with neuropsychological test scores (correlation range 0.27–0.54.)

Conclusions

High radiation doses to specific brain structures may be associated with impaired HRQoL and self-reported cognitive function with potentially negative implications to patients’ daily lives. Patient-reported outcomes of treatment-related side-effects and their associations with radiation doses to the brain and its sub-structures may provide important information on radiation tolerance to the brain and sub-structures.

Improvement in depressive symptoms after antiretroviral therapy initiation in people with HIV in Rakai, Uganda

Depression is common following HIV infection and often improves after ART initiation. We aimed to identify distinct dimensions of depression that change following ART initiation in persons with HIV (PWH) with minimal comorbidities (e.g., illicit substance use) and no psychiatric medication use. We expected that dimensional changes in improvements in depression would differ across PWH. In an observational cohort in Rakai, Uganda, 312 PWH (51% male; mean age = 35.6 years) completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale before and up to 2 years after ART initiation. Twenty-two percent were depressed (CES-D scores ≥ 16) pre-ART that decreased to 8% after ART. All CES-D items were used in a latent class analysis to identify subgroups with similar change phenotypes. Two improvement phenotypes were identified: affective-symptom improvement (n = 58, 19%) and mixed-symptom improvement (effort, appetite, irritability; n = 41, 13%). The affect-improvement subgroup improved on the greatest proportion of symptoms (76%). A third subgroup was classified as no-symptom changes (n = 213, 68%) as they showed no difference is symptom manifestation from baseline (93% did not meet depression criteria) to post-ART. Factors associated with subgroup membership in the adjusted regression analysis included pre-ART self-reported functional capacity, CD4 count, underweight BMI, hypertension, female sex(P's < 0.05). In a subset of PWH with CSF, subgroup differences were seen on Aβ-42, IL-13, and IL-12. Findings support that depression generally improves following ART initiation; however, when improvement is seen the patterns of symptom improvement differ across PWH. Further exploration of this heterogeneity and its biological underpinning is needed to evaluate potential therapeutic implications of these differences.

Psychometric Properties of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

The PAOFI was completed by 182 participants 3 months after verified aSAH. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the underlying factor structure of the PAOFI and reliability and concurrent validity were evaluated for each subscale.

RESULTS

A three-factor structure accounted for 58.9% of the extracted variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for extracted factors ranged from .867 to .924. The PAOFI subscales demonstrated concurrent validity with neuropsychological tests measuring similar constructs.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of reliability and validity of the PAOFI following aSAH. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Heterogeneity in neurocognitive change trajectories among people with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy in Rakai, Uganda

Considerable heterogeneity exists in patterns of neurocognitive change in people with HIV (PWH). We examined heterogeneity in neurocognitive change trajectories from HIV diagnosis to 1-2 years post-antiretroviral therapy (ART). In an observational cohort study in Rakai, Uganda, 312 PWH completed a neuropsychological (NP) test battery at two-time points (ART-naïve, 1-2 years post-ART initiation). All NP outcomes were used in a latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of PWH with similar ART-related neurocognitive change profiles. In a subset, we examined subgroup differences pre-ART on cytokine and neurodegenerative biomarkers CSF levels. We identified four ART-related change subgroups: (1) decline-only (learning, memory, fluency, processing speed, and attention measures), (2) mixed (improvements in learning and memory but declines in attention and executive function measures), (3) no-change, or (4) improvement-only (learning, memory, and attention measures). ART-related NP outcomes that are most likely to change included learning, memory, and attention. Motor function measures were unchanged. Subgroups differed on eight of 34 pre-ART biomarker levels including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-13, interferon-γ, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-10, and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. The improvement-only and mixed subgroups showed lower levels on these markers versus the no-change subgroup. These findings provide support for the need to disentangle heterogeneity in ART-related neurocognitive changes, to focus on higher-order cognitive processes (learning, memory, attention) as they were most malleable to change, and to better understand why motor function remained unchanged despite ART treatment. Group differences in pre-ART CSF levels provide preliminary evidence of biological plausibility of neurocognitive phenotyping.

Effect of HIV Subtype and Antiretroviral Therapy on HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder Stage in Rakai, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) stage in the United States where subtype B predominates, but the effect of ART and subtype on HAND stage in individuals in Uganda with subtypes D and A is largely unknown.

SETTING

A community-based cohort of participants residing in Rakai, Uganda.

METHODS

Three hundred ninety-nine initially ART-naive HIV-seropositive (HIV+) individuals were followed up over 2 years. Neurological and neuropsychological tests and functional assessments were used to determine HAND stage. Frequency and predictors of HAND and HIV-associated dementia (HAD) were assessed at baseline and at follow-up after ART initiation in 312 HIV+ individuals. HIV subtype was determined from gag and env sequences.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, HAD frequency among HIV+ individuals on ART (n = 312) decreased from 13% to 5% (P < 0.001), but the overall frequency of HAND remained unchanged (56%-51%). Subtype D was associated with higher rates of impaired cognition (global deficit score ≥ 0.5) compared with HIV+ individuals with subtype A (55% vs. 24%) (P = 0.008). Factors associated with HAD at baseline were older age, depression, and plasma HIV viral load >100,000 copies/mL. At follow-up, age and depression remained significantly associated with HAD.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV+ individuals on ART in rural Uganda had a significant decrease in the frequency of HAD, but HAND persists after 2 years on ART. The current guideline of immediate ART initiation after HIV diagnosis is likely to greatly reduce HAD in sub-Saharan Africa. Further studies of the effect of HIV subtype and neurocognitive performance are warranted.

Modified cognitive behavioral therapy (M-CBT) for cocaine dependence: Development of treatment for cognitively impaired users and results from a Stage 1 trial

Cognitive impairments are associated with poor outcomes when treating cocaine dependent patients, but behavioral interventions to mitigate this impact have not been developed. In this Stage 1A/1B treatment development study, several compensatory strategies (e.g., content repetition, daily logs, diaries, visual presentation) were combined to create a modified cognitive behavioral therapy (M-CBT) for treating cocaine dependence. Initially, a select group of therapists, neuropsychology experts, and patients were asked to provide input on early drafts of the treatment manual and companion patient workbook. After an uncontrolled small trial (N = 15) and two rounds of manual development (Stage 1A), a pilot randomized clinical trial (N = 102) of cocaine dependent outpatients with and without cognitive impairments was conducted (Stage 1B). Participants were randomized to M-CBT (N = 52) or CBT (N = 50). Both treatments were individually delivered over 12 weeks with assessments conducted at baseline, end-of-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was frequency of cocaine use, measured by number of days used in the prior 7 days. Participants in the two treatment groups did not differ significantly on drug use reduction or retention in treatment. However, among participants who completed at least 9 weeks of treatment, those in M-CBT showed a trend toward greater reduction in cocaine use compared to those in the CBT group. M-CBT is feasible for impaired and nonimpaired cocaine dependent participants. However, M-CBT treatment did not show significant superiority over standard CBT in the present sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploratory Study of Associations Between DNA Repair and Oxidative Stress Gene Polymorphisms and Cognitive Problems Reported by Postmenopausal Women With and Without Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

Women with breast cancer report varying frequencies of cognitive problems during adjuvant systemic therapy. This variability suggests latent subgroups. Therefore, we identified latent subgroups of self-reported cognitive problems among postmenopausal women with and without breast cancer. We explored associations between membership in these subgroups and (a) demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and (b) variations in candidate gene polymorphisms.

METHODS

We evaluated frequency of cognitive problems using the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory. Growth mixture modeling identified latent subgroups over 18 months of adjuvant systemic therapy and at matched time points for women without cancer ( N = 331). We evaluated for differences among subgroups in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and in 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 10 candidate genes involved in DNA repair and oxidative stress pathways ( n = 199). We modeled associations between genotypes and subgroup membership using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified three latent subgroups: more frequent, persistent, and almost never. Receipt of chemotherapy plus anastrozole, depressive symptoms, and baseline neuropathic symptoms increased the odds of belonging to the more frequent subgroup. Anxiety and depressive symptoms increased the odds of belonging to the persistent subgroup. With covariates controlled for, carrying the ERCC5 rs873601 G minor allele increased the odds of reporting more frequent cognitive problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy plus anastrozole, depressive symptoms, and presence of neuropathic symptoms may predict more frequent cognitive problems during systemic therapy that later resolve. Mood dysregulation before therapy may predict persistent cognitive problems during therapy. ERCC5 genotype may influence frequency of cognitive problems after controlling for these risk factors.

One-Year Linear Trajectories of Symptoms, Physical Functioning, Cognitive Functioning, Emotional Well-being, and Spiritual Well-being Among Patients Receiving Dialysis

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated 1-year linear trajectories of patient-reported dimensions of quality of life among patients receiving dialysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

227 patients recruited from 12 dialysis centers.

FACTORS

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

MEASUREMENTS/OUTCOMES

Participants completed an hour-long interview monthly for 12 months. Each interview included patient-reported outcome measures of overall symptoms (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System), physical functioning (Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), cognitive functioning (Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory), emotional well-being (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, State Anxiety Inventory, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), and spiritual well-being (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale). For each dimension, linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used. Linear trajectories of the 5 dimensions were jointly modeled as a multivariate outcome over time.

RESULTS

Although dimension scores fluctuated greatly from month to month, overall symptoms, cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and spiritual well-being improved over time. Older compared with younger participants reported higher scores across all dimensions (all P<0.05). Higher comorbidity scores were associated with worse scores in most dimensions (all P<0.01). Nonwhite participants reported better spiritual well-being compared with their white counterparts (P<0.01). Clustering analysis of dimension scores revealed 2 distinctive clusters. Cluster 1 was characterized by better scores than those of cluster 2 in nearly all dimensions at baseline and by gradual improvement over time.

LIMITATIONS

Study was conducted in a single region of the United States and included mostly patients with high levels of function across the dimensions of quality of life studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidimensional patient-reported quality of life varies widely from month to month regardless of whether overall trajectories improve or worsen over time. Additional research is needed to identify the best approaches to incorporate patient-reported outcome measures into dialysis care.

Improving treatment motivation in individuals with psychosis: Predictors of response to motivational enhancement

We sought to evaluate the influence of demographic, symptom, functional and cognitive factors on task-specific motivation, as well as improvement in task-specific motivation that occurs in response to motivational interviewing. In the absence of any intervention, better task-specific motivation was associated with higher perceived competence and lower symptomatology. Post-motivational enhancement improvement in motivation was predicted by fewer hospitalizations and better cognitive insight, with baseline symptomatology no longer predictive. Findings suggest motivational enhancement is likely to benefit individuals with diverse clinical presentations, though may be particularly well suited to those with lesser disease severity and better cognitive insight.

Computerized cognitive training in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot study

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer patients who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may experience cognitive impairment, yet there is an unmet need for nonpharmacological interventions to address cognitive impairment in this population. This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) program to treat cancer-related cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Sixty men who had received ≥ 3 months of ADT were screened for at least mild cognitive or neurobehavioral impairment and randomized to 8 weeks of CCT or usual care. Follow-up assessments occurred immediately post-intervention or equivalent (T2) and 8 weeks later (T3). The acceptability of CCT was also assessed.

RESULTS

Feasibility:A priori feasibility thresholds were partially met (i.e., randomization rate > 50%, retention rate > 70% excluding CCT drop-outs, but < 70% for intent-to-treat). Acceptability: Participants were mostly satisfied with CCT and found it somewhat enjoyable, though barriers to uptake existed. Preliminary efficacy: Linear mixed models indicated significant time by group effects favorable to CCT in reaction time (p = .01), but unfavorable to CCT in verbal and visual memory (ps < .05). Memory was temporarily suppressed in the CCT group at T2, but normalized by T3. There was no effect of CCT on self-reported cognitive functioning, neurobehavioral functioning, nor quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides tentative support for the feasibility and acceptability of CCT to treat mild cognitive impairment in ADT patients. CCT had a beneficial effect on reaction time, but temporarily suppressed memory. CCT's benefits may be limited to a narrow area of functioning. Larger-scale studies are needed.

Concordance Between Self-Report and Performance-Based Measures of Everyday Functioning in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Self-report is typically used to differentiate between asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) and mild neurocognitive disorder (MND) in the assessment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Yet, it is unclear whether the lack of self-reported functional impairments in individuals with ANI is indicative of a genuine absence of functional impairment, or of inaccurate self-reports. In the present study, we examined the relationship between previously validated self-report (patient's assessment of own functioning inventory; instrumental activities of daily living inventory) and performance-based (the Texas Functional Living Scale) measures of functional abilities in 112 virologically-controlled HIV-infected, and 40 well-matched, HIV-uninfected participants. Participants with symptomatic cognitive impairment (CI) had significantly lower overall scores and higher rates of impairment on a performance-based measure of everyday functioning as compared to participants with either asymptomatic CI or normal cognitive performance (WNL [within normal limits]; all p < 0.05), while asymptomatic CI and WNL participants had comparable rates of impairment and performance within the average range on the performance-based measure. The concordance between self-report and performance-based measures of everyday functioning in asymptomatic and symptomatic CI provide support for ANI and MND as clinically distinct diagnostic entities, and support the use of self-reports as appropriate measures of everyday functioning in the diagnosis of HAND.

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation and work therapy in the early phase of substance use disorder recovery for older veterans: Neurocognitive and substance use outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is reported to improve neurocognitive and substance use disorder (SUD) outcomes in residential treatments. This National Institute of Drug Abuse funded pilot study reports on CRT as an augmentation to outpatient treatment for SUD.

METHOD

Recovering outpatient veterans were randomized into CRT + Work Therapy (n = 24) or work therapy (n = 24) with treatment-as-usual. Blind assessments of neurocognition and substance use were performed at baseline, 3 months (end of treatment), and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline assessments revealed high rates of cognitive impairment with 87.5% showing significant decline from premorbid IQ on at least 1 measure (median = 3/14 measures). Adherence to treatment was excellent. Follow-up rates were 95.7% at 3 months and 87.5% at 6 months. Mixed effects models of cognitive change over time revealed significant differences favoring CRT + Work Therapy on working memory (WM) and executive function indices. Global index of cognition showed a nonsignificant trend (effect size [ES] = .37) favoring CRT + Work Therapy. SUD outcomes were excellent for both conditions. CRT + Work Therapy had a mean of 97% days of abstinence at 3 months, 94% in the 30 days prior to 6-month follow-up, and 24/26 weeks of total abstinence; differences between conditions were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

CRT was well accepted by outpatient veterans with SUDs and led to significant improvements in WM and executive functions beyond that of normal cognitive recovery. No difference between conditions was found for SUD outcomes, perhaps because work therapy obscured the benefits of CRT. (PsycINFO Database Record

Performance-Based Contingency Management in Cognitive Remediation Training: A Pilot Study

Impairments in attention, working memory, and executive function are common among substance users and may adversely affect SUD treatment outcomes. The ability of cognitive remediation (CR) interventions to improve these deficits is hindered in part because levels of engagement in CR training may be inadequate to achieve benefit. This pilot study aimed to increase CR engagement and improve outcome by implementing contingency management (CM) procedures that reinforce performance improvements on CR tasks. Participants were forty individuals (50% male; 65% African American) in an outpatient substance use treatment facility with mild cognitive impairment who had ≥30-days of abstinence from alcohol and drugs. They were randomized to standard (CR-S; n=21) or CM-enhanced (CR-CM; n=19) cognitive remediation training. CR consisted of 1-hour sessions, three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions). A neuropsychological assessment battery was administered prior to and after the four-week intervention. Both groups had high rates of CR session attendance (mean CR-S=11.7, CR-CM=10.9 sessions). Performance on 8 of the 9 CR tasks significantly improved over time for both conditions, with the CR-CM condition demonstrating greater improvement on a CR Sequenced Recall task [F(1,37)=5.81, p<.05]. Significant improvement was also evident on 4 of 9 neuropsychological assessment measures, with the CR-CM condition showing differential improvement on the Trail Making Test - Part B [F (1,37)=5.34, p<.05]. These findings support the feasibility of using CM procedures to enhance substance users' engagement with CR training and suggest the potential value of more research in this area.

Measuring cognitive complaints in breast cancer survivors: psychometric properties of the patient's assessment of own functioning inventory

PURPOSE

Cognitive complaints are a concern for breast cancer survivors. Among various published measures for cognitive complaints, the Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI) is one of the few assessing a spectrum of cognitive abilities, including those most commonly reported by breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the PAOFI in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

An exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a sample of breast cancer survivors (n = 189) who had completed all primary cancer treatments. Construct validity was examined by correlating factor scores with valid measures of cognitive complaints, fatigue, and quality of life. Reliability was measured by internal consistency of the items in each factor within this sample, a separate sample of breast cancer survivors with high persistent cognitive complaints (n = 72), and healthy controls (n = 63). Factor scores were compared across the three samples.

RESULTS

A five-factor structure similar to the PAOFI standardization study was found, with factors related to executive functioning (accounting for most of the variance), two aspects of memory functioning, language, and motor/sensory-perceptual abilities. Factor scores highly correlated with measures of cognitive complaints, fatigue, and quality of life. Executive functioning and memory-related factors achieved adequate reliability across samples. Scores were significantly different across the three samples as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

The PAOFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring cognitive complaints in breast cancer survivors.

Neuropsychological Functioning in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Associations with Performance Validity, Comorbidities, and Functional Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Numerous studies have shown that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display reduced performances on neuropsychological tests, although most prior research has not adequately accounted for comorbidities or performance validity concerns that are common in this population and could partially account for the observed neurocognitive findings. Moreover, few studies have examined the functional implications of neuropsychological results in PTSD.

METHODS

We examined neuropsychological functioning in 44 veterans with PTSD and 40 veteran trauma comparison (TC) participants with combat exposure and no PTSD.

RESULTS

After excluding four veterans with PTSD for performance validity concerns, multivariate analyses of variance by neurocognitive domain revealed significantly worse performance by the PTSD group in the domains of speed of information processing (p=.035) and executive functions (p=.017), but no group differences in attention/working memory, verbal/language functioning, visuoconstruction, or episodic memory. Group differences by PTSD status were still present after covarying for depression, a history of head injuries, and substance use disorders. Executive functioning performance was associated with poorer self-reported occupational functioning and physical health-related quality of life, while speed of information processing performance was associated with poorer physical health-related quality of life.

DISCUSSION

These results are generally consistent with a fronto-limbic conceptualization of PTSD-associated neuropsychological dysfunction and show that cognitive functioning may be associated with critical functional outcomes. Taken together, results suggest that consideration of neurocognitive functioning may enhance the clinical management of individuals with PTSD.

Cognitive Training and Work Therapy for the Treatment of Verbal Learning and Memory Deficits in Veterans With Alcohol Use Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study focused on the efficacy of cognitive training for verbal learning and memory deficits in a population of older veterans with alcohol use disorders.

METHODS

Veterans with alcohol use disorders, who were in outpatient treatment at VA facilities and in early-phase recovery (N = 31), were randomized to receive a three-month trial of daily cognitive training plus work therapy (n = 15) or work therapy alone (n = 16), along with treatment as usual. Participants completed assessments at baseline and at three- and six-month follow-ups; the Hopkins Verbal Learning Task (HVLT) was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Participants were primarily male (97%) and in their mid-50s (M = 55.16, SD = 5.16) and had been sober for 1.64 (SD = 2.81) months. Study retention was excellent (91% at three-month follow-up) and adherence to treatment in both conditions was very good. On average, participants in the cognitive training condition had more than 41 hours of cognitive training, and both conditions had more than 230 hours of productive activity. HVLT results at three-month follow-up revealed significant condition effects favoring cognitive training for verbal learning (HVLT Trial-3 T-score, p < .005, Cohen's d = 1.3) and verbal memory (HVLT Total T-score, p < .01, Cohen's d = 1.1). Condition effects were sustained at six-month follow-up. At baseline, 55.9% of participants showed a significant deficit in verbal memory and 58.8% showed a deficit in verbal learning compared with a premorbid estimate of verbal IQ. At three-month follow-up there was a significant reduction in the number of participants in the cognitive training condition with clinically significant verbal memory deficits (p < .01, number needed to treat = 3.0) compared with the work therapy alone condition and a trend toward significance for verbal learning deficits, which was not sustained at six-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded pilot study demonstrates that cognitive training within the context of another activating intervention (work therapy) may have efficacy in remediating verbal learning and memory deficits in patients with alcohol use disorder. Findings indicate a large effect for cognitive training in this pilot study, which suggests that further research is warranted. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01410110).

Trajectories of self-reported cognitive function in postmenopausal women during adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

In a sample of 368 postmenopausal women, we (1) determined within-cohort and between-cohort relationships between adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer and self-reported cognitive function during the first 18 months of therapy and (2) evaluated the influence of co-occurring symptoms, neuropsychological function, and other covariates on relationships.

METHODS

We evaluated self-reported cognitive function, using the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI), and potential covariates (e.g., co-occurring symptom scores and neuropsychological function z-scores) in 158 women receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy alone, 104 women receiving chemotherapy followed by AI therapy, and 106 non-cancer controls. Patients were assessed before systemic therapy and then every 6 months, for a total of four assessments over 18 months. Controls were assessed at matched time points. Mixed-effects modeling was used to determine longitudinal relationships.

RESULTS

Controlling for covariates, patients enrolled before chemotherapy reported poorer global cognitive function (p < 0.001), memory (p < 0.001), language and communication (p < 0.001), and sensorimotor function (p = 0.002) after chemotherapy. These patients reported poorer higher-level cognitive and intellectual functions from before chemotherapy to 12 months after initiation of AI therapy (p < 0.001). Higher levels of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), and fatigue (p = 0.040) at enrollment were predictors of poorer cognitive function over time. PAOFI total score was a predictor of executive function (p = 0.048) and visual working memory (p = 0.005) z-scores, controlling for covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide further evidence of poorer self-reported cognitive function after chemotherapy and of relationships between co-occurring symptoms and cognitive changes. AI therapy alone does not have an impact on self-reported cognitive function. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Association between brain volumes and HAND in cART-naïve HIV+ individuals from Thailand

This study aimed to determine the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on brain structure in HIV-infected individuals with and without HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Twenty-nine HIV-uninfected controls, 37 HIV+, treatment-naïve, individuals with HAND (HIV+HAND+; 16 asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), 12 mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), and 9 HIV-associated dementia HAD), and 37 HIV+, treatment-naïve, individuals with normal cognitive function (HIV+HAND-) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological assessment. The HIV-infected participants had a mean (SD) age of 35 (7) years, mean (interquartile range (IQR)) CD4 count of 221 (83-324), and mean (IQR) log10 plasma viral load of 4.81 (4.39-5.48). Six regions of interest were selected for analyses including total and subcortical gray matter, total white matter, caudate, corpus callosum, and thalamus. The HIV+/HAND+ group exhibited significantly smaller brain volumes compared to the HIV-uninfected group in subcortical gray and total gray matter; however, there were no statistically significant differences in brain volumes between the HIV+HAND+ and HIV+HAND- groups or between HIV+/HAND- and controls. CD4 count at time of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation was associated with total and subcortical gray matter volumes but not with cognitive measures. Plasma viral load correlated with neuropsychological performance but not brain volumes. The lack of significant differences in brain volumes between HIV+HAND+ and HIV+HAND- suggests that brain atrophy is not a sensitive measure of HAND in subjects without advanced immunosuppression. Alternatively, current HAND diagnostic criteria may not sufficiently distinguish patients based on MRI measures of brain volumes.

Self-reported attention and mood symptoms in cocaine abusers: relationship to neurocognitive performance

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relationship between subjective measures of inattention/hyperactivity-impulsivity and mood and objective measures of neurocognitive function in cocaine users.

DESIGN

Ninety-four active cocaine users not seeking treatment (73 male, 21 female) were administered two self-report psychiatric measures (the ADHD Rating Scale - Fourth Edition; ARS-IV), and the Beck Depression Inventory - Second Edition; (BDI-II), and a battery of tests measuring attention, executive, psychomotor, visual and verbal learning, visuospatial, and language functions. Correlations between scores on the psychiatric measures (total and subscale) and the neurocognitive measures were examined.

RESULTS

While scores on the BDI-II and ARS-IV were correlated with each other (p<0.01), scores on both self-report measures were largely uncorrelated with neurocognitive test scores (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a minimal relationship between psychiatric measures that incorporate subjective assessment of cognitive function, and objective neurocognitive measures in nontreatment-seeking cocaine users, consistent with previous findings in other samples of substance users. This suggests that self-report measures may have limited utility as proxies for neurocognitive performance.

Patient-reported cognitive functioning and daily functioning in chronic dialysis patients

Subjective cognitive impairment negatively affects daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and health care consumption, and is predictive of future cognitive decline in many patient populations. However, no subjective measures of multidimensional cognitive functioning have been evaluated for dialysis patients. Our purposes were to examine (1) the association between patient-reported (subjective) cognitive functioning and objective cognitive functioning and (2) the relationships between subjective and objective cognitive functioning and everyday functioning of dialysis patients. We used baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal observational study of trajectories in dialysis patients' multidimensional quality of life. One hundred thirty-five patients completed a telephone-based neuropsychological battery (Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone, a measure of objective cognitive functioning), a measure of subjective cognitive functioning (Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory), and measures of everyday functioning (Activities of Daily Living [ADL] and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living [IADL] scales). After controlling for age and education, there was a modest correlation (r = 0.33, P > 0.001) between subjective and objective cognitive functioning. Multivariate logistic regression models showed subjective, but not objective, cognitive functioning was a significant predictor of both ADLs and IADLs. The findings suggest the potential clinical value of subjective measures of cognitive functioning, not to replace objective measures or diagnostic tests, but rather to optimize the meaningfulness of clinical assessment and management.

Psychometric Analysis of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory in Women With Breast Cancer

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the reliability and validity of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI) in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer before adjuvant therapy. Methods: Data from 259 postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer before adjuvant therapy were analyzed. Exploratory factor analysis was used to uncover the PAOFI’s underlying factor structure and reliability coefficients were computed for each subscale. Results: 5 factors measuring perceived cognitive functioning had eigenvalues >1 and accounted for 54% of the extracted variance. Subscale reliability coefficients ranged from .572 to .883. Conclusions: Psychometric evaluation of the PAOFI provided evidence of reliability and construct validity in this population. Additional studies are needed to confirm the 5-factor structure.

Cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment: are they related?

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether concurrent depressive symptoms and self- and informant-reported cognitive impairments are related to cognitive complaints.

DESIGN

Longitudinal aging study of the relationship between depressive symptoms, reported cognitive impairments, and cognitive complaints. Mixed-effects regression models were used to determine whether scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) predicted cognitive complaints. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) assessed cognitive complaints.

SETTING

A community-dwelling sample in Baltimore, Maryland.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred five cognitively normal older individuals with a mean baseline age of 75 followed for an average of 4 years.

MEASUREMENTS

The CES-D measured depressive symptoms. The CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) measured self- and informant-reported impairment, and the CFQ measured cognitive complaints.

RESULTS

Greater depressive symptoms and reported impairments are associated with higher CFQ scores. In addition, there was a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and reported impairment. Specifically, individuals without reported cognitive impairment had the strongest association between depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints. Finally, reported impairments interact with baseline age, suggesting that the relationship between reported impairments and cognitive complaints is strongest in individuals younger than 80.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm a relationship between reported cognitive impairment and cognitive complaints in older individuals and highlight the extent to which age and depressive symptoms account for variation in complaints. These factors should be considered when interpreting cognitive complaints in a clinical setting.

Factors contributing to impaired self-awareness of cognitive functioning in an HIV positive and at-risk population

PURPOSE

To examine the association between self-awareness of cognitive impairment and age, selected mood disorders, and type and severity of cognitive impairment in a sample of individuals with HIV/AIDS and at risk for HIV.

METHOD

75 subjects, 52 HIV+ and 23 at risk for HIV completed a psychosocial interview, the Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning (PAOF) questionnaire, and a battery of neuropsychological tests. Based upon the differences between their clinical impairment and self-reported impairment, subjects were classified as being "Underestimators", "Good Awareness", or "Impaired Awareness" with regard to self-awareness.

RESULTS

Those with more severe cognitive impairment were less aware than those with normal or borderline cognitive impairment. A one-way ANOVA suggested that the Impaired Awareness group differed significantly from the Underestimators on the Rey Figure Immediate and Delayed Recall tasks, and from both the Underestimators and Good Awarenesss groups on the Digit Symbol Substitution Task. There were significant differences among all awareness groups on the test of Simple Reaction Time. Furthermore there is some suggestion that age may contribute to impaired self-awareness. The role of HIV in self-awareness remains unclear, as both, individuals with HIV and at risk, demonstrated impaired self-awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, impaired awareness was associated with poorer test performance, suggesting a relationship between awareness and sustained complex attention and visual spatial processing. This research has implications for understanding factors contributing to poor awareness among individuals with cognitive impairment.