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Morel Valdés GM, Rivera D, Olabarrieta-Landa L, Carrión CI, Lequerica AH, Maltez FI, Rodriguez MJ, Dini ME, Munoz G, Usuga DR, Drago CI, García P, Rivera PM, Perrin PB, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Normative data for tests of visuo-spatial, visuo-constructional skills, and visual memory for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States. NeuroRehabilitation 2024:NRE240089. [PMID: 39302388 DOI: 10.3233/nre-240089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) are commonly used in clinical practice. The ROCFT measures constructional praxis, visual perception, and visuospatial learning and memory, and the CDT assesses for visuospatial, constructional, and executive difficulties. Several neurological disorders are associated with visuospatial and visuo-constructional impairments, yet reliable normative data accounting for sociodemographic and acculturative variables are scarce for Hispanics living in the U.S. OBJECTIVE To generate normative data for the ROCFT and CDT in a Spanish-speaking adult population living in the U.S. METHODS The sample consisted of 245 cognitively healthy normal adults recruited from several states in the U.S. Each participant was administered the ROCFT and CDT as part of a larger cognitive battery. The ROCFT and CDT were normed using a Bayesian approach. Age, age2, education, sex, acculturation, and language proficiency were included as predictors in the analyses. RESULTS ROCFT performance was associated with education and age, particularly as they interacted with Spanish language proficiency and time spent in the U.S. Education was significantly associated with recall abilities and a lower memory recall on the ROCFT. Age was found to vary depending on a person's bilingual abilities. Sex did not emerge as a predictor of performance, and it did not interact significantly with other variables. CONCLUSION This is the first study to include acculturation and language proficiency variables in the creation of norms for the assessment of visuo-constructional abilities. This study will have a large impact on the practice of neuropsychology in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Morel Valdés
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Diego Rivera
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laiene Olabarrieta-Landa
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carmen I Carrión
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anthony H Lequerica
- Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Miriam J Rodriguez
- Clinical Psychology Program, Carlos Albizu University, Miami Campus, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Health and Wellness Design, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Mia E Dini
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Daniela Ramos Usuga
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Christin I Drago
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Patricia M Rivera
- Mental Health Department - Neuropsychology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Paul B Perrin
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Ramos Usuga D, Rivera D, Xia B, Carrión CI, Morel Valdés GM, Moreno O, Rodriguez MJ, Krch D, Wongserbchart W, Drago CI, García P, Rivera PM, Olabarrieta-Landa L, Perrin PB, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Executive function tests: Normative data for Spanish-speaking adults in the United States. NeuroRehabilitation 2024:NRE240088. [PMID: 39240593 DOI: 10.3233/nre-240088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normative data for Spanish-speaking populations, particularly Hispanics in the U.S., is notably scarce. OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish normative data for executive function tests (Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Color and Word Test) among Spanish-speaking Hispanics in the U.S. METHODS We assessed 245 individuals aged 18-80 from eight U.S. states (California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin) and employed Bayesian regression to estimate norms, considering various sociodemographic factors influencing performance. RESULTS The posterior distribution suggests a high probability that age impacts SCWT performance, with older adults likely to show greater declines, particularly among those with high proficiency in Spanish. The posterior distribution suggests a stronger effect of age on M-WCST performance among individuals with longer U.S. residency. Educational attainment demonstrates a robust positive impact on M-WCST outcomes, with lower levels of education associated with a higher probability of increased errors. An interaction between education and Spanish proficiency was observed, influencing SCWT scores differently across proficiency levels. Sex and acculturation levels interact to affect SCWT performance, with distinct patterns observed between men and women. This suggests that the impact of acculturation on cognitive test performance may vary by gender. CONCLUSION Establishing culturally sensitive normative data can enhance accurate identification of executive dysfunction and reduce misdiagnosis risks. This study underscores the importance of considering sociocultural factors including acculturation and language proficiency in neuropsychological assessments to better serve diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ramos Usuga
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Diego Rivera
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Bridget Xia
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Carmen I Carrión
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gloria M Morel Valdés
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Oswaldo Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Miriam J Rodriguez
- Clinical Psychology Program, Carlos Albizu University, Miami Campus, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Health, and Wellness Design, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Denise Krch
- Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research, Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Patricia García
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Patricia M Rivera
- Mental Health Department - Neuropsychology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Laiene Olabarrieta-Landa
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Paul B Perrin
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Mora-Villalobos L, Brown-Mata G, Smith-Castro V, Ramos-Usuga D, Rivera D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Normative Data Study of Verbal Fluency and Naming Tests in Elderly People in Costa Rica. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024:acae045. [PMID: 38855853 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate normative data for the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) and the Boston Naming Test (BNT) in the Costa Rican population. METHOD The sample consisted of 563 healthy older people (aged 59-90 years). Polynomial multiple regression analyses were run to evaluate the effects of the age, sex, and education variables on VFT and BNT scores. RESULTS The results showed a significant linear effect of education on the four-letter VF scores and an effect of sex on the letter P score, with females performing better than males. The explained variance ranged from 20.9% to 28.3%. A linear effect of age and education was also found for the four semantic VF scores, with scores decreasing with increasing age and lower education. The sex variable was significant for all semantic categories, with females performing better than males except in the animal category. The explained variance ranged from 21.7% to 30.9%. In the BNT, a linear effect of education was found, so that the more education, the better the score. In addition, a sex effect was also found, with males having higher scores than females. The predictors of the model explained 9.6% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that generates normative data for the VF and BNT in the Costa Rican population over 59 years of age based on demographic variables. The use of these normative data will help clinicians in Costa Rica to better understand language functioning in the elderly, allowing for better classification and diagnosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Mora-Villalobos
- Center for Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, 2060 San José, Costa Rica
| | - Gloriana Brown-Mata
- Center for Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, 2060 San José, Costa Rica
| | - Vanessa Smith-Castro
- Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, 2060 San José, Costa Rica
| | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cruces Plaza, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena, s/n, 48940 Leioa
| | - Diego Rivera
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Av. Cataluña, s/n, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), C. de Irunlarrea, 3, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Ilardi CR, Menichelli A, Michelutti M, Cattaruzza T, Federico G, Salvatore M, Iavarone A, Manganotti P. On the Clinimetrics of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: Cutoff Analysis in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 101:293-308. [PMID: 39150828 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
Background In the era of disease-modifying therapies, empowering the clinical neuropsychologist's toolkit for timely identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is crucial. Objective Here we examine the clinimetric properties of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for the early diagnosis of MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD). Methods Data from 48 patients with MCI-AD and 47 healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. Raw MoCA scores were corrected according to the conventional Nasreddine's 1-point correction and demographic adjustments derived from three normative studies. Optimal cutoffs were determined while previously established cutoffs were diagnostically reevaluated. Results The original Nasreddine's cutoff of 26 and normative cutoffs (non-parametric outer tolerance limit on the 5th percentile of demographically-adjusted score distributions) were overly imbalanced in terms of Sensitivity (Se) and Specificity (Sp). The optimal cutoff for Nasreddine's adjustment showed adequate clinimetric properties (≤23.50, Se = 0.75, Sp = 0.70). However, the optimal cutoff for Santangelo's adjustment (≤22.85, Se = 0.65, Sp = 0.87) proved to be the most effective for both screening and diagnostic purposes according to Larner's metrics. The results of post-probability analyses revealed that an individual testing positive using Santangelo's adjustment combined with a cutoff of 22.85 would have 84% post-test probability of receiving a diagnosis of MCI-AD (LR+ = 5.06). Conclusions We found a common (mal)practice of bypassing the applicability of normative cutoffs in diagnosis-oriented clinical practice. In this study, we identified optimal cutoffs for MoCA to be allocated in secondary care settings for supporting MCI-AD diagnosis. Methodological and psychometric issues are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alina Menichelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Rehabilitation Unit, Trieste University Hospital-ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Michelutti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Clinical Unit of Neurology, Trieste University Hospital-ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tatiana Cattaruzza
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Clinical Unit of Neurology, Trieste University Hospital-ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Manganotti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Clinical Unit of Neurology, Trieste University Hospital-ASUGI, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Ilardi CR, La Marra M, Amato R, Di Cecca A, Di Maio G, Ciccarelli G, Migliaccio M, Cavaliere C, Federico G. The "Little Circles Test" (LCT): a dusted-off tool for assessing fine visuomotor function. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2807-2820. [PMID: 37910290 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02571-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fine visuomotor function is commonly impaired in several neurological conditions. However, there is a scarcity of reliable neuropsychological tools to assess such a critical domain. AIMS The aim of this study is to explore the psychometric properties and provide normative data for the Visual-Motor Speed and Precision Test (VMSPT). RESULTS Our normative sample included 220 participants (130 females) aged 18-86 years (mean education = 15.24 years, SD = 3.98). Results showed that raw VMSPT scores were affected by higher age and lower education. No effect of sex or handedness was shown. Age- and education-based norms were provided. VMSPT exhibited weak-to-strong correlations with well-known neuropsychological tests, encompassing a wide range of cognitive domains of clinical relevance. By gradually intensifying the cognitive demands, the test becomes an indirect, performance-oriented measure of executive functioning. Finally, VMSPT seems proficient in capturing the speed-accuracy trade-off typically observed in the aging population. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes the initial standardization of a versatile, time-efficient, and cost-effective neuropsychological tool for assessing fine visuomotor coordination. We propose renaming the VMSPT as the more approachable "Little Circles Test" (LCT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco La Marra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Amato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angelica Di Cecca
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Girolamo Di Maio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Miriana Migliaccio
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Federico
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
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Liozidou A, Traikapi A, Stanitsa E, Kontaxopoulou D, Fragkiadaki S, Beratis I, Nunez-Fernandez S, Rivera D, Kingsley K, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Neuropsychology in Greece: Results from a survey of practicing professionals. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023; 30:340-351. [PMID: 34340605 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1944145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychology is a fast-growing specialty in Greece. This study surveyed the status of neuropsychologists in Greece investigating several aspects of the profession. An online-based questionnaire collected data from December 2019 to February 2020. A total of 133 participants specialized in neuropsychology were included in the final sample: 81% of the participants were women with a mean age of 35 years. In the total sample, 25.8% of the participants reported working in the hospital system, 18.5% in the university or college, and 17.7% in a private practice job. Greek professionals cited to engage actively in assessment (87.9%), in research (65.1%), in rehabilitation (47.7%), and teaching (30.2%). Professionals primarily declared to assess individuals with dementia (80.3%), depression (47.7%), and stroke (44.0%), and they reported neurologists, psychiatrists and psychologists as their leading sources of referrals. The top five perceived barriers to the field include the lack of recognized specialty (75.9%), the lack of clinical training opportunities (63.9%), the lack of strong professional associations (57.9%), the lack of access to neuropsychological instruments (57.9%) and the lack of willingness to collaborate between professionals (48.9%). The average monthly income of professionals represents a ratio of 0.76 in comparison to that of other scientists in the country and is the lowest reported among other countries. Despite the significant development of the profession, it is essential to create more clinical training opportunities, apply practices systematically to diverse populations, redefine the specialty of neuropsychology in the national health system of the country, and advocate for the profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Liozidou
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology, Psychology Department, The Scientific College of Greece, Athens, Greece
- Neuropsychological Laboratory, 1st Neurology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Neurology Department, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Traikapi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Evangelia Stanitsa
- Memory, Cognitive Disorders and Rare Dementias Outpatient Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysia Kontaxopoulou
- Memory, Cognitive Disorders and Rare Dementias Outpatient Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Greece
| | - Stella Fragkiadaki
- Memory, Cognitive Disorders and Rare Dementias Outpatient Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ion Beratis
- Memory, Cognitive Disorders and Rare Dementias Outpatient Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Psychology Department, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Diego Rivera
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Kristine Kingsley
- Institute of Cognitive and Emotional Wellness, New York, NY, USA
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Monette S, Bertrand JA, Perreau-Linck E, Ramos-Usuga D, Rivera D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. The profession of neuropsychologist in Canada: Findings of a national survey. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:1-33. [PMID: 34791971 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.2002934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic characteristics, academic training and types of professional activities of clinical neuropsychologists in Canada. 282 participants completed an online-based survey. Respondents were women for the most part and had a mean age of 43 years. They typically had doctoral-level training (85%) and about one-quarter had postdoctoral training (23%). Nearly half (47%) had a lifespan practice, over one-third (37%) had an adults-only practice, and about one-sixth (16%) had an exclusively pediatric practice. Most worked full-time (79%). Respondents were almost evenly split three ways between those who worked in the public sector, those who worked in the private sector, and those who worked in both. The most common professional activities related to assessment (95%), although clinical supervision (43%) and rehabilitation (42%) were also quite frequent, whereas research (27%) and teaching (18%) were less so. The most common reason for referral was to determine a diagnosis (79%). Pediatric neuropsychologists worked primarily with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychologists working with adult populations worked primarily with individuals with emotional disorders, acquired neuropsychological disorders (traumatic brain injury, stroke/vascular), and neurocognitive disorders (dementia). At time of study, Canadian neuropsychologists seemed to enjoy a fairly balanced situation: Their level of training and the ratio of neuropsychologists per population were both high. However, these varied widely across Canada. This suggests that the profession and public interest would stand to gain from seeing training standardized to some extent nationwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Monette
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.,Institut universitaire Jeunes en difficulté, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Josie-Anne Bertrand
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.,Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Diego Rivera
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,IKERBASQUE. Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
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8
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Brasil AC, Lara TL, Chaves MLF, Lawlor B, Beber BC. Exploratory study of the teaching of neuropsychology in the curricula of undergraduate courses in Speech-Language Pathology. Codas 2020; 32:e20190023. [PMID: 32022098 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20192019023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the level of teaching of neuropsychology within undergraduate courses of speech-language pathology in Brazil using an exploratory document analysis of the curricula of the undergraduate courses. METHODS It is a quantitative exploratory document analysis. A review of available documents from websites and/or received from course directors (pedagogical course project, course content, and/or syllabus) of public and private universities in Brazil was carried out. Using an agreed consensus checklist, 3 researchers verified which universities offered subjects on neuropsychology by means of a search for the term 'neuropsychology' or neuropsychological'. Associations between type of university and region and the provision of neuropsychology courses were also explored. RESULTS 72 universities were included in the study and only nine of them offered subjects on neuropsychology. None of the associations tested was statistically significant. CONCLUSION The provision of neuropsychology for speech-language pathology undergraduate students is limited, and not associated with the type of university, the year of the pedagogical course project, or the region in which the university is located. The findings call attention to the need to adapt undergraduate curricula in speech-language pathology to consider the entire scope of this profession and address the epidemiology of communication disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Costa Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | - Tielly Leão Lara
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
| | | | - Brian Lawlor
- Trinity College Dublin, Global Brain Health Institute - GBHI - Dublin, Irlanda
| | - Bárbara Costa Beber
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil
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9
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Branco Lopes A, Leal G, Malvy L, Wauquiez G, Ponchel A, Rivera D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Neuropsychology in France. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2019; 28:328-339. [PMID: 31296054 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2019.1633329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and academic training, and the types of activities engaged in by practicing psychologists specialized in neuropsychology in France. A total of 804 French psychologists specializing in neuropsychology participated in an online-based survey: 90.2% of the participants were women, with a mean age of 32 (range 22-60). In the total sample, 54.2% of the participants worked in the hospital system, 38.2% in the private sector, and 24.9% had a private practice job; and 97.3% engage in evaluation, 74% in rehabilitation, 22.1% in research, and 35.8% in teaching. Clinicians primarily work with individuals with stroke/vascular (56.7%), dementia (53.3%), depression (36.7%), and learning disabilities (34.5%). The top perceived barriers to the field include: lack of willingness to collaborate between professionals (43.7%), lack of professional leaders in the field (40.7%), and lack of clinical training opportunities (24.9%). A total of 68.9% of the clinicians indicate that normative data for their countries do not exist. It is essential for psychologists specialized in neuropsychology in France to establish better-defined guidelines for academic and clinical education, since there is no legal protection of the specialty and given that needs for neuropsychological services are increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giselle Leal
- University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lise Malvy
- Les Renouillers Center, Public Assistance of Paris Hospital, Louis Mourier Hospital, Colombes, France
| | | | - Amélie Ponchel
- Behavioral Neuropsychiatric Unit, La Salpétrière Hospital/Brain and Spine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Diego Rivera
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,IKERBASQUE-Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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