1
|
Verhoeks C, Bus B, Tendolkar I, Rijnen S. Cognitive communication disorders after brain injury: A systematic COSMIN review of measurement instruments. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2024; 67:101870. [PMID: 39098162 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2024.101870] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of consensus on standardized measurement instruments (MIs) for the assessment of cognitive communication disorders in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). OBJECTIVES To identify and describe the currently available MIs for the assessment of cognitive communication disorders in individuals with ABI and to evaluate the psychometric properties of MIs. METHODS A search was conducted in 6 databases on March 12, 2024 using a validated methodological search filter. We included studies that evaluated psychometric properties of MIs used to assess cognitive communication disorders in individuals with ABI. We applied the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MIs. RESULTS We included 48 records reporting on 44 MIs. Of all MIs, the La Trobe Communication Questionnaire (LCQ) and the St Andrew's-Swansea Neurobehavioural Outcome Scale (SASNOS) were studied most extensively. No MIs had undergone exhaustive methodological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Based on the COSMIN, only 1 of 44 MIs can be recommended as its results can be trusted. Most MIs have the potential to be recommended but require further research to assess their psychometric quality. The development of new tools is not necessary but further methodological studies should be conducted on promising tools. This review may help clinicians and researchers to select an MI for the assessment of cognitive communication disorders and may facilitate diagnosis and research. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42020196861). No funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Verhoeks
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Center for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant. Kluisstraat 2 5427 EM Boekel, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Post office box 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior. P.O Box 9104 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Boudewijn Bus
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Center for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant. Kluisstraat 2 5427 EM Boekel, the Netherlands
| | - Indira Tendolkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Post office box 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior. P.O Box 9104 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Rijnen
- Multidisciplinary Specialist Center for Brain Injury and Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Oost Brabant. Kluisstraat 2 5427 EM Boekel, the Netherlands; Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cersosimo R, Domaneschi F, Al-Azary H. Automatic metaphor processing in developmental dyslexia. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 111:106448. [PMID: 38970901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2024.106448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research found metaphor impairments with dyslexia; however, it is unclear if difficulties are due to initial activation of the metaphorical meaning or to subsequent discourse integration processes. The study examines the presence of early automatic processing of metaphors in adults with developmental dyslexia, considering the role of executive functions and metaphor familiarity. METHODS Using a sentence recall task and a semantic judgment task from the Metaphor Interference Effect (MIE) paradigm, we evaluated two early stages of metaphor comprehension, namely the generation of the figurative meaning and the suppression of the literal meaning. High and low familiar metaphors, and their scrambled counterparts, were aurally presented to participants, who were asked to judge whether sentences were literally true or literally false. Afterwards, they were provided ten minutes to recall the sentences they heard to verify the depth of processing for each type of stimulus. A total of 26 participants with dyslexia were included in the experimental group, and 31 in the control group. RESULTS Individuals with dyslexia showed a MIE and an accuracy rate that are similar to participants without dyslexia. Inhibition correlated with the MIE size only for high familiar metaphors, and working memory seemed to play no role in the process. In the recall task, both groups demonstrated a better encoding of the metaphorical sentences compared to scrambled metaphors, but participants with dyslexia recalled less metaphors than did the control group, showing that metaphors are no exception to the limitations in sentence retrieval typically found in dyslexia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that individuals with dyslexia are comparable to participants without dyslexia in their ability to automatically compute metaphorical meanings. Thus, difficulties in metaphor comprehension in people with dyslexia that have been detected in previous studies might depend on meaning construction in context rather than online semantic processing.
Collapse
|
3
|
Aiello EN, Pucci V, Diana L, Corvaglia A, Niang A, Mattiello S, Preti AN, Durante G, Ravelli A, Consonni L, Guerra C, Ponti AD, Sangalli G, Difonzo T, Scarano S, Perucca L, Zago S, Appollonio I, Mondini S, Bolognini N. The Telephone Language Screener (TLS): standardization of a novel telephone-based screening test for language impairment. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1989-2001. [PMID: 38010584 PMCID: PMC11021315 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07149-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed at developing and standardizing the Telephone Language Screener (TLS), a novel, disease-nonspecific, telephone-based screening test for language disorders. METHODS The TLS was developed in strict pursuance to the current psycholinguistic standards. It comprises nine tasks assessing phonological, lexical-semantic and morpho-syntactic components, as well as an extra Backward Digit Span task. The TLS was administered to 480 healthy participants (HPs), along with the Telephone-based Semantic Verbal Fluency (t-SVF) test and a Telephone-based Composite Language Index (TBCLI), as well as to 37 cerebrovascular/neurodegenerative patients-who also underwent the language subscale of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-L). An HP subsample was also administered an in-person language battery. Construct validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliability were tested. Norms were derived via Equivalent Scores. The capability of the TLS to discriminate patients from HPs and to identify, among the patient cohort, those with a defective TICS-L, was also examined. RESULTS The TLS was underpinned by a mono-component structure and converged with the t-SVF (p < .001), the TBCLI (p < .001) and the in-person language battery (p = .002). It was internally consistent (McDonald's ω = 0.67) and reliable between raters (ICC = 0.99) and at retest (ICC = 0.83). Age and education, but not sex, were predictors of TLS scores. The TLS optimally discriminated patients from HPs (AUC = 0.80) and successfully identified patients with an impaired TICS-L (AUC = 0.92). In patients, the TLS converged with TICS-L scores (p = 0.016). DISCUSSION The TLS is a valid, reliable, normed and clinically feasible telephone-based screener for language impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
| | - Veronica Pucci
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre (HIT), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Diana
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Corvaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aida Niang
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Alice Naomi Preti
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giorgia Durante
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Adele Ravelli
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Lucia Consonni
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Carolina Guerra
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Adriana Delli Ponti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Sangalli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Difonzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Scarano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Perucca
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Zago
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Section, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sara Mondini
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre (HIT), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Nadia Bolognini
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Frau F, Cerami C, Dodich A, Bosia M, Bambini V. Weighing the role of social cognition and executive functioning in pragmatics in the schizophrenia spectrum: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2024; 252:105403. [PMID: 38593743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2024.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Pragmatic impairment is diffused in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but the literature still debates its neurocognitive underpinnings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the neurocognitive correlates of pragmatic disorders in schizophrenia and determine the weight of social cognition and executive functioning on such disorders. Of the 2,668 records retrieved from the literature, 16 papers were included in the systematic review, mostly focused on non-literal meanings and discourse production in schizophrenia. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis: pragmatics was moderately associated with both social cognition and executive functions (especially inhibition), but the link with social cognition was stronger. The mediation analysis showed that social cognition mediated the relationship between executive functions and pragmatics. Based on this, we proposed a hierarchical neurocognitive model where pragmatics stems from social cognition, while executive functions are the fertile ground supporting the other two domains, and we discuss its theoretical and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Frau
- Laboratory of Neurolinguistics and Experimental Pragmatics (NEP), Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Cerami
- IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICoN) Center, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy; Dementia Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dodich
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences-CIMeC, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Marta Bosia
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Schizophrenia Research and Clinical Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bambini
- Laboratory of Neurolinguistics and Experimental Pragmatics (NEP), Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baraldi MA, Domaneschi F. Pragmatic Skills in Late Adulthood. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2024; 53:20. [PMID: 38424410 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-024-10061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Research investigating pragmatic abilities in healthy aging suggests that both production and comprehension might be compromised; however, it is not clear how pragmatic abilities evolve in late adulthood, as well as when difficulties are more likely to arise. The aim of this study is to investigate the decline of pragmatic skills in aging, and to explore what cognitive and demographic factors support pragmatic competence. We assessed pragmatic production skills, including discourse abilities such as speech, informativeness, information flow, paralinguistic aspects, as well as the ability to produce informative descriptions of pictures, and pragmatic comprehension skills, which encompassed the ability to understand discourse and the main aspects of a narrative text, to infer non-literal meanings and to comprehend verbal humor in a group of elderly individuals and in a sample of younger participants. Moreover, specific cognitive functions (short-term memory, verbal and visuospatial working memory, inhibition Theory of Mind, and Cognitive Reserve) were assessed in both groups. Pragmatic difficulties seem to occur in late adulthood, likely around 70 years, and emerge more prominently when participants are asked to understand verbal humor. Age was the only predictor of general pragmatic performance in a sample of cognitively unimpaired older adults; conversely, when elderly individuals with less intact inhibitory control are considered, a general role of inhibition emerged, in addition to working memory and ToM in specific tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice Baraldi
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, Department of Humanities, University of Genoa, Via Balbi 2, 16126, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of Genoa, Corso Podestà 2, 16128, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Domaneschi
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, Department of Humanities, University of Genoa, Via Balbi 2, 16126, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jimeno N. Language and communication rehabilitation in patients with schizophrenia: A narrative review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24897. [PMID: 38312547 PMCID: PMC10835363 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Language impairments often appear in patients with schizophrenia and are potential targets for rehabilitation. Clinical practice and research should be intimately connected. The aim was to perform a narrative review of the assessment and intervention tools that have been used for the rehabilitation of schizophrenia patients with language and communication impairments. Two types of tools, general and specific, were developed for both purposes. General tools include the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for assessment, and the Integrated Psychological Therapy for intervention. The specific tools used to evaluate language and communication impairments include the Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language and Communication, the Formal Thought Disorder scales (for caregivers and patients), and the Thought and Language Disorder scale. The most recent language-specific intervention tools include the Cognitive Pragmatic Treatment, Conecta-2, Let's talk! Multimodal Speech-Gesture training, Speech Therapy Intervention Group, and PragmaCom. These tools primarily involve psychopathology/psychiatry, psychology, linguistics, speech and language therapy, and nursing. In conclusion, a wide range of assessment and intervention tools are available for the rehabilitation of language and communication impairments associated with schizophrenia. An integrative and interdisciplinary approach should always be considered for rehabilitation of language and communication in patients with schizophrenia throughout their lifetime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Jimeno
- School of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Av. Ramón y Cajal 7, E-47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Research Group on Clinical Neuroscience of Castile and Leon, Av. Ramón y Cajal 7, E-47005 Valladolid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Montemurro S, Mondini S, Pucci V, Durante G, Riccardi A, Maffezzini S, Scialpi G, Signorini M, Arcara G. Tele-Global Examination of Mental State (Tele-GEMS): an open tool for the remote neuropsychological screening. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3499-3508. [PMID: 37248426 PMCID: PMC10226870 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06862-1] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Tele-neuropsychology, i.e., the application of remote audio-visual technologies to neuropsychological evaluation or rehabilitation, has become increasingly popular and widespread during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. New tools with updated normative data and appropriate methodological developments are necessary. We present Tele-GEMS, a telephone-based cognitive screening developed on N = 601 Italian participants. It yields a global score tapping on orientation, memory, spatial representation, language, and pragmatic abilities. Its administration lasts about 10 min. Clinical cut-offs are provided, accounting for demographic variables (age, education, and sex) and also for a comprehensive index taking into account cognitively stimulating life experiences that can build up a cognitive reserve. Tele-GEMS shows good internal consistency and a good inter-rater agreement. The test includes the thresholds for estimating a significant change after repeated measurements. Tele-GEMS has a good construct validity as assessed with MoCA and a suitable criterion validity assessed with its in-person version (GEMS). All the materials and the instructions, including scripts and an online Application for the automatic calculation of cut-offs, are accessible on OSF at https://osf.io/t3bma/ under a Creative Commons license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Mondini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
- Centro di Ateneo Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre HIT, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Pucci
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre HIT, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Durante
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Riccardi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurosciences-DNS, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Maffezzini
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurosciences-DNS, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Graziana Scialpi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurosciences-DNS, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chakrabarty M, Klooster N, Biswas A, Chatterjee A. The scope of using pragmatic language tests for early detection of dementia: A systematic review of investigations using figurative language. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4705-4728. [PMID: 37534671 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dementia cases are expected to rise to 81.1 million in 2040. Efforts are underway to develop diagnostic methods to facilitate early detection of the disease. Herein we review research findings focusing on pragmatic dysfunction in patients with dementia and evaluate the usefulness of assessing dementia and its progress with a battery of tests assessing figurative language skills. METHODS A total of 74,778 article titles were identified from EMBASE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. After systematic screening, 51 journal articles were selected for the final review. RESULT The review suggests that impaired figurative language might be a marker for early cognitive decline. Different forms of figurative language may be impaired at different stages of the disease and in different types of dementia involving different neuropathologies. CONCLUSION The use of pragmatic tests in combination with the existing diagnostic protocols might increase the probability of early diagnosis. HIGHLIGHTS Pragmatic impairment could be a marker of early cognitive impairment. Figurative language-an important pragmatic aspect-is disrupted in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Figurative language impairment might precede literal language impairment. Pragmatic tests could be more sensitive than standard neuropsychological tests. Inclusion of pragmatic tests in diagnostic guidelines might bolster early detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madhushree Chakrabarty
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nathaniel Klooster
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Hope College, Holland, Michigan, USA
| | - Atanu Biswas
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anjan Chatterjee
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, University of Pennsylvania, Goddard Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Memory Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yankovitz BE, Kasirer A, Mashal N. The Relationship between Semantic Joke and Idiom Comprehension in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2023; 13:935. [PMID: 37371412 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Semantic jokes involve resolving an incongruity emerging from wordplay or from a violation of world knowledge. The research has shown individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate a lower performance on humor tasks involving social situations; however, less is known about their semantic joke comprehension. This study examines semantic joke comprehension among adolescents with ASD and its possible relationship to vocabulary size, theory of mind (ToM), and idiom comprehension. Thirty-two adolescents with ASD and 32 typically developed (TD) peers participated. Semantic joke comprehension was assessed via a multiple-choice questionnaire and time-limited computer program. Vocabulary, ToM abilities, and idiom comprehension were also tested. The results reveal that adolescents with ASD are as fast in processing semantic jokes as their age- and vocabulary-matched TD peers, but less accurate. Age and idiom comprehension significantly contributed to semantic joke comprehension among both groups. As semantic joke comprehension is based on incongruity resolution, the greater difficulties in comprehension among the adolescents with ASD may have been due to deficits in simultaneously retaining two alternative interpretations and selecting the relevant one (and not due reduced ToM abilities). Similar to the TD group, semantic joke comprehension among the ASD group appeared to be more developed with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bat-El Yankovitz
- The Faculty of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Anat Kasirer
- Levinsky-Wingate Academic Center, Tel-Aviv 61480, Israel
| | - Nira Mashal
- The Faculty of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aldridge D, Cahill L, Theodoros D. Assessment of communication competence in acquired communication disorders: A systematic scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:306-316. [PMID: 35473488 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2055142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with acquired communication disorders (ACDs) experience reduced ability to participate independently in activities of daily life, and maintain interpersonal relationships and psychosocial wellbeing. Communication interventions are designed to optimise communication competence in personally relevant everyday activities. However, the assessment tools speech-language pathologists (SLPs) typically utilise to evaluate communication competence in everyday life are not ideal. To explore the range and availability of assessments used in research to examine functional communication in adults with ACDs. METHOD Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, SCOPUS and PsycINFO) were searched to identify assessment or intervention studies evaluating functional communication in adults with ACDs. Functional communication tools utilised in each study were identified. Extracted tools were categorised according to type, target population, consideration of multimodal communication, person-specificity, consideration of context, availability, administration/analysis time and availability of normative/psychometric data. RESULT Forty functional communication assessment tools were included. Just over half the tools were performance-based (n = 25), examined different modes of communication (n = 26) and/or considered context (n = 23). Only 14 tools were person-specific. Many of the most comprehensive tools were out of print or considered excessively time consuming to administer and analyse. CONCLUSION A paucity of accessible, time-efficient yet comprehensive tools to assess functional communication in ACDs may limit clinical practice and client outcomes. More versatile functional communication assessments incorporating individualised contexts, and the use of modern communication technologies are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Aldridge
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Louise Cahill
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Deborah Theodoros
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bambini V, Frau F, Bischetti L, Cuoco F, Bechi M, Buonocore M, Agostoni G, Ferri I, Sapienza J, Martini F, Spangaro M, Bigai G, Cocchi F, Cavallaro R, Bosia M. Deconstructing heterogeneity in schizophrenia through language: a semi-automated linguistic analysis and data-driven clustering approach. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:102. [PMID: 36446789 PMCID: PMC9708845 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00306-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous works highlighted the relevance of automated language analysis for predicting diagnosis in schizophrenia, but a deeper language-based data-driven investigation of the clinical heterogeneity through the illness course has been generally neglected. Here we used a semiautomated multidimensional linguistic analysis innovatively combined with a machine-driven clustering technique to characterize the speech of 67 individuals with schizophrenia. Clusters were then compared for psychopathological, cognitive, and functional characteristics. We identified two subgroups with distinctive linguistic profiles: one with higher fluency, lower lexical variety but greater use of psychological lexicon; the other with reduced fluency, greater lexical variety but reduced psychological lexicon. The former cluster was associated with lower symptoms and better quality of life, pointing to the existence of specific language profiles, which also show clinically meaningful differences. These findings highlight the importance of considering language disturbances in schizophrenia as multifaceted and approaching them in automated and data-driven ways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Federico Frau
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Bischetti
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Cuoco
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ferri
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sapienza
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Martini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spangaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bigai
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cocchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bosia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lago S, Bevilacqua F, Stabile MR, Scarpazza C, Bambini V, Arcara G. Case report: Pragmatic impairment in multiple sclerosis after worsening of clinical symptoms. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1028814. [PMID: 36506966 PMCID: PMC9731094 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1028814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pragmatics, defined as the ability to integrate language and context to communicate effectively, may be impaired in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We present the case of a patient with active secondary progressive MS who, after a first neuropsychological assessment that evidenced only a slight pragmatic impairment, suffered a sudden worsening of her clinical conditions, treated with corticosteroids. After this clinical worsening, her pragmatic abilities declined markedly, both in comprehension and production. This worsening was accompanied by a decline only in one attention task, in the context of an overall stable cognitive functioning. We conclude that pragmatics may be a domain particularly susceptible to cognitive worsening, highlighting the importance of its assessment in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lago
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy,Department of Neuroscience, Padova Neuroscience Centre, University of Padova, Padua, Italy,*Correspondence: Sara Lago,
| | | | | | - Cristina Scarpazza
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Bambini
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mondini S, Montemurro S, Pucci V, Ravelli A, Signorini M, Arcara G. Global Examination of Mental State: An open tool for the brief evaluation of cognition. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2710. [PMID: 35861637 PMCID: PMC9392517 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this paper is to present a freely accessible new instrument for the evaluation of cognition: the Global Examination of Mental State (GEMS). METHODS It is made up of 11 items tapping into a range of skills, such as Orientation in time and space, Memory, Working memory, Visuo-spatial, Visuo-constructional and Planning abilities, Perceptual and visual Attention, Language (Naming, Comprehension, and Verbal fluency), and Pragmatics. RESULTS The psychometric strengths of this screening are: (1) extensive and updated normative data on the adult Italian population (from 18 to 100 years old); (2) absence of ceiling effect in healthy individuals, which allows to better detect interindividual variability; (3) comparison of the global scores with normative data taking into account Cognitive Reserve rather than only education, thus increasing diagnostic accuracy; (4) thresholds for significant change over time and the possibility to use parallel versions (GEMS-A/GEMS-B) for test-retest; (5) solid psychometric properties and data on discriminant validity; and (6) free access to all materials (record forms, instructions, and cut-off scores) on the web under a Creative Common License. CONCLUSIONS With all these characteristics, GEMS could be a very useful paper-and-pencil instrument for cognitive screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mondini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Human Inspired Technology Research Centre, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Pucci
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Human Inspired Technology Research Centre, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Adele Ravelli
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISSPA), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Signorini
- Gruppo Veneto di Diagnostica e Riabilitazione (GVDR), Padua, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kljajevic V. Older and Wiser: Interpretation of Proverbs in the Face of Age-Related Cortical Atrophy. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:919470. [PMID: 35860671 PMCID: PMC9289440 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.919470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated whether interpretation of proverbs differs across the lifespan and if so, whether it is associated with age-related fronto-temporal atrophy. Using a sample of 333 healthy individuals aged 18–89 years, we found a significant effect of age on proverb interpretation [H(2) = 12.001, p = 0.002]: old adults (OA) were better than young adults (YA) (p = 0.002), and so were middle-aged-adults (MA) (p = 0.005). OA and MA had significantly less grey matter (GM) than YA in frontal and temporal lobes bilaterally, and OA less than MA in the right temporal lobe. GM volumes in these regions did not moderate the effect of age on the proverbs scores. The whole-brain analysis of groups’ GM maps revealed that the proverbs scores were associated with more GM in YA relative to OA in the right middle temporal gyrus, which is consistent with evidence on the role of this area in processing of unfamiliar proverbs. Overall, our data suggest that interpretation of proverbs is well preserved in late adulthood, despite considerable age-related cortical atrophy.
Collapse
|
15
|
Camia M, Benassi E, Giovagnoli S, Scorza M. Specific learning disorders in young adults: Investigating pragmatic abilities and their relationship with theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 126:104253. [PMID: 35526492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are lifelong conditions often associated with language difficulties, executive dysfunctions, and psychological problems. Previous research has shown that communicative-pragmatic ability may be impaired in SLD. However, the role of other cognitive abilities in explaining pragmatic difficulties has still not been fully investigated. The relationship between pragmatics and quality of life is not yet clear, as well. AIMS Firstly, the study assessed pragmatic comprehension abilities in adults with SLD. Secondly, we examined the relationship between pragmatics, theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES We enrolled 26 adults with SLD and 30 adults without SLD. Standardized tests assessing pragmatic comprehension, theory of mind and executive functions were used. The quality of life was investigated with a self-reported questionnaire. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Pragmatic comprehension abilities were compromised in young adults with SLD. In this clinical population we also found a link between pragmatic comprehension and visual theory of mind. Finally, independently from the presence of SLD, pragmatics abilities were in relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Overall, these data highlight the importance of including pragmatic abilities both in the clinical evaluation, as well as in psychological intervention for adults with SLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Camia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Masina F, Pezzetta R, Lago S, Mantini D, Scarpazza C, Arcara G. Disconnection from prediction: A systematic review on the role of right temporoparietal junction in aberrant predictive processing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104713. [PMID: 35636560 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) is a brain area that plays a critical role in a variety of cognitive functions. Although different theoretical proposals tried to explain the ubiquitous role of rTPJ, recent evidence suggests that rTPJ may be a fundamental cortical region involved in different kinds of predictions. This systematic review aims to better investigate the potential role of rTPJ under a predictive processing perspective, providing an overview of cognitive impairments in neurological patients as the consequence of structural or functional disconnections or damage of rTPJ. Results confirm the involvement of rTPJ across several tasks and neurological pathologies. RTPJ, via its connections with other brain networks, would integrate diverse information and update internal models of the world. Against traditional views, which tend to focus on distinct domains, we argue that the role of rTPJ can be parsimoniously interpreted as a key hub involved in domain-general predictions. This alternative account of rTPJ role in aberrant predictive processing opens different perspectives, stimulating new hypotheses in basic research and clinical contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara Lago
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy.
| | - Dante Mantini
- Research Center for Motor Control and Neuroplasticity, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Cristina Scarpazza
- IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
El‐Wahsh S, Balandin S, Bogaardt H, Kumfor F, Ballard KJ. Managing communication changes in persons with multiple sclerosis: Findings from qualitative focus groups. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 57:680-694. [PMID: 35338749 PMCID: PMC9311724 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing recognition that communication can be affected in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can negatively impact relationships, employment and psychological well-being. Some persons with MS (PwMS) implement strategies to facilitate their communication; however, some do not. Most PwMS who report communication changes do not engage with speech-language pathology (SLP) services. This raises concerns that a large portion of communication changes associated with MS go under-recognized and unmanaged. Little is known about what PwMS want and need to facilitate effective communication. AIM To explore what PwMS want and need to better manage their communication changes. METHODS & PROCEDURES Three focus groups were conducted online using Zoom, with a total of 12 PwMS. Participants were an opportunistic sample of PwMS within Australia recruited via advertisements distributed to various MS organizations and clinics. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis to provide a qualitative analysis of the data. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Two main themes emerged: (1) accessible knowledge and a holistic approach; and (2) partnerships. Specifically, the identified wants and needs of participants included: (1) assessment; (2) information; (3) raising awareness; (4) support groups; (5) a whole-person approach to intervention; (6) geographically and economically accessible and navigable services; (7) effective patient-physician interactions; and (8) a multidisciplinary team-based approach (e.g., SLP, psychology, neuropsychology, occupational therapy). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS This study identified a wide range of unmet wants and needs of PwMS related to communication changes. Participants wanted improved collaborative partnerships with healthcare professionals to better manage their communication changes. For example, healthcare professionals could ask PwMS about potential communication changes, provide education and make appropriate referrals. Education and information provision could focus on communication changes in MS, factors that trigger or exacerbate communication changes, impacts, self-management strategies, and available supports and services. Specific implications for clinical practice and future research are suggested in this paper, including ideas for patient education materials and content, suggestions for communication-specific screening and information that could be shared in patient-physician interactions, the development of guidelines to systematically screen, assess, manage and monitor communication changes in MS, and the design of evidence-based communication interventions for this clinical population. The results from this study can be used to guide the design of supports and services to help PwMS better manage communication changes, with the aim to reduce the negative impacts. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject PwMS can experience communication changes across a range of domains, including speech, voice, fluency, expressive and receptive language, and cognitive-linguistic functions. These changes can have profound and far-reaching negative impacts on educational and vocational outcomes, social participation, relationships, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Most PwMS who report communication changes do not engage with SLP services. There has been little research exploring what PwMS want and need to help manage their communication changes. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This research is the first study of its kind that sets out specifically to explore what PwMS want and need to better manage their communication changes. This study increases our understanding of, and provides valuable insights into, the specific types of supports and services PwMS desire to access, and the partnerships and kinds of interactions PwMS dream of having with healthcare professionals to manage these changes. This information can facilitate the development of future interventions to manage communication changes in MS. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? PwMS wanted healthcare professionals to ask about potential communication changes, provide education and make appropriate referrals. When providing education and information on communication changes in MS, healthcare professionals should focus on covering symptoms, triggers, impacts, self-management strategies, and available supports and services. There is a timely need to develop guidelines and interventions to manage communication changes in MS to reduce their negative impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El‐Wahsh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNSWAustralia
| | | | - Hans Bogaardt
- School of Allied Health Science and PracticeThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Fiona Kumfor
- Faculty of ScienceSchool of PsychologyThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Kirrie J. Ballard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health SciencesThe University of SydneyCamperdownNSWAustralia
- Brain and Mind CentreThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bambini V, Agostoni G, Buonocore M, Tonini E, Bechi M, Ferri I, Sapienza J, Martini F, Cuoco F, Cocchi F, Bischetti L, Cavallaro R, Bosia M. It is time to address language disorders in schizophrenia: A RCT on the efficacy of a novel training targeting the pragmatics of communication (PragmaCom). JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 97:106196. [PMID: 35526293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Language and communication disruptions in schizophrenia are at the center of a large body of investigation. Yet, the remediation of such disruptions is still in its infancy. Here we targeted what is known to be one of the most damaged language domains in schizophrenia, namely pragmatics, by conducting a pragmatics-centered intervention with a randomized controlled trial design and assessing also durability and generalization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with these characteristics. METHODS Inspired by the Gricean account of natural language use, we tailored a novel treatment addressing the pragmatics of communication (PragmaCom) and we tested its efficacy in a sample of individuals with schizophrenia randomized to the experimental group or to an active control group. The primary outcome with respect to the efficacy of the PragmaCom was measured by changes in pragmatic abilities (as evaluated with the global score of the Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates test) from baseline to 12 weeks and at 3-month follow-up. The secondary outcome was measured by changes in metaphor comprehension, abstract thinking, and global functioning from baseline to 12 weeks and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Relative to the control group, at post-test the PragmaCom group showed greater and enduring improvement in global pragmatic skills and in metaphor comprehension. At follow-up, these improvements persisted and the PragmaCom exerted beneficial effects also on functioning. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited sample size, we believe that these findings offer initial yet encouraging evidence of the possibility to improve pragmatic skills with a theoretically grounded approach and to obtain durable and clinically relevant benefits. We argue that it is time that therapeutic efforts embrace communicative dysfunctions in order to improve illness outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giulia Agostoni
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tonini
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ferri
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sapienza
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Martini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cuoco
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cocchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bischetti
- Department of Humanities and Life Sciences, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bosia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Montemurro S, Daini R, Tagliabue C, Guzzetti S, Gualco G, Mondini S, Arcara G. Cognitive reserve estimated with a life experience questionnaire outperforms education in predicting performance on MoCA: Italian normative data. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
20
|
Aiello EN, Rimoldi S, Bolognini N, Appollonio I, Arcara G. Psychometrics and diagnostics of Italian cognitive screening tests: a systematic review. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:821-845. [PMID: 34816316 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05683-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive screening tests (CSTs) are crucial to neuropsychological diagnostics, and thus need to be featured by robust psychometric and diagnostic properties. However, CSTs happen not to meet desirable statistical standards, negatively affecting their level of recommendations and applicability. This study aimed at (a) providing an up-to-date compendium of available CSTs in Italy, (b) report their psychometric and diagnostic properties, and (c) address related limitations. METHODS This review was implemented by consulting Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Standardization and usability studies focusing on norms, validity, reliability, or sensitivity/specificity (and derived metrics) in adults were considered for eligibility. Quality assessment was performed by means of an ad hoc checklist collecting information on sampling, psychometrics/diagnostics, norming, and feasibility. RESULTS Sixty studies were included out of an initial N = 683. Identified CSTs (N = 40) were classified into general, domain-, and disease-specific (N = 17, 7, and 16, respectively), the latter being less statistically robust than remaining categories. Validity and reliability evidence was provided for 29 and 26 CSTs, respectively, sensitivity/specificity for 20 and norms for 33. Prevalence- and post-test-based diagnostic metrics were seldomly represented; factorial structures, ceiling/floor effects, and acceptability rarely investigated; content, face, and ecological validity never assessed. DISCUSSION Although available Italian CSTs overall met basic psychometric/diagnostic requirements, their statistical profile often proved to be poor on several properties that are desirable for clinical applications, with a few exceptions among general and domain-specific ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
| | - Sara Rimoldi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Nadia Bolognini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.,Neuropsychological Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Section, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zanin E, Aiello EN, Diana L, Fusi G, Bonato M, Niang A, Ognibene F, Corvaglia A, De Caro C, Cintoli S, Marchetti G, Vestri A. Tele-neuropsychological assessment tools in Italy: a systematic review on psychometric properties and usability. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:125-138. [PMID: 34751849 PMCID: PMC8576086 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05719-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The current COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly catalysed a shift towards remote assessment in neuropsychological practice (tele-neuropsychology, t-NPs). Although the validity of t-NPs diagnostics is gaining recognition worldwide, little is known about its implementation in Italy. The present review by the Italian working group on tele-neuropsychology (TELA) aims at describing the availability, psychometric properties, and feasibility of t-NPs tools currently available in Italy. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. This work was pre-registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021239687). Observational studies reporting telephone-, videoconference- or web-based assessment of cognition/behaviour in Italian both healthy participants (HPs) and patients were included. Bias assessment was performed through ad hoc scales. Results Fourteen studies were included from an initial N = 895 (4 databases searched). Studies were subdivided into those focused on psychometric properties and those characterized by a predominant applied nature. The majority of studies addressed either adult/elderly HPs or neurological/internal patients. Multi-domain screening tools for cognition, behaviour, mood/anxiety and quality of life were the most represented. Findings regarding validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity and clinical usability were reported for cognitive screenings — the telephone- and videoconference-based Mini-Mental State Examination and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Discussion Positive albeit preliminary evidence regarding psychometric properties and feasibility in both clinical and non-clinical populations of Italian t-NPs brief screening tools are herewith provided. Further studies exploring clinical usability of t-NPs and psychometric properties/feasibility of tests for the in-depth assessment of specific cognitive domains are necessary. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10072-021-05719-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elia Zanin
- Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione (ORAS)-ULSS 2 TV, Motta di Livenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy. .,PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Diana
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,PhD Program in Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Fusi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario Bonato
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Aida Niang
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Corvaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Simona Cintoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Alec Vestri
- Unit for the Rehabilitation of Acquired Neuropsychological Disorders, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chiò A, Canosa A, Calvo A, Moglia C, Cicolin A, Mora G. Developments in the assessment of non-motor disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1419-1440. [PMID: 34554894 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1984883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of non-motor symptoms is a major determinant of quality of life and outcome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has profound negative effect also on caregivers. AREAS COVERED Non-motor symptoms in ALS include cognitive impairment, neurobehavioral symptoms, depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and autonomic dysfunctions. This review summarizes the measures used for the assessment of non-motor symptoms and their properties and recaps the frequency and progression of these symptoms along the course of ALS. EXPERT OPINION Non-motor symptoms in ALS represent a major component of the disease and span over several domains. These symptoms require a high level of medical attention and should be checked at each visit using ad hoc questionnaires and proactively treated. Several instruments assessing non-motor symptoms have been used in ALS. Specific screening questionnaires for non-motor symptoms can be used for monitoring patients during telehealth visits and for remote surveillance through sensors and apps installed on smartphones. Novel trials for non-motor symptoms treatment specifically designed for ALS are necessary to increase and refine the therapeutic armamentarium. Finally, scales assessing the most frequent and burdensome non-motor symptoms should be included in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cicolin
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Sleep Medicine Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Neurorehabilitation Department, Ics Maugeri Irccs, Institute of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cordonier N, Champagne-Lavau M, Fossard M. A New Test of Irony and Indirect Requests Comprehension-The IRRI Test: Validation and Normative Data in French-Speaking Adults. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 37:173-185. [PMID: 34100534 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonliteral language comprehension disorders in individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI) are frequently reported in the literature but rarely assessed in clinical settings. A major reason is the lack of tools available to clinicians. Therefore, the present study aimed to further promote the pragmatic assessment routine by creating a new nonliteral language comprehension tool for ABI individuals: the IRRI test. This tool is intended to be standardized and capable of directing clinicians to cognitive deficits underlying a poor understanding of nonliteral language-context processing, executive functions, and theory of mind. METHOD Three studies were conducted. The first study aimed at constructing the two IRRI test tasks: the irony and indirect requests comprehension tasks. These tasks integrate the cognitive processes within them. The second study aimed at analyzing the tasks' psychometric qualities in a sample of 33 ABI participants and 33 healthy participants (HC). Preliminary normative data obtained from 102 healthy French-speaking subjects were collected in the third study. RESULTS Significant differences in the IRRI test's performances were observed between the ABI and HC individuals. The indirect requests task demonstrated robust convergent validity and good sensibility to discriminate altered participants among ABI participants. Both IRRI test's tasks also showed excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The preliminary norms were stratified according to the conditions of interest in relation to the cognitive mechanisms underlying the understanding of nonliteral language. CONCLUSIONS The IRRI test is a promising new standardized test of nonliteral language comprehension, which contributes to identifying cognitive-pragmatic profiles to guide therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Cordonier
- Faculté des lettres et sciences humaines, Institut des sciences logopédiques, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.,Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, LPL, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | | | - Marion Fossard
- Faculté des lettres et sciences humaines, Institut des sciences logopédiques, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bambini V, Van Looy L, Demiddele K, Schaeken W. What is the contribution of executive functions to communicative-pragmatic skills? Insights from aging and different types of pragmatic inference. Cogn Process 2021; 22:435-452. [PMID: 33786706 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01021-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of executive functions in supporting the pragmatics of communication has been extensively examined in clinical populations, but is still under-explored in healthy aging. In this study we addressed the role of executive skills, including inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, in older adults' communicative-pragmatic abilities. Pragmatics was extensively assessed by measuring the understanding of figurative language, narrative texts, humor, and implicatures. A hierarchical regression analysis using composite scores evidenced a global effect of executive functions on communicative-pragmatic abilities, beyond demographic and theory of mind aspects. More fine-grained analyses showed that working memory was the strongest predictor of all pragmatic tasks. Specifically, comprehending narratives and humor seemed to capitalize primarily upon working memory, whereas figurative language and implicatures relied on working memory and to some extent cognitive flexibility. Conversely, inhibition did not stand out as a robust predictor of pragmatics. We argue that working memory allows for the simultaneous consideration of multiple pieces of information needed for pragmatic inferencing, and that only once working memory has played its role other executive aspects, such as cognitive flexibility and inhibition, might come into play. Overall, this study highlights the diverse role of executive skills in pragmatics in aging, and more generally contributes to shed light on pragmatic competence in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cognitive dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: can we predict it? Neurol Sci 2021; 42:2211-2222. [PMID: 33772353 PMCID: PMC8159827 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motoneurons in the brain and spinal cord leading to motor and extra-motor symptoms. Although traditionally considered a pure motor disease, recent evidences suggest that ALS is a multisystem disorder. Neuropsychological alterations, in fact, are observed in more than 50% of patients: while executive dysfunctions have been firstly identified, alterations in verbal fluency, behavior, and pragmatic and social cognition have also been described. Detecting and monitoring ALS cognitive and behavioral impairment even at early disease stages is likely to have staging and prognostic implications, and it may impact the enrollment in future clinical trials. During the last 10 years, humoral, radiological, neurophysiological, and genetic biomarkers have been reported in ALS, and some of them seem to potentially correlate to cognitive and behavioral impairment of patients. In this review, we sought to give an up-to-date state of the art of neuropsychological alterations in ALS: we will describe tests used to detect cognitive and behavioral impairment, and we will focus on promising non-invasive biomarkers to detect pre-clinical cognitive decline. Conclusions To date, the research on humoral, radiological, neurophysiological, and genetic correlates of neuropsychological alterations is at the early stage, and no conclusive longitudinal data have been published. Further and longitudinal studies on easily accessible and quantifiable biomarkers are needed to clarify the time course and the evolution of cognitive and behavioral impairments of ALS patients.
Collapse
|
26
|
Baraldi MA, Avanzino L, Pelosin E, Domaneschi F, Di Paola S, Lagravinese G. Pragmatic abilities in early Parkinson's disease. Brain Cogn 2021; 150:105706. [PMID: 33761383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2021.105706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Language impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been investigated at different levels of linguistic skills. Only a few studies dealt with pragmatic abilities in PD, and these suggest an impairment of pragmatic skills, which might affect quality of life. However, previous studies enrolled patients with heterogeneous symptom severity. The goal of this study is twofold: first, to investigate whether pragmatic skills are compromised at the early stage of PD; second, to explore whether an early pragmatic impairment is explained by a decay of a specific cognitive function. We assessed pragmatic abilities (discourse production, comprehension of narratives, humour, and figurative language), and a cluster of cognitive functions (memory, verbal fluency, inhibition, shifting, and ToM) in a sample of early PD patients and a group of age-matched healthy controls. Early PD patients showed impaired general pragmatic skills (the ability to perform different pragmatic tasks in language production and comprehension), as well as a deficit in the production and comprehension individual scores. Our results suggest that good general cognitive skills (a good overall cognitive level) and high education support patients' pragmatic competence. Inhibitory processes have been found to predict patients' ability to understand figurative language, such as metaphors, and this might be related to frontal lobe dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice Baraldi
- Department of Educational Sciences (DISFOR), Psychology Unit, Corso Podestà 2, University of Genoa, 16128 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Laura Avanzino
- IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Section of Human Physiology, Via Leon Battista Alberti 2, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Elisa Pelosin
- IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health (DINOGMI), Largo Daneo 3, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Domaneschi
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, Via Balbi 30, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Simona Di Paola
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, Via Balbi 2, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Lagravinese
- IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health (DINOGMI), Largo Daneo 3, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bambini V, Tonini E, Ceccato I, Lecce S, Marocchini E, Cavallini E. How to improve social communication in aging: Pragmatic and cognitive interventions. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 211:104864. [PMID: 33137591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Among all aspects of the linguistic and communicative competence, pragmatics seems especially vulnerable in aging, due also to cognitive decline. However, pragmatics has never been considered as an intervention target in healthy aging. Here we tested the effects of a novel training program to improve pragmatics (PragmaCom) in older adults, compared with an active cognitive control group in a randomized-controlled-trial design. Both the PragmaCom group and the control group improved in pragmatic skills such as understanding metaphors and avoiding off-topic speech, indicating that it is possible to improve pragmatics in aging both with a specific training and with a cognitive training. Individual cognitive factors predicted pragmatic improvement in the control group, while in the PragmaCom group benefits were less dependent on individual characteristics. We discuss the results in terms of pragmatic plasticity, highlighting the importance of these findings for promoting older adults' social communication and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Tonini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Ceccato
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Via Luigi Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marocchini
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, University of Genoa, Via Balbi 30, 16128 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Del Sette P, Bambini V, Bischetti L, Lecce S. Longitudinal associations between theory of mind and metaphor understanding during middle childhood. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2020.100958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
29
|
Panikratova YR, Vlasova RM, Akhutina TV, Tikhonov DV, Pluzhnikov IV, Kaleda VG. [Executive control of language production in schizophrenia: a pilot neuropsychological study]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:14-22. [PMID: 32929919 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202012008114] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the general hypothesis about executive deficits in language production in schizophrenia as well as more specific hypothesis that this deficit would be more pronounced in the case of higher demand on executive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five patients with schizophrenia and twenty-seven healthy controls were asked to tell a story based on a series of pictures and then to give an oral composition on the given topic. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Schizophrenia patients, compared to controls, demonstrated poorer programming as well as shorter text and phrase length in both tasks. Oral composition on the given topic in patients was characterized by the presence of agrammatism, need for leading questions due to the difficulties of story plot generation as well as higher variance in syntactic complexity and text length. Therefore, the authors revealed executive deficit in language production, more pronounced in the task with less numerous external cues for planning and sequential text explication, in schizophrenia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - R M Vlasova
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - T V Akhutina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - V G Kaleda
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bambini V, Bischetti L, Bonomi CG, Arcara G, Lecce S, Ceroni M. Beyond the motor account of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Verbal humour and its relationship with the cognitive and pragmatic profile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2020; 55:751-764. [PMID: 32725835 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) was traditionally described as a disease restricted to the motor system. However, recent findings suggested that it also affects cognition, especially executive functions, social cognition, language and pragmatics. A relevant issue in current research is thus the description of the cognitive phenotype of ALS and the identification of the most vulnerable aspects. AIMS The focus was on a communicative phenomenon placed at the crossroads of pragmatic and other cognitive domains, namely humour, which till now has been poorly explored in ALS. The first aim was to investigate whether ALS is associated with impairments in understanding and appreciating jokes. The second aim was to explore the predictors of humour comprehension and appreciation in patients, to confirm the involvement of pragmatic skills and to explore the role of other cognitive and clinical aspects. METHODS & PROCEDURES A total of 30 non-demented patients with ALS and 27 controls were assessed with a task of verbal humour comprehension and appreciation, including two types of jokes: phonological and mental. We also administered a battery of pragmatic and other language tasks, and cognitive and socio-cognitive tasks. Mixed-effects models were used to test differences in the humour task between the two groups. Multiple regressions determined the best predictors of humour comprehension and appreciation in patients. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Patients obtained lower comprehension accuracy scores than controls in the humour task, independently of the type of joke. Conversely, patients and controls did not differ in joke appreciation and both rated mental jokes as funnier than the phonological ones. Patients' comprehension accuracy was predicted by pragmatic skills and ALS severity, whereas appreciation was predicted by several clinical variables and, to a smaller extent, by language skills. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The findings suggest that humour is a very vulnerable aspect in ALS, and that impairment in humour comprehension might be part of the larger cognitive impairment, being linked to pragmatic impairment. Clinical variables were also important, especially in relation to humour appreciation. More generally, these data speak in favour of pragmatics as a relevant aspect to sketch the cognitive phenotype of ALS. On the practical level, these findings point to the need of supporting communication at large, not only motor-related aspects such as dysarthria but also social-pragmatic aspects such as understanding jokes, to increase well-being in ALS. What this paper adds What is already known on this subject The literature of the last decades has shown that ALS comes with impairment in several cognitive domains, affecting especially executive functions as well as language. There is also initial evidence that the pragmatics of communication and humour comprehension are impaired, although non-serious talk has been documented in conversational interaction among people with ALS. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study offers compelling evidence of an impairment in the comprehension of jokes in ALS, whereas the appreciation of joke funniness seems to be spared. The study also highlights the interplay of cognitive factors (especially pragmatics) and clinical factors (related to disease severity) in predicting the patients' performance in the humour task. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The study's findings call for the need of increased awareness among scholars as well as practitioners and caregivers of the profile of humour comprehension and appreciation in ALS. On a practical level, we highlight the need of assessing humour comprehension and adapting the communicative style accordingly. Second, we recommend that intervention programmes targeting communication in ALS go beyond speech-related difficulties and include pragmatic aspects such as humour. Considering the important communicative and social function of humour, as well as its use as a coping strategy, humour interventions are key to improve the quality of life of individuals with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Bischetti
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceroni
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Neurological Institute Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Luzzi S, Baldinelli S, Ranaldi V, Fiori C, Plutino A, Fringuelli FM, Silvestrini M, Baggio G, Reverberi C. The neural bases of discourse semantic and pragmatic deficits in patients with frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Cortex 2020; 128:174-191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
32
|
Bambini V, Arcara G, Bosinelli F, Buonocore M, Bechi M, Cavallaro R, Bosia M. A leopard cannot change its spots: A novel pragmatic account of concretism in schizophrenia. Neuropsychologia 2020; 139:107332. [PMID: 31923528 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Concretism is a well-known feature of schizophrenia, tracing back to the early descriptions of the disease and commonly associated with the literal interpretation of figurative expressions such as proverbs, metaphors, and idioms. However, figurative expressions are not all alike in terms of linguistic and pragmatic processes. Determining if some figurative types are more impaired than others and if the type of task affects the performance constitutes an open issue with implications for the description of the clinical profile and for treatment. We run a fine-grained assessment of figurative language comprehension by comparing 47 patients with schizophrenia and 39 controls in three figurative types (idioms, metaphors, proverbs) presented in two response formats (multiple-choice, verbal-explanation), considering also the role of cognitive and clinical variables and the impact on quality of life. Mixed-effects models analysis revealed that: i) patients performed worse than controls across figurative types and response formats, indicating a diffuse impairment; ii) there is an interplay of figurative type and response format, which makes verbal-explanation of proverbs especially challenging; iii) in patients, problems in figurative language are largely connected with formal thought disorder and global IQ. Moreover, multiple-choice of metaphors was associated with patients' quality of life. This study offers a novel account of concretism, framed in pragmatics and figurative language processing. Adopting this perspective allowed us to describe the nuances of concretism, which areas in the figurative domain are especially challenging for patients and which ones capture differences in functioning, in order to guide intervention programs and integration in society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Francesca Bosinelli
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bosia
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Montemurro S, Mondini S, Signorini M, Marchetto A, Bambini V, Arcara G. Pragmatic Language Disorder in Parkinson's Disease and the Potential Effect of Cognitive Reserve. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1220. [PMID: 31275189 PMCID: PMC6593041 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) may show deficits in several areas of cognition, including speech and language abilities. One domain of particular interest is pragmatics, which refers to the capacity of using language in context for a successful communication. Several studies showed that some specific aspects of pragmatics - both in production and in comprehension - might be impaired in patients with PD. However, a clear picture of pragmatic abilities in PD is still missing, as most of the existing studies focused on specific aspects of the pragmatic competence rather than on sketching a complete pragmatic profile. Moreover, little is known on the potential role of protective factors in compensating the decline of communicative skills as the disease progresses. The present study has two aims: (1) to provide a complete picture of pragmatic abilities in patients with PD, by using a comprehensive battery (Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates, APACS) and by investigating the relationship with other aspects of cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory and Theory of Mind) and (2) to investigate whether Cognitive Reserve, i.e., the resilience to cognitive impairment provided by life experiences and activities, may compensate for the progressive pragmatic deficits in PD. We found that patients with PD, compared to healthy matched controls, had worse performance in discourse production and in the description of scenes, and that these impairments were tightly correlated with the severity of motor impairment, suggesting reduced intentionality of engaging in a communicative exchange. Patients with PD showed also an impairment in comprehending texts and humor, suggesting a problem in inferring from stories, which was related to general cognitive impairment. Notably, we did not find any significant difference between patients and controls in figurative language comprehension, a domain that is commonly impaired in other neurodegenerative diseases. This might be indicative of a specific profile of pragmatic impairment in patients with PD, worth of further investigation. Finally, Cognitive Reserve measures showed a high degree of association with pragmatic comprehension abilities, suggesting that the modification of life-styles could be a good candidate for compensating the possible problems in understanding the pragmatic aspects of language experienced by patients with PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Montemurro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Human Inspired Technology Research Centre, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Mondini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Human Inspired Technology Research Centre, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Anna Marchetto
- Gruppo Veneto Diagnostica e Riabilitazione, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax, University School of Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Bosco FM, Berardinelli L, Parola A. The Ability of Patients With Schizophrenia to Comprehend and Produce Sincere, Deceitful, and Ironic Communicative Intentions: The Role of Theory of Mind and Executive Functions. Front Psychol 2019; 10:827. [PMID: 31139103 PMCID: PMC6519037 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia are often described as impaired in several cognitive domains. Specifically, patients with schizophrenia often exhibit problems in solving tasks requiring theory of mind (ToM), i.e., the ability to ascribe mental states to oneself and others, communicative-pragmatic ability, i.e., the ability to use language and non-verbal expressive means to convey meaning in a given context, and executive functions (EF). This study aims to investigate the role of cognitive functions, such as general intelligence, selective attention, processing speed, and especially EF (working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and planning), and ToM in explaining the performance of individual with schizophrenia in comprehending and producing communicative acts expressed with different communicative intentions (i.e., sincere, deceitful, and ironic), and realized through linguistic and extralinguistic/non-verbal expressive means. Thirty-two patients with schizophrenia and an equal number of healthy controls performed tasks aiming to investigate their capacity to comprehend and produce sincere, deceitful, and ironic communicative acts in addition to a series of cognitive tasks evaluating EF and ToM. The results indicated that individuals with schizophrenia performed worse than the controls in the comprehension and production of all pragmatic phenomena investigated, as well as in all the cognitive functions examined. The patients with schizophrenia also exhibited an increasing trend of difficulty in comprehending and producing sincere, deceitful, and ironic communicative acts expressed through either linguistic or extralinguistic means. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis of the patients' performance on the pragmatic tasks revealed that overall, the role of attention, general intelligence, and processing speed did not appear to significantly explain the patients' communicative-pragmatic performance. The inclusion of EF into the analysis did not contribute to increase the explained variance of the patients' ability to comprehend and produce the various pragmatic phenomena investigated. Only the addition of ToM could significantly increase the explained variance, but only in the comprehension and production of deceit expressed by language and the production of sincere communicative acts, also limited to linguistic production. We conclude that neither EF nor ToM are able to explain the decreasing trend detected in the patients' pragmatic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M. Bosco
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Parola
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Steel J, Togher L. Social communication assessment after TBI: a narrative review of innovations in pragmatic and discourse assessment methods. Brain Inj 2018; 33:1-14. [PMID: 30303397 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1531304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social communication assessment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a challenging area within speech-language pathology (SLP) clinical practice. Difficulties include the lack of TBI-specific standardized assessment instruments and limited knowledge and uptake of discourse assessment methods clinically. The aim of this paper was to review recent research literature reporting on innovative social communication and discourse assessment measures and methods, to guide evidence-based SLP practice and inform future research. MAIN CONTRIBUTION This review describes novel standardized and non-standardized assessment tools for SLP use reported in TBI research literature from the past 15 years. Measures include published assessment batteries and pragmatic rating scales designed for use with adults with TBI, and novel discourse tasks and protocols. CONCLUSION This paper delineates social communication assessment measures and discourse analyses described in research literature that may be practical for SLPs to use with adults with TBI. The clinical implications and utility of these measures are discussed. This should assist SLPs in decision-making on social communication assessment for adults with TBI. Further research is needed to investigate translation of research knowledge on discourse assessment methods to SLP practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Steel
- a Speech Pathology , The University of Technology , Sydney , Australia
- b Moving Ahead , NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Brain Recovery, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales ,, Sydney , Australia
| | - Leanne Togher
- b Moving Ahead , NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Brain Recovery, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales ,, Sydney , Australia
- c Speech Pathology , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Carotenuto A, Cocozza S, Quarantelli M, Arcara G, Lanzillo R, Brescia Morra V, Cerillo I, Tedeschi E, Orefice G, Bambini V, Brunetti A, Iodice R. Pragmatic abilities in multiple sclerosis: The contribution of the temporo-parietal junction. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2018; 185:47-53. [PMID: 30110668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies showed that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients might experience communicative deficits, specifically in pragmatics (i.e., the ability to integrate the context-dependent aspects of language). A crucial region for pragmatics is the temporo-parietal junction, in particular the so-called Geschwind's area (GA), which is involved in high-level language processes, including the comprehension of narratives, metaphor, and irony. We evaluated the relationship between pragmatic abilities, measured through the Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates (APACS) test, and the functional connectivity (FC) of the bilateral GAs, assessed through a seed-based analysis of Resting-State fMRI in patients with MS. A positive correlation was observed between APACS scores and the FC for both the right and the left GA and the paracingulate cortex. Our findings suggest that the brain FC for social communication involves connections extending over both hemispheres, including right and left GAs and right and left paracingulate cortex, possibly impaired in patients with MS. This study offers preliminary evidence for future researches enrolling also a control sample to explore the involvement of GA in pragmatics in neurological disorders as well as in healthy conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario Quarantelli
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cerillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Tedeschi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Orefice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NETS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cappelli G, Noccetti S, Arcara G, Bambini V. Pragmatic competence and its relationship with the linguistic and cognitive profile of young adults with dyslexia. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2018; 24:294-306. [PMID: 29993159 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study assessed the pragmatic skills of 19 well-compensated Italian-speaking young adults with dyslexia compared with controls. A comprehensive pragmatic assessment tool was employed, targeting production and comprehension (Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates [APACS]). Participants were also administered a series of standardized tests to assess verbal and non-verbal cognitive abilities, including executive functions and social cognition tests. Data were analysed with the aim of understanding whether pragmatic abilities are compromised in dyslexia and of exploring associations between pragmatic performance and other cognitive domains. The performance of the dyslexia group was poorer than that of the control group in both expressive and receptive modalities. Data showed diffuse problems across several domains, with the greatest challenge posed by inferring nonliteral meanings, which indicates that pragmatic inefficiency is an important aspect of the linguistic and communicative profile of dyslexia in adulthood. Explorative correlations highlighted a relation between pragmatic performance and reading and vocabulary abilities, as well as between pragmatics and working memory. This suggests that pragmatic difficulties are strongly tied to the most distinctive aspects of dyslexia, namely, phonological awareness, verbal short-term memory, pseudo-word repetition, whereas the link with high-level executive functions and Theory of Mind is negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Cappelli
- Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Noccetti
- Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition and theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang Z, Jin L, Zhou W, Lei D, Yan H, Yu H, Zeng Z, Zhu G, Zheng J, Dai Y, Wang H. A single-center observational study on the efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention for ischemic heart failure: A cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e0238. [PMID: 29595676 PMCID: PMC5895416 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000010238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on cardiac function and clinical outcomes in patients with confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF), on the basis of the optimal medical treatment recommended by current guidelines, remain to be determined.A cohort study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of PCI on the basis of optimal medical treatment in patients with CAD and HF. Patients who received PCI were subsequently grouped according to partial and complete revascularization (CR) depending on the PCI outcome. The primary outcome was defined as a composite outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) also were compared.A total of 69 patients (12 who received medical treatment and 57 who received PCI) were included. Patients in the PCI group showed significantly improved LVEF (P < .001), but patients in the medical treatment group did not (P > .05) after 3 months of follow-up. MACEs occurred in 50% patients in the medical treatment group and 19.3% patients of the PCI group, with this difference almost reaching statistical significance (P = .06). Compared with patients who received medical therapy only, patients who received PCI experienced better survival (P = .02). Moreover, survival seemed to be better in patients who achieved CR with PCI of the coronary arteries than in those who had partial revascularization of the coronary arteries (P = .06).PCI may be effective for improving survival in patients with CAD and HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongtao Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Lijun Jin
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science
| | - Wanxing Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Da Lei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Hong Yan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science
| | - Huimin Yu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science
| | - Zhihuan Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Guiping Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Jianyi Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, School of Clinical Medicine of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University
| | - Yining Dai
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Science
| | - Haifang Wang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fukuhara K, Ogawa Y, Tanaka H, Nagata Y, Nishida S, Haga D, Nishikawa T. Impaired Interpretation of Others' Behavior is Associated with Difficulties in Recognizing Pragmatic Language in Patients with Schizophrenia. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2017; 46:1309-1318. [PMID: 28500472 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-017-9497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Much attention has been paid to the pragmatic language function in schizophrenia. This study of Japanese patients with schizophrenia examined the relationship between impaired interpretation of the behaviors of other people in social contexts and the ability to recognize metaphor and irony. We assessed 34 patients with schizophrenia and 34 normal subjects using first- and second-order theory of mind tasks, the Metaphor and Sarcasm Scenario Test, and the Dewey Story Test (which tests the ability to judge others' social behaviors). We compared the performance between the groups and analyzed correlations between the tasks. All tasks revealed significant deficits in the patients compared with the controls. In the patient group, metaphor comprehension was correlated with the ability to judge normal behaviors, and irony comprehension was correlated with the ability to judge abnormal behaviors, suggesting that deficits of social cognition in schizophrenia include these two types of factors associated with pragmatic language.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keita Fukuhara
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
- Department of Psychiatric Day Care, Mikiwakai Orange Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
- Day Care Center, Hokutokai Sawa Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
| | - Yuma Nagata
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
| | - Saiji Nishida
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
| | - Daisuke Haga
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan
- Day Care Center, Hokutokai Sawa Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishikawa
- Department of Clinical Rehabilitation, Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Comprehensive Rehabilitation, 3-7-30 Habikino, Habikino-City, Osaka, 5838555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Arcara G, Burgio F, Benavides-Varela S, Toffano R, Gindri P, Tonini E, Meneghello F, Semenza C. Numerical Activities of Daily Living – Financial (NADL-F): A tool for the assessment of financial capacities. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2017; 29:1062-1084. [DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1359188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Burgio
- San Camillo Hospital IRCCS, Venice, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience (Padova Neuroscience Center), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Toffano
- San Camillo Hospital IRCCS, Venice, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience (Padova Neuroscience Center), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Tonini
- Department of Neuroscience (Padova Neuroscience Center), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Semenza
- San Camillo Hospital IRCCS, Venice, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience (Padova Neuroscience Center), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Carotenuto A, Arcara G, Orefice G, Cerillo I, Giannino V, Rasulo M, Iodice R, Bambini V. Communication in Multiple Sclerosis: Pragmatic Deficit and its Relation with Cognition and Social Cognition. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2017; 33:194-205. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acx061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Orefice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cerillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Giannino
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Rasulo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and theoretical Syntax (NEtS), School of Advanced Studies IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Roberts A, Savundranayagam M, Orange JB. Non-Alzheimer Dementias. PERSPECTIVES IN PRAGMATICS, PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47489-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
44
|
|
45
|
Bambini V, Arcara G, Bechi M, Buonocore M, Cavallaro R, Bosia M. The communicative impairment as a core feature of schizophrenia: Frequency of pragmatic deficit, cognitive substrates, and relation with quality of life. Compr Psychiatry 2016; 71:106-120. [PMID: 27653782 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairments in specific aspects of pragmatic competence, supporting the use of language in context, are largely documented in schizophrenia and might represent an indicator of poor outcome. Yet pragmatics is rarely included in clinical settings. This paper aims to promote a clinical consideration of pragmatics as a target of assessment and intervention. We investigated the frequency of the pragmatic deficit, its cognitive substrates, and the relation with quality of life. METHODS Pragmatic abilities were compared in a sample of patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls based on a comprehensive pragmatic test (APACS). We assessed also for psychopathology, cognition, social cognition, and quality of life. We explored the co-occurrence of deficits in different domains, and we used multiple regressions to investigate the effect of cognition and social cognition on pragmatics, and of pragmatics on quality of life. RESULTS Pragmatic abilities, especially comprehending discourse and non-literal meanings, were compromised in schizophrenia, with 77% of patients falling below cutoff. Pragmatic deficit co-occurred with cognitive or socio-cognitive deficits in approximately 30% of cases. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the interplay of cognition and social cognition in pragmatic behavior. Quality of life was predicted by symptoms and by pragmatic abilities. CONCLUSIONS The high frequency of impairment suggests that the pragmatic deficit is a core feature of schizophrenia, associated with quality of life. Cognitive and socio-cognitive abilities might represent necessary though not sufficient building blocks for the acquisition of pragmatic abilities throughout development. Therefore, a more precise incorporation of pragmatics in the description of the pathology is of high clinical and translational relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and theoretical Syntax, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Arcara
- IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo, Via Alberoni 70, Lido di Venezia (Venezia), Italy.
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano, Italy.
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano, Italy.
| | - Marta Bosia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano, Italy; Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|