Meta-analysis of Cognitive Function Following Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

To effectively diagnose and treat subjective cognitive symptoms in post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC), it is important to understand objective cognitive impairment across the range of acute COVID-19 severity. Despite the importance of this area of research, to our knowledge, there are no current meta-analyses of objective cognitive functioning following non-severe initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this meta-analysis is to describe objective cognitive impairment in individuals with non-severe (mild or moderate) SARS-CoV-2 cases in the post-acute stage of infection. This meta-analysis was pre-registered with Prospero (CRD42021293124) and utilized the PRISMA checklist for reporting guidelines, with screening conducted by at least two independent reviewers for all aspects of the screening and data extraction process. Fifty-nine articles (total participants = 22,060) with three types of study designs met our full criteria. Individuals with non-severe (mild/moderate) initial SARS-CoV-2 infection demonstrated worse objective cognitive performance compared to healthy comparison participants. However, those with mild (nonhospitalized) initial SARS-CoV-2 infections had better objective cognitive performance than those with moderate (hospitalized but not requiring ICU care) or severe (hospitalized with ICU care) initial SARS-CoV-2 infections. For studies that used normative data comparisons instead of healthy comparison participants, there was a small and nearly significant effect when compared to normative data. There were high levels of heterogeneity (88.6 to 97.3%), likely reflecting small sample sizes and variations in primary study methodology. Individuals who have recovered from non-severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections may be at risk for cognitive decline or impairment and may benefit from cognitive health interventions.

Meta-analysis of Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions in Veterans and Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injuries.

MAIN OBJECTIVE: Cognitive difficulties are some of the most frequently experienced symptoms following mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). There is meta-analytic evidence that cognitive rehabilitation improves cognitive functioning after TBI in nonveteran populations but not specifically within the veteran and service member (V/SM) population. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to examine the effect of cognitive rehabilitation interventions for V/SMs with a history of mild-to-moderate TBI. DESIGN AND MAIN MEASURES: This meta-analysis was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42021262902) and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist for reporting guidelines. Inclusion criteria required studies to have (1) randomized controlled trials; (2) used adult participants (aged 18 years or older) who were US veterans or active-duty service members who had a history of mild-to-moderate TBI; (3) cognitive rehabilitation treatments designed to improve cognition and/or everyday functioning; (4) used objective neuropsychological testing as a primary outcome measure; and (5) been published in English. At least 2 reviewers independently screened all identified abstracts and full-text articles and coded demographic and effect size data. The final search was run on February 24, 2023, using 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Study quality and bias were examined using the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials. RESULTS: We identified 8 articles meeting full criteria (total participants = 564; 97% of whom had a history of mild TBI). Compared with control groups, participants showed a small, but significant, improvement in overall objective neuropsychological functioning after cognitive rehabilitation interventions. Interventions focusing on teaching strategies had a larger effect size than did those focusing on drill-and-practice approaches for both objective neuropsychological test performance and performance-based measures of functional capacity. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of cognitive improvement in V/SMs with TBI histories after participation in cognitive rehabilitation. Clinician-administered interventions focusing on teaching strategies may yield the greatest cognitive improvement in this population.

Feasibility of a Telehealth Compensatory Cognitive Training Program for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVES: Older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may benefit from compensatory cognitive training (CCT). This study investigated the feasibility of telehealth CCT among older adults with MCI. METHODS: Adults age 55+ with MCI (n = 28) and a care partner (n = 18) participated in telehealth CCT. Participants rated sessions' technological interference on an adapted 0-100 session rating scale (higher scores=less interference). Clinicians provided ratings and qualitative feedback on types of interference experienced. Feasibility was assessed by enrollment and completion rates, and through ratings and feedback. RESULTS: 6% of contacts declined participation due to telehealth delivery. 24 of 28 participants completed the program, with no dropouts due to telehealth. Participants (M = 81.32, SD = 25.61) and clinicians (M = 76.24, SD = 33.37) rated technological interference as infrequent. Clinicians indicated most interference did not impact sessions, though 4% required rescheduling due to interference. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth delivery was not a barrier to recruitment, enrollment, or completion of CCT. Technological problems were mostly minor. Telehealth CCT could support access to and intervention among older adults with MCI. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Telehealth CCT for older adults with MCI was feasible, with mild issues not impacting session completion. Clinicians should be prepared to offer support as technological issues arise, or have dedicated technological support services.

Baseline executive functioning moderates treatment-related changes in quality of life in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid traumatic brain injury.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment has been associated with improvement in quality of life (QOL); however, little is known about factors that moderate treatment-related changes in QOL, particularly cognitive factors. Executive functioning (EF) is important for success across all aspects of everyday life and predicts better psychological and physical health. EF is important to QOL, but more work is needed to better understand the association between EF and QOL improvements following interventions. We hypothesized that poorer baseline EF would be associated with less improvement in overall life satisfaction and satisfaction with health following PTSD treatment. U.S. veterans who served after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (post 9-11; N = 80) with PTSD and a history of mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury were randomized to standard cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or CPT combined with cognitive rehabilitation (SMART-CPT). Multilevel modeling was used to examine whether baseline EF performance was associated with changes in QOL scores from pretreatment to follow-up across both groups. Results indicated that poorer baseline performance on EF tests of working memory and inhibition were associated with less treatment-related improvements in general life satisfaction and satisfaction with health, rs = .26-.36. Treatment condition did not moderate any results. Future research should examine whether implementing EF-focused techniques before and/or concurrently with CPT for individuals with poorer baseline working memory and inhibition enhances QOL treatment gains, particularly in terms of general life and health-related satisfaction.

Suicide Safety Plan Self-knowledge in Serious Mental Illness: Psychiatric Symptom Correlates and Effects of Brief Intervention.

Psychiatric symptoms experienced by people with serious mental illness (SMI; schizophrenia, bipolar and other psychotic disorders) may impact suicide safety planning. This study examined safety plan self-knowledge, or an individual's own knowledge and awareness of their safety plan, in a sample of people with SMI. Participants (N = 53) with SMI at elevated risk of suicide completed a 4-session intervention that included safety plans, with one intervention group that included mobile augmentation. Self-knowledge was assessed from previous safety plans at 4-, 12- and 24-weeks. Fewer warning signs generated was correlated with greater psychiatric symptoms (r = - .306, p = .026) and suicidal ideation (r = - .298, p = .030). Fewer coping strategies generated was correlated with greater suicidal ideation (r = .- 323, p = .018). Preliminarily, there was greater self-knowledge of warning signs over time among participants in the mobile intervention. These preliminary findings highlight the relationship of safety plan self-knowledge to symptoms and suggest that mobile augmentation of safety planning may be beneficial. Trial Registration: NCT03198364.

Rates of Cognitive and Functional Impairments in Older Adults Residing in a Continuing Care Senior Housing Community.

OBJECTIVE: The current cross-sectional study examined cognition and performance-based functional abilities in a continuing care senior housing community (CCSHC) that is comparable to other CCSHCs in the US with respect to residents' demographic characteristics. METHOD: Participants were 110 older adult residents of the independent living unit. We assessed sociodemographics, mental health, neurocognitive functioning, and functional capacity. RESULTS: Compared to normative samples, participants performed at or above expectations in terms of premorbid functioning, attention span and working memory, processing speed, timed set-shifting, inhibitory control, and confrontation naming. They performed below expectation in verbal fluency and verbal and visual learning and memory, with impairment rates [31.4% (>1 SD below the mean) and 18.49% (>1.5 SD below the mean)] well above the general population (16% and 7%, respectively). Within the cognitive test battery, two tests of delayed memory were most predictive of a global deficit score. Most cognitive test scores correlated with performance-based functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results suggest that a subset of older adults in the independent living sector of CCSHCs are cognitively and functionally impaired and are at risk for future dementia. Results also argue for the inclusion of memory tests in abbreviated screening batteries in this population. We suggest that CCSHCs implement regular cognitive screening procedures to identify and triage those older adults who could benefit from interventions and, potentially, a transition to a higher level of care.

Neuropsychological Performance and Functional Capacity Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and performance-based functional capacity in veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), as well as the moderating effects of age and psychiatric symptoms on this relationship. SETTING: Three Veterans Affairs medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nineteen Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with a history of mTBI and self-reported cognitive difficulties. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of baseline measures in a randomized controlled trial. MAIN MEASURES: The main outcome measure, functional capacity, was assessed using the objective and performance-based University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment-Brief. A global deficit score (GDS) was created as a composite score for performance on a battery of neuropsychological measures assessing domains of attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and verbal memory performance. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity was assessed using the PTSD Checklist-Military Version, and depressive symptom severity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses indicated that worse neuropsychological performance (ie, higher GDS) and greater PTSD symptom severity were associated with worse communication abilities and worse overall functional capacity. Multiple linear regressions demonstrated that GDS and PTSD symptom severity explained 9% of the variance in communication and 10% of the variance in overall functional capacity; however, GDS emerged as the only significant predictor in both regressions. Age, PTSD, and depressive symptom severity did not moderate the relationship between GDS and overall functional capacity. Performance in the verbal learning and memory domain emerged as the strongest neuropsychological predictor of communication and overall functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Worse neuropsychological functioning was moderately associated with worse performance-based functional capacity, even when accounting for PTSD symptom severity. Verbal learning and memory was the primary neuropsychological domain driving the relationship with functional capacity; improvement in verbal learning and memory may translate into improved functional capacity.

Multi-method study of the implementation of Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Training (CogSMART) in real-world settings.

Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Training (CogSMART) and Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) are evidence-based compensatory cognitive training interventions that improve cognition in persons with a history of traumatic brain injury or other neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite demonstrated efficacy, use and effectiveness of CogSMART/CCT in real-world settings is not known.We used a multi-method design to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative survey data from several domains of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to gather information about use of CogSMART/CCT in real-world settings from provider and patient perspectives. Surveys were sent to email addresses from persons who registered on the CogSMART website seeking access to training manuals and other resources. Descriptive statistics were generated, and we used Natural Language Processing methods to study the self-report free responses. Using n-gram analysis, we identified the most frequently reported responses.We found CogSMART/CCT was broadly used in real-world settings and delivered by a variety of providers for several patient groups with high attendance and overall high satisfaction. CogSMART/CCT seemed to be offered in VA- or university-related clinics more than in private practice or rehabilitation centers. The diversity of providers and variety of formats by which to deliver CogSMART/CCT (i.e., individual, group, telehealth) seemed to play a role in its widespread implementation, as did its adaptability. Most providers made adaptations to the intervention that reduced the length or number of sessions. These changes were most likely to be based on client characteristics. The low rates of formal training, however, may have contributed to lower levels of perceived helpfulness among patients.Reach and Adoption of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention improved by increasing access to the manuals. Attention to characteristics of dissemination and implementation in the design of an intervention may enhance its use in real-world settings. The relevant outcomes, easy access to training manuals, and adaptability of CogSMART/CCT seem to have been important factors in its use in a variety of settings and for several disorders with cognitive impairment. The adoption of CogSMART/CCT by a variety of providers other than neuropsychologists suggests its use may be broadened to other healthcare providers, if adequately trained, to increase access to an intervention with demonstrated efficacy for cognitive rehabilitation for several neuropsychiatric disorders.

Initial Psychometric Properties of 7 NeuroUX Remote Ecological Momentary Cognitive Tests Among People With Bipolar Disorder: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: As smartphone technology has become nearly ubiquitous, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that ecological momentary cognitive testing (EMCT) offers advantages over traditional pen-and-paper psychological assessment. We introduce a newly developed platform for the self-administration of cognitive tests in ecologically valid ways. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant EMCT smartphone-based platform for the frequent and repeated testing of cognitive abilities in everyday life. This study examines the psychometric properties of 7 mobile cognitive tests covering domains of processing speed, visual working memory, recognition memory, and response inhibition within our platform among persons with and without bipolar disorder (BD). Ultimately, if shown to have adequate psychometric properties, EMCTs may be useful in research on BD and other neurological and psychiatric illnesses. METHODS: A total of 45 persons with BD and 21 demographically comparable healthy volunteer participants (aged 18-65 years) completed smartphone-based EMCTs 3 times daily for 14 days. Each EMCT session lasted approximately 1.5 minutes. Only 2 to 3 tests were administered in any given session, no test was administered more than once per day, and alternate test versions were administered in each session. RESULTS: The mean adherence to the EMCT protocol was 69.7% (SD 20.5%), resulting in 3965 valid and complete tests across the full sample. Participants were significantly more likely to miss tests on later versus earlier study days. Adherence did not differ by diagnostic status, suggesting that BD does not interfere with EMCT participation. In most tests, age and education were related to EMCT performance in expected directions. The average performances on most EMCTs were moderately to strongly correlated with the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. Practice effects were observed in 5 tests, with significant differences in practice effects by BD status in 3 tests. CONCLUSIONS: Although additional reliability and validity data are needed, this study provides initial psychometric support for EMCTs in the assessment of cognitive performance in real-world contexts in BD.

Effects of Mindfulness Training and Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Episodic memory and executive function are essential aspects of cognitive functioning that decline with aging. This decline may be ameliorable with lifestyle interventions. Objective: To determine whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), exercise, or a combination of both improve cognitive function in older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This 2 × 2 factorial randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 US sites (Washington University in St Louis and University of California, San Diego). A total of 585 older adults (aged 65-84 y) with subjective cognitive concerns, but not dementia, were randomized (enrollment from November 19, 2015, to January 23, 2019; final follow-up on March 16, 2020). Interventions: Participants were randomized to undergo the following interventions: MBSR with a target of 60 minutes daily of meditation (n = 150); exercise with aerobic, strength, and functional components with a target of at least 300 minutes weekly (n = 138); combined MBSR and exercise (n = 144); or a health education control group (n = 153). Interventions lasted 18 months and consisted of group-based classes and home practice. Main Outcomes and Measures: The 2 primary outcomes were composites of episodic memory and executive function (standardized to a mean [SD] of 0 [1]; higher composite scores indicate better cognitive performance) from neuropsychological testing; the primary end point was 6 months and the secondary end point was 18 months. There were 5 reported secondary outcomes: hippocampal volume and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex thickness and surface area from structural magnetic resonance imaging and functional cognitive capacity and self-reported cognitive concerns. Results: Among 585 randomized participants (mean age, 71.5 years; 424 [72.5%] women), 568 (97.1%) completed 6 months in the trial and 475 (81.2%) completed 18 months. At 6 months, there was no significant effect of mindfulness training or exercise on episodic memory (MBSR vs no MBSR: 0.44 vs 0.48; mean difference, -0.04 points [95% CI, -0.15 to 0.07]; P = .50; exercise vs no exercise: 0.49 vs 0.42; difference, 0.07 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.17]; P = .23) or executive function (MBSR vs no MBSR: 0.39 vs 0.31; mean difference, 0.08 points [95% CI, -0.02 to 0.19]; P = .12; exercise vs no exercise: 0.39 vs 0.32; difference, 0.07 [95% CI, -0.03 to 0.18]; P = .17) and there were no intervention effects at the secondary end point of 18 months. There was no significant interaction between mindfulness training and exercise (P = .93 for memory and P = .29 for executive function) at 6 months. Of the 5 prespecified secondary outcomes, none showed a significant improvement with either intervention compared with those not receiving the intervention. Conclusions and Relevance: Among older adults with subjective cognitive concerns, mindfulness training, exercise, or both did not result in significant differences in improvement in episodic memory or executive function at 6 months. The findings do not support the use of these interventions for improving cognition in older adults with subjective cognitive concerns. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02665481.

Physical and Mental Health Characteristics of 2,962 Adults With Subjective Cognitive Complaints.

We investigated subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), as well as physical and mental health factors, in adults and older adults. U.S. residents (N = 2,962) were recruited via the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform and completed a 90-item survey. Overall, 493/1930 (25.5%) of younger adults and 278/1032 (26.9%) of older adults endorsed SCCs. Analyses revealed worse physical and mental health characteristics in the SCC+ compared to the SCC- group, with primarily medium (Cohen's d = 0.50) to large (0.80) effect sizes. Age did not moderate relationships between SCCs and physical/mental health. Results suggest that SCCs are associated with a diverse set of negative health characteristics such as poor sleep and high body mass index, and lower levels of positive factors, including happiness and wisdom. Effect sizes of psychological correlates were at least as large as those of physical correlates, indicating that mental health is critical to consider when evaluating SCCs.

Independent and Synergistic Associations Between TBI Characteristics and PTSD Symptom Clusters on Cognitive Performance and Postconcussive Symptoms in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

OBJECTIVE: The investigators sought to evaluate the independent and interactive associations between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with regard to postconcussive symptoms and cognition among treatment-seeking veterans of the U.S. conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS: Sixty-seven Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who had a history of mTBI and comorbid PTSD were grouped based on injury mechanism (blast versus nonblast) and number of lifetime mTBIs (one to two versus three or more). Independent associations between mTBI characteristics and PTSD symptom clusters were evaluated with regard to cognition and postconcussive symptoms. Follow-up analyses were conducted to determine any interactive associations between TBI characteristics and PTSD symptom clusters. RESULTS: Higher PTSD symptoms, particularly hyperarousal, were associated with poorer executive functioning and higher postconcussive symptoms. No direct relationships were observed between PTSD symptom clusters and memory or processing speed. The relationship between hyperarousal and processing speed was moderated by lifetime mTBIs, such that those with a history of at least three mTBIs demonstrated a negative association between hyperarousal and processing speed. Blast-related mTBI history was associated with reduced processing speed, compared with non-blast-related mTBI. However, an interaction was observed such that among those with blast-related mTBI history, higher re-experiencing symptoms were associated with poorer processing speed, whereas veterans without history of blast-related mTBI did not demonstrate an association between processing speed and re-experiencing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Higher hyperarousal and re-experiencing symptoms were associated with reduced processing speed among veterans with repetitive and blast-related mTBI history, respectively. PTSD symptoms, specifically hyperarousal, were associated with poorer executive functioning and higher postconcussive symptoms. Limited associations were found between injury characteristics and cognition chronically following mTBI. However, these results support synergistic effects of specific PTSD symptom clusters and TBI characteristics.

Implementation and evaluation of a community-based treatment for late-life hoarding.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper was to examine the implementation and effectiveness of a community-based intervention for hoarding disorder (HD) using Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure/Sorting Therapy (CREST). DESIGN: This was a mixed-method, pre-post quasi-experimental study informed by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model for implementation science. SETTING: Program activities took place in San Diego County, mainly within clients' homes or community, with some activities in-office. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were aged 60 years or older, met eligibility for Medi-Cal or were uninsured, and met criteria for HD. INTERVENTION: A manualized, mobile protocol that incorporated CREST was utilized. MEASUREMENTS: The Clutter Image Rating and Hoarding Rating Scale were used as effectiveness outcomes. An investigator-created staff questionnaire was used to evaluate implementation. RESULTS: Thirty-seven clients were reached and enrolled in treatment and 15 completed treatment during the initial 2 years of the program. There were significant changes in hoarding severity and clutter volume. Based on the initial 2 years of the program, funding was provided for expansion to cover additional San Diego County regions and hire more staff clinicians in year three. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest that the CREST intervention can be successfully implemented in a community setting with positive results for older adults with HD.

Predictors of Intervention Adherence in Compensatory Cognitive Training for Veterans With a History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine modifiable predictors of intervention adherence in a study of group-based Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) for Iraq/Afghanistan War veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). METHODS: One hundred twenty-three veterans enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a 10-week CCT intervention (54 assigned to CCT) and were evaluated at baseline, 5 weeks, 10 weeks, and 15 weeks. CCT adherence was determined by the number of CCT sessions attended, with more sessions indicative of greater adherence. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, and subjective and objective neuropsychological performance, were examined in relation to CCT session attendance. RESULTS: Older age and worse attention performance at baseline were associated with higher CCT attendance rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study generates preliminary evidence for potential modifiable neuropsychological factors that may improve engagement in CCT interventions.

Change in Learning and Memory Partially Mediates Effects of Compensatory Cognitive Training on Self-Reported Cognitive Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations among compensatory cognitive training (CCT), objective cognitive functioning, and self-reported cognitive symptoms. We examined whether change in objective cognitive functioning associated with participation in CCT at 10-week follow-up mediates change in self-reported cognitive symptoms associated with CCT at 15-week follow-up. SETTING: Three VA outpatient mental health clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury who reported cognitive deficits. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial post hoc causal mediation analysis. MAIN MEASURES: Self-reported cognitive symptoms were measured by the Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire and the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire. Objective cognitive functioning was measured using a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: Improvement on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) Delayed Recall test mediated the association between participation in CCT and decrease in the Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire total score. Improvement on the HVLT-R Total Recall and HVLT-R Delayed Recall tests both meditated the association between participation in CCT and decrease in the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire total score. No other measures of objective cognitive functioning were significant mediators. CONCLUSION: Patients' perceptions of cognitive symptom improvement due to CCT are partially mediated by learning and memory, though these subjective improvements occur regardless of other changes in objective cognitive functioning associated with CCT.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Parkinson's Disease: Effects on Cognitive, Psychiatric, and Functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) affects 33-46% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and may be a risk factor for neuropsychological and functional deficits. However, the role of RBD on neuropsychological functioning in PD has yet to be fully determined. We, therefore, examined differences in neurocognitive performance, functional capacity, and psychiatric symptoms among nondemented PD patients with probable RBD (PD/pRBD+) and without (PD/pRBD-), and healthy comparison participants (HC). METHODS: Totally, 172 participants (58 PD/pRBD+; 65 PD/pRBD-; 49 HC) completed an RBD sleep questionnaire, psychiatric/clinical questionnaires, performance-based and self-reported functional capacity measures, and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing attention/working memory, language, visuospatial function, verbal and visual learning and memory, and executive function. RESULTS: Controlling for psychiatric symptom severity, the PD/pRBD+ group had poorer executive functioning and learning performance than the PD/pRBD- group and poorer neuropsychological functioning across all individual cognitive domains than the HCs. In contrast, PD/pRBD- patients had significantly lower scores than HCs only in the language domain. Moreover, PD/pRBD+ patients demonstrated significantly poorer medication management skills compared to HCs. Both PD groups reported greater depressive and anxiety severity compared to HCs; PD/pRBD+ group also endorsed greater severity of apathy compared to HCs. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of pRBD is associated with poorer neuropsychological functioning in PD such that PD patients with pRBD have poorer cognitive, functional, and emotional outcomes compared to HC participants and/or PD patients without pRBD. Our findings underscore the importance of RBD assessment for improved detection and treatment of neuropsychological deficits (e.g., targeted cognitive interventions).

Psychological Symptoms and Rates of Performance Validity Improve Following Trauma-Focused Treatment in Veterans with PTSD and History of Mild-to-Moderate TBI.

OBJECTIVE: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) history have high rates of performance validity test (PVT) failure. The study aimed to determine whether those with scores in the invalid versus valid range on PVTs show similar benefit from psychotherapy and if psychotherapy improves PVT performance. METHOD: Veterans (N = 100) with PTSD, mild-to-moderate TBI history, and cognitive complaints underwent neuropsychological testing at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month post-treatment. Veterans were randomly assigned to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or a novel hybrid intervention integrating CPT with TBI psychoeducation and cognitive rehabilitation strategies from Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Therapy (CogSMART). Performance below standard cutoffs on any PVT trial across three different PVT measures was considered invalid (PVT-Fail), whereas performance above cutoffs on all measures was considered valid (PVT-Pass). RESULTS: Although both PVT groups exhibited clinically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, the PVT-Pass group demonstrated greater symptom reduction than the PVT-Fail group. Measures of post-concussive and depressive symptoms improved to a similar degree across groups. Treatment condition did not moderate these results. Rate of valid test performance increased from baseline to follow-up across conditions, with a stronger effect in the SMART-CPT compared to CPT condition. CONCLUSION: Both PVT groups experienced improved psychological symptoms following treatment. Veterans who failed PVTs at baseline demonstrated better test engagement following treatment, resulting in higher rates of valid PVTs at follow-up. Veterans with invalid PVTs should be enrolled in trauma-focused treatment and may benefit from neuropsychological assessment after, rather than before, treatment.

Aspects of Executive Dysfunction and Racial/Ethnic Minority Status Are Associated With Unemployment Duration in Veterans With a History of Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine demographic, psychiatric symptom, and neuropsychological performance factors associated with duration of unemployment in Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans with a history of mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of baseline measures in a supported employment study. SETTING: VA medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=50) were veterans with a history of mild-to-moderate TBI who were unemployed, stating a goal of returning to work, and had documented impairment in at least 1 neuropsychological domain. Participants were referred from VA vocational and assessment-based clinics. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of unemployment, neuropsychological, and psychiatric symptom assessments. RESULTS: Bivariate correlations revealed that longer duration of unemployment was associated with greater posttraumatic stress disorder (P<.10) and depressive (P<.05) symptom severity, worse executive functioning (P<.05), and racial/ethnic minority status (P<.05). A multiple linear regression analysis including these independent variables explained 26.5% of the variance in duration of unemployment. Worse executive functioning, specifically reasoning and set-shifting, and minority status were each associated with longer duration of unemployment in the context of multiple independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore the importance of objective assessment of cognitive functioning in job-seeking Veterans with TBI histories. It may be useful to target aspects of executive functioning in vocational rehabilitation interventions and to provide additional assistance to Veterans from racial/ethnic minority groups.

SMART-CPT for veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and history of traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To better concurrently address emotional and neuropsychological symptoms common in veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we integrated components of compensatory cognitive training from the Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Therapy (CogSMART) programme into cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD to create a hybrid treatment, SMART-CPT (CogSMART+CPT). This study compared the efficacy of standard CPT with SMART-CPT for treatment of veterans with comorbid PTSD and history of TBI reporting cognitive symptoms. METHODS: One hundred veterans with PTSD, a history of mild to moderate TBI and current cognitive complaints were randomised and received individually delivered CPT or SMART-CPT for 12 weeks. Participants underwent psychological, neurobehavioural and neuropsychological assessments at baseline, on completion of treatment and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Both CPT and SMART-CPT resulted in clinically significant reductions in PTSD and postconcussive symptomatology and improvements in quality of life. SMART-CPT resulted in additional improvements in the neuropsychological domains of attention/working memory, verbal learning/memory and novel problem solving. CONCLUSION: SMART-CPT, a mental health intervention for PTSD, combined with compensatory cognitive training strategies, reduces PTSD and neurobehavioural symptoms and also provides added value by improving cognitive functioning.

Study of Independent Living Residents of a Continuing Care Senior Housing Community: Sociodemographic and Clinical Associations of Cognitive, Physical, and Mental Health.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with cognitive, physical, and mental health among independent living older adults in a continuing care senior housing community (CCSHC). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study at the independent living sector of a CCSHC in San Diego County, California. Participants included English-speaking adults aged 65-95 years, of which two-thirds were women. Of the 112 subjects recruited, 104 completed basic study assessments. The authors computed composite measures of cognitive, physical, and mental health. The authors also assessed relevant clinical correlates including psychosocial factors such as resilience, loneliness, wisdom, and social support. RESULTS: The CCSHC residents were similar to a randomly selected community-based sample of older adults on most standardized clinical measures. In the CCSHC, physical health correlated with both cognitive function and mental health, but there was no significant correlation between cognitive and mental health. Cognitive function was significantly associated with physical mobility, satisfaction with life, and wisdom, whereas physical health was associated with age, self-rated physical functioning, mental well-being, and resilience. Mental health was significantly associated with income, optimism, self-compassion, loneliness, and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION: Different psychosocial factors are significantly associated with cognitive, physical, and mental health. Longitudinal studies of diverse samples of older adults are necessary to determine risk factors and protective factors for specific domains of health. With rapidly growing numbers of older adults who require healthcare as well as supportive housing, CCSHCs will become increasingly important sites for studying and promoting the health of older adults.