The relation between insomnia and depression in the subacute phase after stroke.

Prevalence rates for both depression and insomnia the first year after stroke are around 30%, significantly impacting the prospects of recovery, rehabilitation, and quality of life. Furthermore, the risk of insomnia and depression becoming chronic is high in the subacute phase post-stroke. This cross-sectional observational study investigated whether insomnia and depression are related in the subacute phase post-stroke, using validated instruments. Sixty-six outpatient stroke survivors participated. Depression was measured using the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) and insomnia severity with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between the dependent variable post-stroke depression and the independent variables insomnia and pre-stroke depression treatment. Results showed that insomnia (ß = 0.48, t = 4.40, p < 0.001) and pre-stroke depression treatment (ß = 0.24, t = 2.28, p = 0.026) were both significant predictors of depression. Participants with more insomnia complaints and participants with pre-stroke depression treatment had more depression symptoms post-stroke. Therefore, it is important to be alert in the subacute phase post-stroke of both, insomnia and depression complaints.

Does cognitive learning potential measured with the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test predict rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cognitive learning potential measured with the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test has added value in predicting rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke after controlling for age, ADL independence at admission, global cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms. METHODS: Participants were patients with stroke admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit. ADL independence (Barthel Index) at discharge was used as measure for rehabilitation outcome. Predictor variables included age, ADL independence at admission, global cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) and cognitive learning potential measured with the dWCST. RESULTS: Thirty participants were included. Bivariate analyses showed that rehabilitation outcome was significantly correlated with ADL independence at admission (r = 0.443, p = 0.014) and global cognitive functioning (r = 0.491, p = 0.006). Regression analyses showed that the dWCST was not an independent predictor of rehabilitation outcome. ADL independence at admission was the only significant predictor of rehabilitation outcome (beta = 0.480, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive learning potential, measured with the dWCST has no added value in predicting rehabilitation outcome in elderly patients post-stroke. ADL independence at admission was the only significant predictor of rehabilitation outcome. REGISTRATION NUMBER NETHERLANDS TRIAL REGISTER: Trial NL7947.

Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for working cancer survivors: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive problems contribute to decline in work performance. We evaluated (1) the effectiveness of basic self-management and extensive therapist-guided online cognitive rehabilitation on attainment of individually predetermined work-related goals among occupationally active cancer survivors, and (2) whether effectiveness of the programs differed for survivors with and without formal cognitive impairment. METHODS: In a 3-arm randomized controlled trial (NCT03900806), 279 non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints were assigned to the basic program (n = 93), the extensive program (n = 93), or a waiting-list control group (n = 93). Participants completed measurements pre-randomization (T0), 12 weeks post-randomization upon program completion (T1), and 26 weeks post-randomization (T2). Mixed-effects modeling was used to compare intervention groups with the control group on goal attainment, and on self-perceived cognitive problems, work ability, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Participants in the extensive program achieved their predetermined goals better than those in the control group, at short- and long-term follow-up (effect size [ES] = .49; P < .001; ES = .34; P = .014). They also had fewer recovery needs after work (ES = -.21; P = .011), more vitality (ES = .20; P = .018), and better physical role functioning (ES = .0.43 P = .015) than controls. At long-term follow-up, this finding persisted for physical role functioning (ES = .42; P = .034). The basic program elicited a small positive nonsignificant short-term (not long-term) effect on goal attainment for those with adequate adherence (ES = .28, P = .053). Effectiveness of the programs did not differ for patients with or without cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based therapist-guided extensive cognitive rehabilitation improves work-related goal attainment. Considering the prevalence of cognitive problems in survivors, it is desirable to implement this program.

Assessing learning potential in elderly stroke patients: The validity of the dynamic Clock Drawing Task in comparison with the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Currently, there is no valid and feasible dynamic test available for assessing learning potential in elderly stroke patients. We designed a dynamic version of the Clock Drawing Task (dCDT) which we compared to the dynamic Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (dWCST). The dWCST has shown adequate validity in adult patients with brain injury but has a long administration time. Participants were 47 stroke patients admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation unit. All participants completed the dCDT, the mean administration time was 7 min. 90.7% of the participants were able to complete the dWCST, the mean administration time was 36 min. The numerical learning potential indices of the dCDT were not significantly correlated. Based on the dCDT, 70.2% of the participants were classified as high achiever, 10.6% as strong learner, 19.2% as poor learner, and none as decliner. The numerical learning potential indices of the dWCST correlated significantly. Based on the dWCST, 5.3% of the participants were classified as high achiever, 42.1% as strong learner, 50% as poor learner, and 2.6% as decliner. The learning potential indices of the dCDT and those of the dWCST were not significantly correlated, indicating poor convergent validity of the dCDT. The results provide no clear support for the use of the dCDT in elderly stroke patients. The dWCST does show adequate validity and feasibility in the elderly stroke population, despite longer administration time. Future research should focus on examining the validity of the dCDT in a larger sample as well as examining the predictive validity of the dWCST.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for people with acquired brain injury: Rationale and description of the BrainACT treatment.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms following acquired brain injury is complex and more evidence-based treatment options are needed. We are currently evaluating the BrainACT intervention; acceptance and commitment therapy for people with acquired brain injury. RATIONALE: This paper describes the theoretical underpinning, the development and content of BrainACT. Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on the acceptance of feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations and on living a valued life, without fighting against what is lost. Since the thoughts that people with acquired brain injury can experience are often realistic or appropriate given their situation, this may be a suitable approach. THEORY INTO PRACTICE: Existing evidence-based protocols were adapted for the needs and potential cognitive deficits after brain injury. General alterations are the use of visual materials, summaries and repetition. Acceptance and commitment therapy-specific adaptions include the Bus of Life metaphor as a recurrent exercise, shorter mindfulness exercises, simplified explanations, a focus on experiential exercises and the monitoring of committed actions. The intervention consists of eight one-hour sessions with a psychologist, experienced in acceptance and commitment therapy and in working with people with acquired brain injury. The order of the sessions, metaphors and exercises can be tailored to the needs of the patients. DISCUSSION: Currently, the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention is evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. The BrainACT intervention is expected to be a feasible and effective intervention for people with anxiety or depressive symptoms following acquired brain injury.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals with depressive and anxiety symptoms following acquired brain injury: A non-concurrent multiple baseline design across four cases.

Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) often experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. Until now, evidence-based treatment is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for patients with ABI. To evaluate the effect of ACT for people with ABI, a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across four cases was used. Participants were randomly assigned to a baseline period, followed by treatment and then follow-up phases. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were repeatedly measured. During six measurement moments over a year, participants filled in questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, stress, participation, quality of life, and ACT-related processes. Randomization tests and NAP scores were used to calculate the level of change across phases. Clinically significant change was defined with the Reliable Change Index. Three out of four participants showed medium to large decreases in anxiety and depressive symptoms (NAP = 0.85 till 0.99). Furthermore, participants showed improvements regarding stress, cognitive fusion, and quality of life. There were no improvements regarding psychological flexibility, value-driven behaviour, or social participation. This study shows that ACT is possibly an effective treatment option for people experiencing ABI-related anxiety and depression symptoms. Replication with single case or large scale group studies is needed to confirm these findings.

Neuropsychological test performance and self-reported cognitive functioning associated with work-related outcomes in occupationally active cancer survivors with cognitive complaints.

PURPOSE: To assess cognitive functioning in occupationally active non-central nervous system cancer survivors with cognitive complaints using neuropsychological tests, and to investigate the association between (1) formally assessed cognitive functioning and self-reported work-related outcomes and (2) self-reported cognitive functioning at work and self-reported work-related outcomes. METHODS: Baseline data of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (n = 279) were used. Associations between neuropsychological test performance (Amsterdam Cognition Scan) and self-reported cognitive functioning (Cognitive Symptom Checklist-work) with work ability (Work Ability Index) and work functioning (Work Role Functioning Questionnaire) were examined using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: Thirty percent of cancer survivors had lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests. Higher overall neuropsychological test performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen's f2 = 0.014) and physical functioning at work (Cohen's f2 = 0.13). Furthermore, higher motor performance was associated with better work ability (Cohen's f2 = 0.018). In addition, self-reported work-related cognitive complaints were associated with self-reported work-related outcomes (Cohen's f2 = 0.13-0.35). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of cancer survivors with lower than expected performance on neuropsychological tests exceeded the percentage expected in a normal population. This neuropsychological test performance was weakly associated with various aspects of work ability and work functioning. Stronger associations were found between self-reported cognitive functioning at work with self-reported work-related outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A cognitive rehabilitation approach that specifically aims at reducing cognitive symptoms at work could be a valuable part of interventions that aim to improve work-related outcomes. Trial registration The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03900806) at 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03900806?term=NCT03900806&draw=2&rank=1.

Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation for WORking Cancer survivors (i-WORC): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive problems are common in non-central nervous system cancer survivors. These problems are perceived as an important contributor to decline in work performance and work ability. Various interventions for cognitive problems have been proposed, but effectiveness regarding work-related outcomes has not yet been established. Effective treatment options to alleviate the adverse influence of cognitive problems on work performance are needed for working cancer survivors. In this paper, we will describe the design of a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial that evaluates the (cost-)effectiveness of an Internet-based cognitive rehabilitation program for occupationally active cancer survivors confronted with cognitive problems. METHODS/ DESIGN: A three-armed randomized controlled trial will be conducted, including two intervention groups (i.e., basic and extensive cognitive rehabilitation program) and one waitlist control group. In total, 261 cancer survivors (18-65 years) who have returned to work and who experience cognitive problems will be recruited. Patients with and without cognitive impairment as established in a neuropsychological assessment will be eligible; stratification will take place based on the presence of this cognitive impairment. The extensive intervention arm will contain a comprehensive training program (including psycho-education, fatigue management, and cognitive strategy training) with individual guidance (blended intervention). The basic intervention arm will contain a brief cognitive training program (including psycho-education and fatigue management) without individual guidance. The primary outcome will be accomplishment of an individually defined work-related treatment goal. Secondary outcomes include, among others, subjective cognitive functioning, work functioning, and quality of life. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0) and at 12 weeks (T1) and 26 weeks (T2) post-randomization. DISCUSSION: About 40-50% of the cancer patients worldwide are of working age at time of diagnosis. Many of the occupationally active cancer survivors experience cognitive problems. Both from an individual and a societal perspective, it is important to sustain cancer survivors' employability. An effective treatment to alleviate the impact of cognitive decline and to improve work ability might help cancer survivors to sustain employability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03900806 . Registered on 03 April 2019 (current status: ongoing).

Cancer-related cognitive problems at work: experiences of survivors and professionals.

PURPOSE: Cancer-related cognitive problems (cancer-related cognitive problems) in working cancer survivors are found to affect work outcomes. We aimed to generate in-depth information regarding cancer-related cognitive problems in working cancer survivors, strategies used to cope with cancer-related cognitive problems at work, and needs of cancer survivors and professionals regarding cancer-related cognitive problems at work. METHODS: Five focus groups were formed, amongst which three focus groups with cancer survivors (n = 8, n = 7, and n = 8) and two focus groups with professionals (n = 7, n = 8). Thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed to create concepts. RESULTS: Both cancer survivors and professionals confirmed that cancer-related cognitive problems, which occurred in several domains of neurocognitive functioning, affect work functioning. Cancer survivors used several strategies (e.g., applying practical adjustments, re-organization of work, and accepting limitations) to cope with cancer-related cognitive problems at work, as did professionals in their attempt at supporting cancer survivors facing these problems. Various needs of cancer survivors (e.g., supportive care options, acknowledgment by others) and professionals (e.g., improvement of expertise, clarity about referral pathways) regarding cancer-related cognitive problems at work were mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the growing number of working cancer survivors dealing with cancer-related cognitive problems, it is essential to sustain their employability. Therefore, cognitive rehabilitation interventions should be developed, taking functioning at work into account. Knowledge amongst professionals regarding cancer-related cognitive problems, as well as coordination of care for cancer-related cognitive problems, should be improved. Ensuring professional education regarding cancer-related cognitive problems, within both the healthcare and occupational setting, is of utmost importance. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Support for working cancer survivors who experience cancer-related cognitive problems might increase their employability in the longer term.

"Keep your brain fit!" Effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention on cognitive functioning in healthy adults: A randomised controlled trial.

A psychoeducational intervention (Keep your brain fit!) was designed for the middle-aged and older working population. The intervention focuses on increasing knowledge and awareness about cognitive ageing and teaching strategies to cope with cognitive changes. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the e-health intervention in terms of subjective cognitive functioning. As secondary aims, objective cognitive functioning and psychological well-being were also measured. A randomised controlled trial that included people aged 40 to 65 years was conducted. A maximum of 4 weeks was allowed to complete the intervention. The outcome measures were obtained from an online test battery that was administered at baseline, post-test and at 4-week follow-up. A total of 376 participants completed the whole study. After the intervention, the experimental group reported more feelings of stability concerning memory functioning and perceived greater locus of control over memory compared to the control group. These effects were maintained at the 4-week follow-up. Taking into account the relatively low costs and easy accessibility of this e-health intervention, we consider the programme to be a valuable contribution to public healthcare interventions for middle-aged and older adults.

Environmental effects in the performance of daily tasks in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of switching from a familiar to an unfamiliar setting on household task performance in healthy adults. We also examined the influence of the cognitive functions abstract reasoning and memory on the ability to adapt to different environments. METHOD: Thirty healthy adults were observed in two different settings while they performed two daily tasks. We evaluated process skill abilities in task performance, time needed to perform each task, memory functioning, and abstract reasoning. RESULTS: Performance of both tasks required significantly more time in the unfamiliar kitchen. Scores on process skill abilities were significantly lower in the unfamiliar kitchen. We found no associations between environmental effects and abstract reasoning or memory. CONCLUSION: We found environmental effects on task performance in healthy adults. These findings have important implications for rehabilitation practice. Addressing facilitation of transfer of training effects to familiar environments is of great importance to rehabilitation programs.

Occurrence and measurement of transfer in cognitive rehabilitation: A critical review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of transfer of cognitive strategy training for persons with acquired brain injury, and to investigate the way in which transfer is measured. METHODS: Electronic searches in PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL using combinations of search terms in the following categories: type of brain injury, transfer, type of disorder, type of intervention. A total of 39 papers was included in the review. The following aspects were judged: study design and participant characteristics, intervention characteristics and type of outcome measures used. RESULTS: Transfer outcome measures could be classified into 3 groups: non-trained items, standardized daily tasks and daily life. Most studies reported at least one type of transfer; however, the methodological quality of the studies was low. Cognitive strategy training in the evaluated studies focused on 7 domains of functioning: information processing, problem solving/executive functioning, memory/attention, language, neglect, apraxia and daily activities. CONCLUSION: Transfer of training effects of cognitive strategy training has been evaluated in a relatively small number of studies. Outcome measures used in these studies could be classified into 3 groups. Most studies reported the occurrence of transfer of training effects, although some serious remarks can be made concerning the methodological quality of the studies.

Transfer of training effects in stroke patients with apraxia: an exploratory study.

The goal of the present study was to examine the transfer of the effects of cognitive strategy training for stroke patients with apraxia from trained to non-trained tasks. In strategy training, the occurrence of transfer is expected as the training programme is aimed, not at relearning specific tasks, but at teaching patients new ways to handle the problems resulting from the impairment. Exploratory analyses were conducted on data previously collected in a randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of the strategy training. A total of 113 left hemisphere stroke patients were randomly assigned to a strategy training group and a group receiving occupational therapy as usual. Assessment of apraxia, motor functioning and activities of daily living (ADL) took place at baseline, after an eight-week treatment period, and five months after baseline. The primary outcome measure consisted of standardised ADL observations of trained and non-trained tasks. The analyses showed that in both treatment groups, the scores on the ADL observations for non-trained tasks improved significantly after eight weeks of training as compared with the baseline score. Change scores of non-trained activities were larger in the strategy training group as compared with the usual treatment group. By using previously collected data we are able to illustrate the potential transfer of treatment effects in a large sample of stroke patients. We found indications for the occurrence of transfer, although the study was not originally designed for the purpose of evaluating transfer. Therefore these results are worth exploring more profoundly. We will further investigate our preliminary conclusions in a new prospective study which is specifically designed to examine the transfer of training effects.

Assessment of apraxia: inter-rater reliability of a new apraxia test, association between apraxia and other cognitive deficits and prevalence of apraxia in a rehabilitation setting.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inter-rater reliability of a new apraxia test. Furthermore to examine the association of apraxia with other neuropsychological impairments and the prevalence of apraxia in a rehabilitation setting on the basis of the new test. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study, involving 100 patients with a first stroke admitted to a rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. MEASURES: General patient characteristics and stroke-related aspects. Cognitive screening involving apraxia, visuospatial scanning, abstract thinking and reasoning, memory, attention, planning and aphasia. RESULTS: The indices for inter-rater agreement range from excellent to poor. Significant correlations are found between apraxia and visuospatial scanning, memory, attention, planning and aphasia. The patients with apraxia perform significantly worse than the patients without apraxia on memory, the time needed to complete the tests for scanning and attention, and aphasia. The prevalence of apraxia is 25.3% in the total group, 51.3% in the left hemisphere stroke patients and 6.0% in the right hemisphere stroke patients. Patients with and without apraxia do not differ significantly concerning age, gender and type of stroke. CONCLUSION: The apraxia test has been shown to be a reliable instrument. Apraxia is often associated with aphasia, memory problems and mental slowness. This study shows that on the basis of the apraxia test, the prevalence of apraxia among patients in the rehabilitation centre is high, especially among patients with left hemisphere lesions.