Neuropsychological Tools for Dementia

Neuropsychological Tools for Dementia: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment takes a unique approach by combining the neuroscientific background of neuropsychology, neuropsychological tools for diagnosis and disease staging, and neuropsychological treatment into one comprehensive book for researchers and clinicians. Sections present an introduction to neuropsychological assessment in dementias, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia (alpha-synucleinopathies), atypical Parkinson’s diseases (tauopathies), language and behavioral variants of frontotemporal lobe degeneration, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Each chapter elucidates the point that neuropsychological measures provide the tools to differentiate disease-specific impairments from normal age-related cognitive decline, and from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the book discusses the possibility of helping patients through neuropsychological intervention. Case studies aid in the reader’s comprehension of the field, and two short guidelines for each disease’s specific assessment and treatment prepare readers for handling real-life patients. Includes epidemiological information regarding dementia Demonstrates the use of neuropsychological tests and screening tools in diagnosing and differentiating patients with dementia Outlines which investigation strategy and neuropsychological tests work best for assessing patients for different neurodegenerative diseases Reviews specific interventions to slow the progress of dementia wherever possible Discusses the neuropathology, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

With the aging of the baby boomers and medical advances that promote longevity, older adults are rapidly becoming the fastest growing segment of the population. As the population ages, so does the incidence of age related disorders. Many predict that 15% - 20% of the baby-boomer generation will develop some form of cognitive decline over the course of their lifetime, with estimates escalating to up to 50% in those achieving advanced age. Although much attention has been directed at Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, it is estimated that nearly one third of those cases of cognitive decline result from other neuropathological mechanisms. In fact, many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease likely have co-morbid disorders that can also influence cognition (i.e., vascular cognitive impairment), suggesting mixed dementias are grossly under diagnosed. The Clinical Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Aging and Dementia is a unique work that provides clinicians with expert guidance and a hands-on approach to neuropsychological practice with older adults. The book will be divided into two sections, the first addressing special considerations for the evaluation of older adults, and the second half focusing on common referral questions likely to be encountered when working with this age group. The authors of the chapters are experts and are recognized by their peers as opinion leaders in their chosen chapter topics. The field of neuropsychology has played a critical role in developing methods for early identification of late life cognitive disorders as well as the differential diagnosis of dementia. Neuropsychological assessment provides valuable clinical information regarding the nature and severity of cognitive symptoms associated with dementia. Each chapter will reinforce the notion that neuropsychological measures provide the clinician with sensitive tools to differentiate normal age-related cognitive decline from disease-associated impairment, aid in differential diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in older adults, as well as identify cognitive deficits most likely to translate into functional impairments in everyday life.

Rehabilitation provides a core concept around which to organise support, intervention and care for people with impairments in memory and other cognitive functions. This book introduces a conceptual framework and rationale for the application of a neuropsychological rehabilitation approach for people with dementia, helping them to manage, bypass or overcome these problems and experience optimum well-being. Methods and techniques of cognitive rehabilitation are described and the process of goal-setting is discussed in detail, showing how effective strategies may be linked to form an individualised, goal-oriented approach to intervention. The application of a rehabilitation approach in real-life contexts is explored, demonstrating the role and value of neuropsychological rehabilitation within a holistic, psychotherapeutic framework of care and support. This overview of the neuropsychological rehabilitation approach to dementia care will be of great interest to psychologists as well as to those studying or practising in the area.

The APA Handbook of Dementia addresses assessment, comorbidity, evaluation, and treatment of various forms of dementia. The handbook reviews common dementias including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other less common dementias. It is organized into sections discussing diagnosis, epidemiology, and neurobiology (including neuropathology and neuroimaging); assessment, including cultural issues, methodology, and neuropsychology; and primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention strategies. The handbook is intended as a resource for all psychologists and other health professionals that serve persons and families impacted by neurodegenerative disease.

A unique analysis of the pediatric and adult manifestations of the most common neuropsychological conditions treated in clinical practice.

One in ten adults over 65 has some form of mild cognitive impairment or MCI--thinking problems that go beyond those associated with normal aging, but that fall short of the serious impairments experienced by people with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. This is the first book written specifically for individuals with MCI, for their loved ones, and for the health care professionals who treat them. Written by three clinicians and researchers who have devoted their careers to MCI patients, this book provides up-to-date and reliable information on the nature of this disorder, how it may affect people, and what can be done about it. The authors explain how MCI is diagnosed and treated and they offer advice on how to improve cognitive health through diet and exercise, through social engagement, and through the use of practical, effective memory strategies. Throughout, case studies illustrate the real-life issues facing people living with MCI. The book includes "Questions to Ask Your Doctor," recommended readings and links to relevant websites, and worksheets to guide readers through healthy lifestyle changes.

Written by a multidisciplinary team of experts in neurobehavior, this concise, well-illustrated book provides normative data on clock drawing from ages 20 to 90 years. A practical guide to the quantitative assessment of clock drawing, it also takes a process-oriented approach to qualitative impairment. The authors discuss clock drawing as a neuropsychological test instrument and the rationale for selecting specific time settings, as well as the basis for using different clock conditions. The book contains numerous examples of clocks drawn by patients with cognitive impairment due to dementia, metabolic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, disconnection syndrome and focal brain lesions. Insight into changes in clock drawing ability that may represent the earliest markers of cognitive decline in dementia are also presented. This volume will be of interest to clinicians and researchers in neuropsychology, neurology, psychiatry, geriatric medicine, language therapy, and occupational therapy.

This Handbook provides a contemporary and research-informed review of the topics essential to clinical psychological assessment and diagnosis. It outlines assessment issues that cross all methods, settings, and disorders, including (but not limited to) psychometric issues, diversity factors, ethical dilemmas, validity of patient presentation, psychological assessment in treatment, and report writing. These themes run throughout the volume as leading researchers summarize the empirical findings and technological advances in their area. With each chapter written by major experts in their respective fields, the text gives interpretive and practical guidance for using psychological measures for assessment and diagnosis.

There is a wide scope of clinical phenomenology in Alzheimers disease, regarding the age of onset, presenting features, rate of progression and appearance of other clinical manifestation. Although clinical appearance and neuropathological hallmarks have been defining AD since its first description, major factors which trigger pathology are still unknown. The role of comorbidity is discussed controversially. Important environmental risk factors in AD development are continuous stress, low education and cardiovascular risk factors such as alcohol intake, smoking, hypertension. The role of lipids and cholesterol has been recognized, but the relevant pathogenetic steps are still to be identified. There is an urgent need to understand molecular disease pathogenesis in order to develop early therapeutic targets for the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating and dehumanizing illness affecting increasingly large numbers of elderly and even middle-aged persons in a worldwide epidemic. Alzheimer’s Disease: A Physician’s Guide to Practical Management was written by selected clinicians and scientists who represent some of the world’s leading centers of excellence in AD research. The editors are proud and grateful for their profound contributions. This book is particularly designed to assist physicians and other health-care professionals in the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of individuals with AD. At the same time, by illuminating the basic scientific background, we hope to provide state-of-the art information about the disease and possible future therapeutic strategies. The recent psychiatric treatment aspects of AD are also clearly presented. Because the early diagnosis of the dementia process is now considered of increasing importance, we focus particularly in several chapters on early changes and preclinical conditions, such as mild cognitive impairment and predementia AD.

This book reviews important neuropsychological measures currently used in the assessment of dementia by the principal clinicians and researchers associated with the test, offering practical guidance on each test along with an analysis of its limitations.

This fully updated and expanded second edition of a successful book reviews the most important neuropsychological measures currently used in the assessment of dementia by the principal clinicians and researchers associated with the tests. Several clinicians and research workers, who have been at the forefront in developing the tests in question, provide clear practical guidance on the scope of each test, use in research, as well as an analysis of their accuracy and limitations. The international contributors have brought together a concise and practical guide on the role of neuropsychological testing to support the dementia assessment. Neuropsychological Assessments of Dementia in Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities, Second Edition is an essential reference for all those working in the field of dementia and intellectual disabilities.

New trends in mental healthcare practice and a rapid increase in the aged population are causing an explosion in the fields of clinical gerontology and geropsychology today. This comprehensive second edition handbook offers clinicians and graduate students clear guidelines and reliable tools for assessing general mental health, cognitive functioning, functional age, psychosocial health, comorbidity, behavior deficits, and more. Psychopathology, behavioral disorders, changes in cognition, and changes in everyday functioning are addressed in full, and a wide range of conditions and disorders common to this patient population are covered. Each chapter provides an empirical review of assessment instruments, assessment scales in their totality, a review of how these instruments are used with and adapted for different cultural groups, illustration of assessments through case studies, and information on how to utilize ongoing assessment in treatment and/or treatment planning. This combination of elements will make the volume the definitive assessment source for clinicians working with elderly patients. The most comprehensive source of up-to-date data on gerontological assessment, with review articles covering: psychopathology, behavioral disorders, changes in cognition, and changes in everyday functioning Consolidates broadly distributed literature into single source, saving researchers and clinicians time in obtaining and translating information and improving the level of further research and care they can provide Chapters directly address the range of conditions and disorders most common for this patient population - i.e. driving ability, mental competency, sleep, nutrition, sexual functioning, demntias, elder abuse, depression, anxiety disorders, etc Fully informs readers regarding conditions most commonly encountered in real world treatment of an elderly patient population Each chapter cites case studies to illustrate assessment techniques Exposes reader to real-world application of each assessment discussed

Neuropsychology has become a very important aspect for neurologists in clinical practice as well as in research. Being a specialized field in psychology, its long history is based on different historical developments in brain science and clinical neurology. In this volume, we want to show how present concepts of neuropsychology originated and were established by outlining the most important developments since the end of the 19th century. The articles of this book that cover topics such as aphasia, amnesia and dementia show a great multicultural influence due to an editorship and authorship that spans all developmental initiatives in Europe, Asia, and America. This book gives a better understanding of the development of higher brain function studies and is an interesting read for neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurosurgeons, historians, and anyone else interested in the history of neuropsychology.

An essential guide to assessing and treating people with dementia syndromes. As the number of older adults with dementia continues to skyrocket, every health care professional needs accurate, up-to-date knowledge of these conditions, their prevention, and possible treatments. This compact, evidence-based book discusses essential aspects of the diagnosis, assessment, and interventions of Alzheimer’s disease and the syndromes of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. It reviews the diagnostic criteria from the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, and the DSM-5 and provides a broad range of treatment options, including psychosocial, educational, and lifestyle interventions. Practitioners will especially appreciate the current overview of caregiver interventions. Practitioners and students alike will find the clear information, the tools for assessment, and other resources provided in this volume extremely useful for helping patients and their families cope with dementia.

This major clinical reference and text is the first volume to systematically address the entire process of neuropsychological assessment and intervention with older adults. The expert editors and contributors detail the current state of knowledge about frequently encountered conditions ranging from mild cognitive impairment to progressive, stable, and reversible dementias. Evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies are described, and specific guidance is provided for linking neuropsychological evaluation to individualized treatment planning. Demonstrating an array of cognitive training, compensatory, and psychotherapeutic approaches, the volume shows how these can successfully be used to improve patients' functioning and quality of life.

This volume presents current research information on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in a format suitable for clinicians. The authors address the principal components and neuropsychological features of dementia syndromes, as well as recent developments in brain imaging.

ABC of Dementia is a practical guide, written with the needs of professionals in training in mind. Its aim is to enable readers to explore attitudes towards dementia, and find the knowledge and skills required in the important task of supporting the lives of people with dementia and their carers. This new edition is designed to assist students and practitioners working within both primary and secondary care settings with the diagnosis, treatment and provision of care. It covers the causes of dementia, diagnostic assessment, early intervention, pharmacological treatment, person-centred care, legal and ethical issues, and more. This resource has been thoroughly revised to reflect the most recent research and evidence-based practice. New and expanded content addresses dementia and frailty in care homes, explores the role of technology in the treatment of dementia, discusses working with minority groups, and examines case studies. Aids healthcare professionals in developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to care for those with dementia Highlights the importance of person-centred care and the effects of dementia on families and carers. Describes the cognitive changes and neurological disorders central to dementia Addresses the needs of younger people developing dementia Provides guidance on managing dementia in primary care, the acute hospital and end-of-life care settings Covers the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia (NPSD) Features numerous full-colour photographs and illustrations ABC of Dementia is a must-have for healthcare students, general practitioners, and other healthcare professionals caring for people with dementia. It will also be of interest to members of the general public who wish to know more about dementia.

This handbook celebrates the abundantly productive interaction of neuropsychology and medicine. This interaction can be found in both clinical settings and research l- oratories, often between research teams and clinical practitioners. It accounts for the rapidity with which awareness and understanding of the neuropsychological com- nents of many common medical disorders have recently advanced. The introduction of neuropsychology into practice and research involving conditions without obvious neurological components follows older and eminently successful models of integrated care and treatment of the classical brain disorders. In the last 50 years, with the growing understanding of neurological disorders, neuropsychologists and medical specialists in clinics, at bedside, and in laboratories together have contributed to important clinical and scienti c advances in the und- standing of the common pathological conditions of the brain: stroke, trauma, epilepsy, certain movement disorders, tumor, toxic conditions (mostly alcohol-related), and degenerative brain diseases. It is not surprising that these seven pathological con- tions were the rst to receive attention from neuropsychologists as their behavioral symptoms can be both prominent and debilitating, often with serious social and economic consequences.

Now presented in full color, this updated edition of Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia is designed as a practical guide for clinicians that delivers the latest treatment approaches and research findings for dementia and related illnesses. Drs. Budson and Solomon — both key leaders in the field — cover the essentials of physical and cognitive examinations and laboratory and imaging studies, giving you the tools you need to consistently make accurate diagnoses in this rapidly growing area. Access in-depth coverage of clinically useful diagnostic tests and the latest treatment approaches. Detailed case studies facilitate the management of both common and uncommon conditions. Comprehensive coverage of hot topics such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in addition to new criteria on vascular dementia and vascular cognitive impairment. Includes new National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association and DSM-5 criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Learn how to use new diagnostic tests, such as the amyloid imaging scans florbetapir (Amyvid), flutemetamol (Vizamyl), and florbetaben (Neuraceq), which can display amyloid plaques in the living brains of patients. Updated case studies, many complete with videos illustrating common tests, clinical signs, and diagnostic features, are now incorporated into the main text as clinical vignettes for all major disorders. Brand-new chapters on how to approach the differential diagnosis and on primary progressive aphasia. Medicine eBook is accessible on a variety of devices.