Neuropsychological testing & neuroimaging Flashcards
Standardized MSE
brief (<10 mins) mental status examinations to detect the presence of cognitive impairment (e.g. MoCA, MMSE)
Abbreviated battery
test that takes around 20-40 mins (e.g. ImPACT, RBANS)
Comprehensive neuropsychological battery
lengthy test (4-6 hours) for profiling
Evolution of the role of neuropsychological testing from 40s-80s to 90s
having to identify presence and location of brain damage; invention of CT and MRI; descriptive, psychometric assessment of ecologically relevant cognitive functions
Examples of tests for working memory
reorder digits, mental arithmetic
Examples of tests for cognitive flexibility
alternating sequences, concept sorting, rule changes
Examples of tests for response inhibition
stroop, go-no/go
Examples of tests for episodic memory
delayed recall of word lists, stories, shapes, designs
Examples of tests for processing speed
shape matching, symbol decoding
Examples of tests for language
verbal fluency, object naming
Examples of tests for visuospatial
complex figure copy, line orientation
5 properties of neuropsychological tests
standardized, reliability, norm-referenced (using reference values), criterion validity, ecological validity
Criterion validity
degree to which test performance relates to brain function
2 ways to test criterion validity
lesion studies; functional neuroimaging
Ecological validity
degree to which test scores relate to everyday function
5 stages of interpretive procedure
test validity; estimated premorbid functioning; impaired (and normal) test scores; impaired (and preserved) abilities; etiology/prognosis and treatment/management
2 steps in estimating premorbid function
make predictions based on age, education level, etc; performance-based ways to refine estimate (e.g. “hold” test)
3 interpretive strategies
pattern analysis, process measures, contrast scores