The Development and Validation of a Neuropsychological Assessment for Mild Cognitive Impairment of Filipino Older Adults
Angelina Julom and Rosalito de Guzman
Within recent years the concept of Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI) has become increasingly recognized and studied because of its associated risk for the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease of the brain from which there is no recovery.
Longitudinal studies have suggested that the mild cognitive impairment determined by clinical evaluation and neuropsychological tests is useful in predicting dementia from two to three years before the condition manifest clinically. Early diagnosis of MCI can provide, greater opportunity for taking preventive measures to preserve cognition for as long as possible.
This test development research was conducted as an attempt to provide a reliable and valid neuropsychological tool to detect Mild Cognitive Impairment in Filipino older adults. Results showed that two weeks interval test-retest reliability correlations were all significant (p<0.05-p< 0.001). Concurrent validity correlations were significant (p<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that tests measure the intended dimensions of memory, cognitive functions, and language. Thus, initial and final validation analyses showed that the Neuropsychological Assessment for Mild cognitive Impairment (NAMCI) gave evidence of being a reliable and valid screening instrument in determining mild cognitive impairment in Filipino Older Adults.
Neuropsychological Analysis of People with Hemophilia: Basis for a Proposed
Integrative Intervention Program
Portia Lynn Quetulio-See and Rosalito de Guzman
Hemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder that is passed on from a parent, usually the mother, to the offspring, usually the male child, through the genes. In this kind of disorder, the substances in the blood that are responsible for stopping bleeding after an injury are not present in sufficient amounts, and therefore, prolonged bleeding occurs. Much has already been studied about the physiological bases and effects of hemophilia. However, it should be considered that the pain and stigma brought about by the disorder extend beyond the physical; it may have a considerable neuropsychological impact. Since the issue on the neuropsychological problems among people with hemophilia is relatively new, and because of the lack of enough researches about the psychological issues faced by those with hemophilia, the researcher was motivated to pursue the present study. This research generally aims to assess and analyze the neuropsychological implications of hemophilia among selected individuals who have the rare illness, and eventually develop an intervention program that will aid in the enhancement of the neuropsychological make-up of people with hemophilia.
This study involves a descriptive research design. Twenty-three (23) persons with hemophilia (PWH), with ages ranging from 6 to 30 years, participated in the study. All PWH underwent the two phases of the research, namely, the interview phase where necessary information about the participants were obtained from the participants themselves and their family, and the psychological testing phase where the various assessment instruments were administered. All quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis.
The findings in this study show that 78% of the participants have Type A hemophilia and 48% are considered to have a severe case. Of the 23 participants, six (6) or 26% claimed that they or their children experience severe and more frequent bleeding during summer. Most of the participants, however, experienced a bleed at least once a month, and, almost always, spontaneously. The most common type of bleeding, occurring in 87% of the participants, is the joint-bleed, particularly in the elbow, knee, and ankle. There were, however, five (5) PWH, or 22%, who experienced internal head bleeding. Neuropsychological analysis of the participants who experienced head bleeding showed no signs of organic brain injury. According to the participants and their families, the expenses per bleeding episode range as low as P5,000.00 to as high as a million pesos depending on the severity and location of the bleed, most expensive of which is internal head bleeding. In terms of the level of intelligence, neuropsychological analysis revealed that the participants obtained a mean Verbal IQ of 90, which is on the Average level. However, the Full-Scale IQ (88<90) and Performance IQ (87<90) were found to be on the Low Average level. The participants were also found to have a Low Average skill in understanding written and spoken language, and in organizing visual stimuli (MVCI = 87<90; MPOI = 86<90). In terms of perceptual-motor skill and memory, PWH participants obtained results equivalent to the Average Level (MPMS = 8.484; MMem = 8.484). They, however, were found to be weak in terms of general knowledge and verbal fluency (7.531<8.00), verbal conceptual ability (7.875<8.00), and attention and concentration (7.859<8.00).
Based on the results of assessment and analysis, an integrative intervention program that will address the neuropsychological needs of the people with hemophilia, particularly the participants in this study, was developed. The program includes an Alternative Learning Program to improve skills in comprehension and performance, and to enhance perceptual-organization and attention and concentration abilities.
Dichotic Listening in Neuropsychology
Roann Munoz Ramos and Rosalito de Guzman
Reading is an important skill learned during one's formative years. An important predictor of a successful academic performance, reading is product of decoding and comprehension. It is also influenced by bi-hemispheric activation, with the left hemisphere for orthography or phonology and the right hemisphere for speech rhythms.
A most common form of learning disability, reading disability is a developmental disorder characterized by reading underachievement despite possessing an average IQ. It excludes other causes of reading difficulties, such as emotional problems, intellectual disabilities and sensory impairments.
Since relatively little is known regarding the status of reading problems in the Philippines, this research was conducted as part of the initial phase in the development of a neuropsychological profile of local schoolchildren with reading problems and as a basis for the construction of a Filipino reading achievement test. As a measure of hemispheric lateralization, the researcher primarily used the dichotic listening task. This technique reflects the brain’s limited capacity to handle two auditory materials simultaneously presented to both ears. As a result, an ear advantage (EA) is reported, which represents the dominant ear.
The presentation will focus on her preliminary work among schoolchildren with reading problems. Discussion will cover topics such as the neuropsychology of reading and the use of the dichotic listening task.
Development and Validation of a Neuropsychological Assessment Test: A Pre-Diagnostic Tool as a Soft Sign of Brain Damage Using Filipino Proverbs for Abstract Reasoning
Joy Rigonan-Tungol and Rosalito de Guzman
One of the distinguishing abilities of human beings that makes them superior over animals is the ability known as “executive functions”. These functions allow one to make complex high-level and abstract judgments as well as to control his memory process thus, enabling him to adapt to new situations. The objective of the study is to develop and validate an instrument that will measure abstract reasoning using Filipino Proverbs. An initial survey was conducted in a form of checklist to two hundred thirty (230) respondents from selected areas in Metro Manila to know the most familiar proverbs. Results of which generated forty-five (45) proverbs which made up the first draft of the questionnaire. The first draft is made up of open-ended questions to know how the selected respondents give meaning to the selected proverbs. There were two hundred sixty-one (261) respondents who answered the first draft which then became the basis of the collated responses for expert validation. There were six (6) experts who validated the preliminary form of the NAT – FAR with three choices for each proverb representing the level of abstract reasoning from concrete, semi-concrete and abstract meanings. The intra-class correlation was used to know the consistency of the experts' ratings and which generated an r value of 0.981 which means that there is a very high correlation among the experts’ ratings. A total of 1,840 respondents participated in answering the preliminary form of the test. The data was subjected to STATISTICA for its analysis. The preliminary form was found to have moderately high reliability at r = .80 using the Cronbach’s Alpha and r = .78 using the Split-half technique. Since all items were found to have moderate to high discriminatory indices which range from .28 - .58, the final form has retained the original 45 items in the preliminary form. The final form was then administered to a total of 1427 adults from selected areas in Metro Manila. Using the SPSS for the analysis of data, results revealed that the test has moderately high reliability obtaining an r = .768 using the Cronbach’s Alpha and r = .787 using the Split-half technique. The test’s validity was established through convergent validity using the Verbal Reasoning Test of the DAT to which the scores in the final form were compared. Obtaining an r = .647, the final form of the NAT - FAR was found to be moderately valid. A general norm was established for the interpretation of scores and a separate norm for educational attainment which was found to be the only factor related to abstract reasoning after scores in the final form were correlated with age, gender, and working status among others.
Angelina Julom and Rosalito de Guzman
Within recent years the concept of Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI) has become increasingly recognized and studied because of its associated risk for the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease of the brain from which there is no recovery.
Longitudinal studies have suggested that the mild cognitive impairment determined by clinical evaluation and neuropsychological tests is useful in predicting dementia from two to three years before the condition manifest clinically. Early diagnosis of MCI can provide, greater opportunity for taking preventive measures to preserve cognition for as long as possible.
This test development research was conducted as an attempt to provide a reliable and valid neuropsychological tool to detect Mild Cognitive Impairment in Filipino older adults. Results showed that two weeks interval test-retest reliability correlations were all significant (p<0.05-p< 0.001). Concurrent validity correlations were significant (p<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that tests measure the intended dimensions of memory, cognitive functions, and language. Thus, initial and final validation analyses showed that the Neuropsychological Assessment for Mild cognitive Impairment (NAMCI) gave evidence of being a reliable and valid screening instrument in determining mild cognitive impairment in Filipino Older Adults.
Neuropsychological Analysis of People with Hemophilia: Basis for a Proposed
Integrative Intervention Program
Portia Lynn Quetulio-See and Rosalito de Guzman
Hemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder that is passed on from a parent, usually the mother, to the offspring, usually the male child, through the genes. In this kind of disorder, the substances in the blood that are responsible for stopping bleeding after an injury are not present in sufficient amounts, and therefore, prolonged bleeding occurs. Much has already been studied about the physiological bases and effects of hemophilia. However, it should be considered that the pain and stigma brought about by the disorder extend beyond the physical; it may have a considerable neuropsychological impact. Since the issue on the neuropsychological problems among people with hemophilia is relatively new, and because of the lack of enough researches about the psychological issues faced by those with hemophilia, the researcher was motivated to pursue the present study. This research generally aims to assess and analyze the neuropsychological implications of hemophilia among selected individuals who have the rare illness, and eventually develop an intervention program that will aid in the enhancement of the neuropsychological make-up of people with hemophilia.
This study involves a descriptive research design. Twenty-three (23) persons with hemophilia (PWH), with ages ranging from 6 to 30 years, participated in the study. All PWH underwent the two phases of the research, namely, the interview phase where necessary information about the participants were obtained from the participants themselves and their family, and the psychological testing phase where the various assessment instruments were administered. All quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis.
The findings in this study show that 78% of the participants have Type A hemophilia and 48% are considered to have a severe case. Of the 23 participants, six (6) or 26% claimed that they or their children experience severe and more frequent bleeding during summer. Most of the participants, however, experienced a bleed at least once a month, and, almost always, spontaneously. The most common type of bleeding, occurring in 87% of the participants, is the joint-bleed, particularly in the elbow, knee, and ankle. There were, however, five (5) PWH, or 22%, who experienced internal head bleeding. Neuropsychological analysis of the participants who experienced head bleeding showed no signs of organic brain injury. According to the participants and their families, the expenses per bleeding episode range as low as P5,000.00 to as high as a million pesos depending on the severity and location of the bleed, most expensive of which is internal head bleeding. In terms of the level of intelligence, neuropsychological analysis revealed that the participants obtained a mean Verbal IQ of 90, which is on the Average level. However, the Full-Scale IQ (88<90) and Performance IQ (87<90) were found to be on the Low Average level. The participants were also found to have a Low Average skill in understanding written and spoken language, and in organizing visual stimuli (MVCI = 87<90; MPOI = 86<90). In terms of perceptual-motor skill and memory, PWH participants obtained results equivalent to the Average Level (MPMS = 8.484; MMem = 8.484). They, however, were found to be weak in terms of general knowledge and verbal fluency (7.531<8.00), verbal conceptual ability (7.875<8.00), and attention and concentration (7.859<8.00).
Based on the results of assessment and analysis, an integrative intervention program that will address the neuropsychological needs of the people with hemophilia, particularly the participants in this study, was developed. The program includes an Alternative Learning Program to improve skills in comprehension and performance, and to enhance perceptual-organization and attention and concentration abilities.
Dichotic Listening in Neuropsychology
Roann Munoz Ramos and Rosalito de Guzman
Reading is an important skill learned during one's formative years. An important predictor of a successful academic performance, reading is product of decoding and comprehension. It is also influenced by bi-hemispheric activation, with the left hemisphere for orthography or phonology and the right hemisphere for speech rhythms.
A most common form of learning disability, reading disability is a developmental disorder characterized by reading underachievement despite possessing an average IQ. It excludes other causes of reading difficulties, such as emotional problems, intellectual disabilities and sensory impairments.
Since relatively little is known regarding the status of reading problems in the Philippines, this research was conducted as part of the initial phase in the development of a neuropsychological profile of local schoolchildren with reading problems and as a basis for the construction of a Filipino reading achievement test. As a measure of hemispheric lateralization, the researcher primarily used the dichotic listening task. This technique reflects the brain’s limited capacity to handle two auditory materials simultaneously presented to both ears. As a result, an ear advantage (EA) is reported, which represents the dominant ear.
The presentation will focus on her preliminary work among schoolchildren with reading problems. Discussion will cover topics such as the neuropsychology of reading and the use of the dichotic listening task.
Development and Validation of a Neuropsychological Assessment Test: A Pre-Diagnostic Tool as a Soft Sign of Brain Damage Using Filipino Proverbs for Abstract Reasoning
Joy Rigonan-Tungol and Rosalito de Guzman
One of the distinguishing abilities of human beings that makes them superior over animals is the ability known as “executive functions”. These functions allow one to make complex high-level and abstract judgments as well as to control his memory process thus, enabling him to adapt to new situations. The objective of the study is to develop and validate an instrument that will measure abstract reasoning using Filipino Proverbs. An initial survey was conducted in a form of checklist to two hundred thirty (230) respondents from selected areas in Metro Manila to know the most familiar proverbs. Results of which generated forty-five (45) proverbs which made up the first draft of the questionnaire. The first draft is made up of open-ended questions to know how the selected respondents give meaning to the selected proverbs. There were two hundred sixty-one (261) respondents who answered the first draft which then became the basis of the collated responses for expert validation. There were six (6) experts who validated the preliminary form of the NAT – FAR with three choices for each proverb representing the level of abstract reasoning from concrete, semi-concrete and abstract meanings. The intra-class correlation was used to know the consistency of the experts' ratings and which generated an r value of 0.981 which means that there is a very high correlation among the experts’ ratings. A total of 1,840 respondents participated in answering the preliminary form of the test. The data was subjected to STATISTICA for its analysis. The preliminary form was found to have moderately high reliability at r = .80 using the Cronbach’s Alpha and r = .78 using the Split-half technique. Since all items were found to have moderate to high discriminatory indices which range from .28 - .58, the final form has retained the original 45 items in the preliminary form. The final form was then administered to a total of 1427 adults from selected areas in Metro Manila. Using the SPSS for the analysis of data, results revealed that the test has moderately high reliability obtaining an r = .768 using the Cronbach’s Alpha and r = .787 using the Split-half technique. The test’s validity was established through convergent validity using the Verbal Reasoning Test of the DAT to which the scores in the final form were compared. Obtaining an r = .647, the final form of the NAT - FAR was found to be moderately valid. A general norm was established for the interpretation of scores and a separate norm for educational attainment which was found to be the only factor related to abstract reasoning after scores in the final form were correlated with age, gender, and working status among others.
