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Background. Early detection and diagnosis of dementia are of key importance in treatment, slowing disease progression or suppressing symptoms. Color vision impairment may be observed in some cases in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and its potential role in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases is questioned. Objectives. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information on color vision impairment in various neurodegenerative diseases Material and methods. A literature search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, and th term “dementia” was searched with keyword combinations related to color vision. Results. A total of 785 records were identified through database searching, and 25 articles were ultimately included in the analysis Multiple studies have shown that patients with neurodegenerative diseases and dementia have impaired color vision, and the possible role of color vision changes are considered as potential biomarkers for early detection in several cases. The results show that color vision impairment is being investigated not only in patients with Alzheimer’s disease but also in other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions. In individuals with cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases, color vision changes have repeatedly been reported. In some cases, the use of color vision changes for differential diagnosis between certain neurodegenerative diseases has proved useful. Several authors have agreed that color vision tests could be a possible simple method for early diagnosis of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to commemorate the lifelong work of Harry Harlow (31.10. 1905 - 6. 12. 1981) on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his death. Although Harry Harlow is best known mainly for his experiments with maternal separation and social isolation, his research in the field of cognitive abilities of primates also received great scientific acclaim. The results of his work contributed to the revolution in childcare as well as to the shift in the prevailing approaches of psychology, but ethics of his experiments is questionable from the contemporary point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to contribute to the clarification of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and growth (PTG) in childhood cancer survivors, taking into account the possibility of a nonlinear relationship and using a clinical approach to analyzing PTSS. Childhood cancer survivors (n = 167) aged 11–27 completed measures of posttraumatic stress (UCLA_PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (BFSC). Based on the clinical analysis of UCLA_PTSD symptoms, the sample was divided into three PTSS severity groups (no, mild, moderate). These groups were compared in the mean level of PTG. Correlation analysis was performed to analyze the relationship of PTG with overall PTSS as well as its subscales. The analysis was completed using the curve estimation procedure evaluating linear and quadratic curve fit. There was no significant difference in the mean PTG scores between the three PTSS severity groups and no significant correlation of PTG with overall PTSS score and its clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance and increased arousal). PTG was positively associated with the fear of cancer recurrence. We did not find support for the direct relationship of PTG and PTSS but we suggest the possibility of connection between the two through the specific nature of PTSS in cancer survivors and their future-oriented intrusive thoughts overlapping with fear of cancer recurrence. These findings offer a novel perspective for future research on PTSS and PTG relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study reviews existing research devoted to the topic of social support in childhood cancer survivors, the structure of their social network and its influence to selected characteristics of childhood cancer patients and survivors according to the source of support. Parents, siblings, friends, medical staff, classmates and teachers are analyzed as support sources. Positive as well as negative social support outcomes are reported. Among the positive outcomes, lower levels of anxiety, loneliness and pain, quality of life improvements and strenghtening of coping strategies can be named. Negative outcomes can be represented for example by excessive parental care, lack of privacy and feeling of being left out after the end of treatment. The limits of existing research are discussed, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to describe the structure and the level of perceived social support in childhood cancer survivors and compare it with the support of control group. Sample and settings. Data from 101 childhood cancer survivors and 231 individuals from the general population were used. To determine the structure and level of social support Questionnaire of social support QOLOP which was originally designed for the QOLOP (Quality of Life Longitudinal Study in Oncology Paediatric Patients) project was used. Hypotheses. Perceived parental social support in childhood cancer survivors is higher than in the general population. Social support provided by friends is lower in childhood cancer survivors than in the general population. Statistical analysis: The statistical analysis (descriptive statistics and factorial analysis of variance) was performed using SPSS. Results. Parents (especially mothers) were the most important sources of perceived social support for both groups. Grandparents, friends and siblings were mentioned as relevant sources of social support, too. Childhood cancer survivors perceived higher level of social support from mothers, teachers, grandparents, siblings and friends. Specific differences in perceived social support were also found depending on age and gender. Study limitation. The health status of control group was not monitored. In the group of childhood cancer survivors, the age in time of diagnosis and the time since the end of the treatment were not taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to map the coping strategies used by childhood cancer survivors during the treatment and also in their current life and to find a relationship between coping strategies and the rate of depressive symptomatology. Sample and setting. The research group consists of 65 adolescent childhood cancer survivors (M=18,29; SD=2,71). Coping strategies and depression symptoms were assessed through KIDCOPE and CDI (Children's Depression Inventory). Hypotheses. Adolescent childhood cancer survivors use significantly more avoidance coping strategies during the treatment. They use significantly more approach coping strategies in longterm remission. Certain coping strategies (e.g. resignation, social support) contribute to lower rate of depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman's correlation through SPSS. Results. Resignation (avoidant coping) and social support (approach coping) were the most used coping strategies during the treatment in both girls and boys. The use of coping strategies in current life was more steady. Cognitive restructuring seems to be effective strategy both during the treatment and in long-term remission in both girls and boys. In contrast emotion regulation, blaming others, social withdrawal and social isolation used both during the treatment and in long-term remission are associated with more depressive symptoms but only in boys. Study limitations. The main study limitation is retrospective information retrieval using questionnaire form several years after treatment that can cause distortion of information by adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]