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Although executive dysfunction is the characteristic cognitive marker of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), episodic memory deficits are relatively common, and may be present even during the prodromal disease phase. In a cohort of mutation carriers with mild behavioral and/or cognitive symptoms consistent with prodromal bvFTD, we aimed to investigate patterns of performance on an abbreviated list learning task, with a particular focus on recognition memory. We further aimed to characterize the cognitive prodromes associated with the three major genetic causes of frontotemporal dementia, as emerging evidence suggests there may be subtle differences in cognitive profiles among carriers of different genetic mutations. Participants included 57 carriers of a pathogenic mutation in microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT, N = 23), or progranulin (GRN, N = 15), or a or a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72, N = 19), with mild cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms consistent with prodromal bvFTD. Familial non-carriers were included as controls (N = 143). All participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological examination, including an abbreviated list learning test assessing episodic memory recall and recognition. MAPT mutation carriers performed worse than non-carriers in terms of list recall, and had difficulty discriminating targets from distractors on the recognition memory task, primarily due to the endorsement of distractors as targets. MAPT mutation carriers also showed nonverbal episodic memory and semantic memory dysfunction (object naming). GRN mutation carriers were variable in performance and overall the most dysexecutive. Slowed psychomotor speed was evident in C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers. Identifying the earliest cognitive indicators of bvFTD is of critical clinical and research importance. List learning may be a sensitive cognitive marker for incipient dementia in MAPT and potentially a subset of GRN carriers. Our results highlight that distinct cognitive profiles may be evident in carriers of the three disease-causing genes during the prodromal disease stage.

Objective: Routine health care visits offer the opportunity to screen older adults for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many women see their gynecologist as their primary health care provider. Given this unique relationship, the Women's Preventive Services Initiative and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advocate for integrated care of women at all ages. It is well-established that women are at increased risk for AD, and memory screening of older women should be paramount in this effort. Research is needed to determine the feasibility and value of memory screening among older women at the well-woman visit. Materials and Methods: Women aged 60 and above completed a 5-item subjective memory screener at their well-woman visit at the Columbia University Integrated Women's Health Program. Women who endorsed any item were considered to have a positive screen and were given the option to pursue clinical evaluation. Rates of positive screens, item endorsement, and referral preferences were examined. Results: Of the 530 women approached, 521 agreed to complete the screener. Of those, 17.5% (n = 91) were classified as positive. The most frequently endorsed item was difficulty with memory or thinking compared with others the same age. Among women with positive screens, 57.5% were interested in pursuing clinical referrals to a memory specialist. Conclusion: Results support the feasibility and potential value of including subjective memory screening as part of a comprehensive well-woman program. Early identification of memory loss will enable investigation into the cause of memory symptoms and longitudinal monitoring of cognitive change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, teleneuropsychology utilization has increased. There is a need to characterize the first-hand experiences of individuals using teleneuropsychology, identify the common teleneuropsychology challenges, and devise practical strategies for mitigating/resolving these challenges. Method Survey data were collected from U.S. based neuropsychologists and other individuals (e.g. graduate students and research assistants) who were engaged in remote cognitive assessment with adults (n  = 87). Frequency analyses were conducted to examine: how respondents used teleneuropsychology (e.g. duration of use, types of measures and devices/technology platforms used); challenges that were encountered with different technology platforms and teleneuropsychology use; and advice for navigating these challenges. Results Most respondents began using teleneuropsychology relatively recently in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, with home-to-home or clinic-to-home settings being the most frequently reported teleneuropsychology settings. Zoom®, Doxy.Me®, and MyChart® were the most frequently used platforms, largely due to workplace mandates and/or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant features. Common challenges with teleneuropsychology included internet connection issues and environmental distractions in examinees' homes, and examinees having limited-to-no access to technologies requisite for teleneuropsychology. Providing clear instructions to the examinee prior to the teleneuropsychology visit was the most common advice for ensuring a successful teleneuropsychology evaluation. Similar response patterns were generally noted for those who used TeleNP for clinical or research purposes. Conclusions These survey results reflect common experiences and challenges with teleneuropsychology and identify priority targets for increasing its feasibility, reliability, and validity. Findings provide context for the development of formal teleneuropsychology competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]