Episode 80 | Cognitive Reserve – With Dr. Yaakov Stern
This episode is a conversation about cognitive reserve, which is a heuristic that helps explain variation across people in their ability to withstand neuropathology and brain damage. We discuss terminology, including defining and differentiating cognitive reserve, brain reserve, brain maintenance and resilience. We also cover sociobehavioral proxies for cognitive reserve, functional neuroimaging, and clinical applications.
Episode 78 | Neuropsychology and Sub-Saharan Africa – With Drs. Jean Ikanga and Tony Stringer
Culturally informed neuropsychological evaluations require that clinicians develop knowledge of the macrosocietal structures of unfamiliar countries and the cultural backgrounds of their patients. Sub-Saharan Africa is a large region, with over one billion people, some of whom develop neurological conditions and could benefit from neuropsychological services. In this episode, we discuss shared aspects of sub-Saharan culture, particularly in contrast to Western norms, and we introduce and describe the African Neuropsychological Battery. The overarching goal of the episode is to help listeners increase awareness and knowledge of important cultural factors.
Episode 76 | Aerospace Neuropsychology – With Dr. Randy Georgemiller
A high level of cognitive functioning is crucial to the safe and competent operation of aircraft. Neuropsychologists are increasingly called upon to perform cognitive evaluations of commercial airline pilots and these evaluations are unique in many ways compared to more conventional clinical assessments in hospital settings. In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of aerospace neuropsychology, including important clinically relevant evidence-based advice and guidance for neuropsychologists looking to extend their practice by evaluating aviators.
Episode 74 | Global Neuropsychology: Introduction – With Dr. Tedd Judd
This episode covers cultural neuropsychology and global neuropsychology. We talk with Tedd Judd, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, about how neuropsychology in North Atlantic countries is unique relative to how neuropsychology is practiced elsewhere. We also discuss advice for conducting competent clinical evaluations with patients whose culture is unfamiliar to the clinician.
Episode 49 | Pediatric Cardiac Arrest with Dr. Beth Slomine
There is a growing need for neuropsychologists in an inpatient rehab setting and throughout follow-up care for children who are resuscitated after experiencing a cardiac arrest. Today, we talk with Beth Slomine, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, about the risks and benefits associated with therapeutic hypothermia for these children, and her involvement in the THAPCA multi-site trial.
Episodes 22-23 | Pediatric Epilepsy – With Dr. Nancy Nussbaum
Part I: https://www.navneuro.com/22
Epilepsy is a broad term used to describe various neurologic conditions that cause seizures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. had approximately 3 million adults and 470,000 children with epilepsy in 2015. Children with epilepsy are more likely to report academic difficulties, experience cognitive impairment, and live in poverty. Today we bring you Part 1 of our conversation with epilepsy expert Nancy Nussbaum, Ph.D., ABPP-CN. We cover a range of topics including the definition of epilepsy, epileptic syndromes and etiologies that are common in childhood, assessment, treatments, outcomes, and much more.
Part II: https://www.navneuro.com/23
We cover a range of topics including the role of a clinical neuropsychologist on an interdisciplinary team, common academic challenges, various treatment options, providing psychoeducation for families, and much more. We also ask Nancy about her experience as President of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and advice regarding leadership in the field.
Episode 70 | ADHD, with Dr. Robb Mapou
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with effects on academic and occupational performance, social relationships, and other aspects of functioning. Neuropsychologists frequently work with both children and adults with ADHD, and understanding the relevant scientific literature is an important part of training and continuing education in our field. In this episode, John and Ryan talk to Dr. Robb Mapou about ADHD, including conversations on developmental course, co-occurring symptoms, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, among other topics.
Episode 68 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Neuropsychology – With Dr. Mark Aloia
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder of breathing during sleep. It can lead to both sleep fragmentation and hypoxia, it has a negative impact on cardiovascular functioning, and it is associated with various neurobiological, cognitive, and emotional sequelae. OSA is underdiagnosed in the general population, and even following successful diagnosis the most popular treatment (positive airway pressure [PAP] devices) is not always well tolerated, leading to low treatment adherence. Given that OSA impacts the brain and behavior, that it is underdiagnosed, and that successful intervention requires a significant behavior change (e.g., PAP adherence), neuropsychologists have a significant role to play in this public health issue. In the current episode, John and Ryan speak with Dr. Mark Aloia about various aspects of OSA, including an in-depth discussion of cognitive/emotional effects of the condition, as well as motivational interviewing techniques to improve PAP adherence.
Episode 48 | Neuropsychology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – With Dr. April Thames
The U.S. has the largest annual incidence of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses among high-income nations. This is relevant for neuropsychologists because many individuals with HIV develop a spectrum of cognitive, motor, and/or mood problems collectively known as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). In this episode, we talk with April Thames, Ph.D., about cross-cultural considerations and age-related cognitive decline in HIV.
Episode 64 | Spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Christine Koterba
Approximately one in every 2,800 babies are born with spina bifida each year. Spina bifida is related to multiple physical and neurological symptoms including hydrocephalus, which differs from its presentation in older adults. Today, John and Ryan talk with Christine Koterba, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, about spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and how neuropsychologists can contribute to the care of children with these disorders.