Poster Session 10 Program Schedule
02/17/2024
09:00 am - 10:15 am
Room: Shubert Complex (Posters 1-60)
Poster Session 10: Neurodevelopmental | Congenital Conditions
Final Abstract #8
Not Dementia! A Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Psychosocial Functioning, and Single-Sided Deafness Masquerading as a Memory Disorder: A Case Study
Jesus Barreto Abrams, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Torrance, United States
Ana Pedreros, Providence Little Company of Mary, Torrance, United States
Category: Autism Spectrum Disorders/Developmental Disorders/Intellectual Disability
Keyword 1: intellectual functioning
Keyword 2: bilingualism/multilingualism
Objective:
Latino individuals have an increased risk of missed diagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder compared to their White counterparts. In addition, Latinos who are bilinguals pose a challenge with accurate identification as some cognitive weaknesses are attributed to knowing English and Spanish. These linguistic and ethnic sociocultural factors coupled with single-sided deafness could in fact lead to misdiagnosis. Considering Havighurst & Albrecht (1953) Activity Theory, this single case study illustrates the intersections of how a neurodevelopmental disorder, a mood disorder, and changes in aspects of psychosocial functioning may lead a patient and their providers to become concerned of an incipient neurodegenerative disorder.
Participants and Methods:
The current study uses a single-case case sample of a bilingual (predominantly English-speaking), single-sided deaf, Latino man in his mid-50s. He was referred by his neurologist within the context of memory changes. The patient completed a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, including clinical and collateral interviews, neuropsychological testing, self-report mood measures, and adaptive functioning.
Results:
Lack of awareness in considering developmental theories across the lifespan and developmental milestones may lead to erroneous differential diagnoses. This case study demonstrates how an Intellectual Developmental Disorder diagnosis could have been confused for a Neurocognitive Disorder due to a neurodegenerative disorder when not considering developmental or psychosocial history. Further, multiple challenges arose prior to diagnosing Intellectual Developmental Disorder. These barriers included the importance of understanding language fluency, adaptation to the administration of neuropsychological measures due to single-sided deafness, and the importance of considering and adjusting performance validity measures to serve the patients assessed. Aside from the clinical value and factors discussed, this case is also exemplary of how the Activity Theory (Havighurst & Albrecht, 1953) could be applied to this patient with a retrospective diagnosis of Intellectual Developmental Disorder. The Activity Theory applies to this patient by demonstrating how the removal of his routines, changes in occupational history, and non-neurological medical disability led to a shift in self-concept and morale affecting his emotional functioning.
Conclusions:
This case study emphasizes the importance of employing developmental and sociocultural lenses in neuropsychological evaluations. Further, this case demonstrates the importance of considering multiple facets of the patients served to provide holistic neuropsychological care.
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