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neuropsychology

Personality and Neuropsychological Correlates of Male and Female Sexual Offenders

Personality and Neuropsychological Correlates of Male and Female Sexual Offenders

Teaser: 

John W. DenBoer, MA, PhD1, Frederick L. Coolidge, PhD2, Daniel L. Segal, PhD3, & Sean Ahlmeyer, MA4,
1,2,3Department of Psychology, The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs, CO, USA).
4Colorado State Department of Corrections (Colorado Springs, CO, USA).

Abstract
The present study examined the personality and neuropsychological correlates of convicted male and female sex offenders. The investigators measured DSM-IV-TR psychopathology and neuropsychological dysfunction among rapists and child molesters using the Coolidge Axis II Inventory, a valid and reliable assessment instrument. Male child molesters displayed significantly higher Apathy scores than age-matched male controls. Male non-sexual offenders scored significantly higher than male child molesters, rapists, and controls on Histrionic Personality Disorder, Impulsivity, and Disinhibition. Female child molesters reported significantly elevated levels of psycho and neuropathology when compared to female non-offenders. Specifically, female child molesters reported greater Language Problems and Executive Dysfunction, along with greater levels of Psychoticism and Paranoia, when compared to female controls. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Key Words: personality, neuropsychology, sexual offenders, executive dysfunction, child molestation, rape.

Mild Cognitive Impairment: What Is It and Where Does It Lead?

Mild Cognitive Impairment: What Is It and Where Does It Lead?

Teaser: 


Lesley J. Ritchie, MSc, Department of Psychology, Centre on Aging, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
Holly Tuokko, PhD, Department of Psychology, Centre on Aging, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediary stage in the cognitive continuum from normal aging to dementia. Six to 48% of individuals with MCI are estimated to develop dementia.1 As such, the conceptualization and operationalization of MCI present unique opportunities for the development and implementation of strategies to prevent or delay the conversion to dementia. Despite the lack of a “gold standard” case definition for MCI, information gathered from neuropsychological assessment may inform a diagnosis of MCI based on clinical judgment, as impaired performance on several neuropsychological measures is predictive of conversion to dementia for persons exhibiting cognitive decline but who are not demented.
Key words: mild cognitive impairment, dementia, conversion, neuropsychology, predictors of dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal Dementia

Teaser: 


Simone Pomati, MD, PhD, Centre for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Francesca Clerici, MD, PhD, Centre for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Stefano Defendi, MD, Centre for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Silvia Bovo, MD, Centre for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Claudio Mariani, MD, Chair of Clinical Neurology, University of Milan; Centre for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive condition characterized by atrophy of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. Three main clinical syndromes have been described (behavioural variant, progressive nonfluent aphasia, and semantic dementia). The symptoms reflect the anatomical distribution of the pathological changes rather than the precise histological subtype. Frontotemporal dementia is a genetically complex disorder with a strong likelihood of inheritance, mainly transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. Mutations in microtubule associated tau protein and progranulin have been reported in several families affected by FTD. The treatment is directed to the control of the behavioural disturbances through pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches.
Key words: frontotemporal dementia, semantic dementia, progressive nonfluent aphasia, neuropsychology, progranulin.