Future episodes – planned, in the works, or already recorded:
-Interviewing for internship and post doc positions in neuropsychology
Of the many aspects of the clinical internship and post doc application process, the interview may elicit the greatest degree of worry and anxiety in trainees. We share our experiences and advice, with the aims of demystifying the interview experience and increasing knowledge and confidence in interviewees.
-The microbiome and neurocognition
In our bodies, microbial genes outnumber human genes by about 100 to 1. The human microbiome is a rapidly progressing field of scientific inquiry, and strong links have been found with gastrointestinal diseases, immune functioning, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many other disease processes. The gut microbiome clearly has links to multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system. Indeed, there is increasing interest in links between the microbiome and cognitive outcomes. We speak with a neuropsychologist whose research interest fits squarely within this arena.
-Electrical Injuries: Cognitive and Emotional Sequelae – with Dr. Neil Pliskin
Electrical injuries often result in diffuse cognitive symptoms and mood changes. In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of this relatively rare injury with Dr. Pliskin, who has done a significant amount of clinical work and research with this population. We will also discuss the topics of supervision, leadership in neuropsychology (Dr. Pliskin is a former president of SCN Div. 40), and much more.
-Genetic disclosures of risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Randomized clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease frequently include the measurement of risk genes (i.e., the APOE E4 allele), and advancements in direct-to-consumer genetic testing (e.g., 23andMe) have made these biological data widely available to the public. Is it helpful or harmful for clinicians to disclose information on genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease to patients and research participants? How can we explain concepts such as risk and incomplete penetrance to our patients? We pose these questions, and others, to a neuropsychologist with research and clinical experience in this arena.
-Uniform test score labeling: A summary of the 2018 AACN Consensus Conference
There is very little standardization of the qualitative descriptors used in neuropsychological practices across the globe. Terms such as Above Average, Superior, Borderline, and Impaired are used without consistently being anchored to the same standardized scores and percentiles. In this episode, we talk to a member of a group of neuropsychologists who are attempting to decrease confusion by providing a recommended set of guidelines that can benefit all neuropsychological practitioners and trainees.
-Interventions to improve well-being and emotional coping in caregivers for older adults with dementia
A tremendous amount of stress and anxiety is experienced by caregivers of older adults with dementia. Caregivers often endure both psychological and medical illnesses and there are significant barriers (i.e., caregiver responsibilities) preventing them from attending traditional psychotherapy. In this episode, we talk to the developer of a telephone-based intervention that has been shown to enhance the well-being of dementia caregivers.
If you have any feedback or ideas about content for future episodes, please feel free to drop us a line at feedback@navneuro.com