Category: News

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) occurs with a decline in memory and other thinking abilities that are more serious than in healthy aging, but not as severe as in dementia. Although people diagnosed with MCI can take care of their daily chores independently, they still see a decline in their quality of life. Quality of life has to do with physical and mental well-being, mood, and the ability to complete activities of daily living such a taking care of finances and have positive relationships.

MCI can also negatively affect the quality of life of family members, typically spouses and/or adult children who are involved in the care of their loved one with MCI. The most significant challenges for families include uncertainty about whether their loved one’s cognitive abilities (i.e. MCI) will progress to dementia and the potential for a long-term disease, causing anxiety and depression.

According to research, the quality of life in patients and their family members can improve. For instance, multiple patients with MCI and their family members reported that their quality of life improved after receiving counseling focused on adjustment strategies for memory, participating in support groups, receiving cognitive training and wellness education, and participating in yoga.

Here at NRS|LS, we offer an opportunity to get tested for MCI and receive Medical Adjustment Counseling ® and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy. If you have any questions, call our office for more information.

_______________________
Eleonora Gallagher, Psy.D.
NJ Permit: TP# 213-079
Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow

Annually, children age 16 years and younger account for half a million emergency department visits for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Several factors such as the patient’s age at the time of the occurrence, severity, comorbidities, and timely access to quality care can drastically affect the short-term and long-term effects of pediatric TBIs and mild concussions. While prognoses can be highly variable, research published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation shows that these key factors have been shown to help kids recover both medically and socially:

• Educating healthcare providers, parents, and teachers about the importance of prompt TBI care at the time of the injury.
• Parents should be encouraged to establish a positive family dynamic, attend all medical follow up, and communicate with schools.
• Medical professionals should provide parents with clear documentation of their child’s diagnosis that informs them of any recommendations as well as possible complications their child may experience. They should be instructed to report these documents to their child’s school.  Neuropsychologists are uniquely equipped to spearhead the child’s recovery.
• All children with mild to moderate TBI should receive an evaluation to determine if they would benefit from rehabilitation services, and if so, to what extent.
• Neuropsychological testing is encouraged to characterize the changes that may have occurred and describe how they will affect real world functioning. From here, more recommendations for treatment planning will be established with the child, family, and school.
• Bridging the gap between healthcare and educational care is often overlooked, but the transition back to school can be a very difficult experience for TBI patients. If needed, students should take advantage of specialized support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, vestibular therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and medical adjustment counseling(MAC).
• Students should be gradually reintroduced into their school work and routine. 504 plan most likely will be needed.
• The utilization of child-validated symptom rating scales to target concerns and improve patient care.

Dr. Greco has been serving children in Monmouth and Ocean counties for nearly twenty years.  If your child incurred a concussion and assistance is needed, please call our office as soon as possible.  Timing is key after a concussion.

Sincerely,

Steven P. Greco, PhD, ABN
Board Certified Neuropsychology
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology/Psychiatry
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Seton Hall-Hackensack Medical School

Welcome to 2023, the era of switching gears from focusing on disease, illness, and pathology to wellness, optimization, and resilience. “Regenerative medicine,” “neuroplasticity,” “epigenetics,” “health span extension,” “longevity medicine,” and “cellular anti-aging” all represent pockets of research dedicated to looking at the body’s ability to regenerate, repair, and heal itself from external factors (environmental stressors, toxins, and things we eat and drink) as well as internal factors (inflammation, viruses, and simply getting older).

What researchers are finding is that your chronological age doesn’t necessarily match your “biological age”. Here’s an easy demonstration of this – think of someone you’ve met who is 70 years old but looks and functions like a 60 year old. On the flip side, you may have also met a 70 year old who looks and functions like an 80 year old. Scientists are uncovering the reasons behind that by looking at how cells age and, even, reverse age. For instance, telomeres are the caps on the end of your chromosomes, which protect your DNA. Similar to how an aglet on a shoelace keeps your shoelaces from fraying, telomeres keep your DNA from mutating into diseases, cancers, and chronic illnesses (example: researchers at the University of Utah found that people older than 60 with shorter telomeres are 3 times more likely to suffer from heart disease and 8 times more likely to suffer from infectious diseases).

Scientists study the length of telomeres within individuals to see what factors cause them to shorten faster or slower. It turns out that lifestyle factors such as sleep quantity and quality, smoking and alcohol use, nutrition, obesity, exercise habits, stress management, and meditation can play an important role in accelerating biological aging or reversing it. For instance, researchers at the University of California San Francisco found that men who adopted a mostly plant based diet, walked 30 minutes 6 days per week, and practiced stress reduction methods daily over the span of 5 years had a significant increase in telomere length by approximately 10%. Men who did not make any lifestyle changes were found to have nearly 3% shorter telomeres due to natural aging.

While these findings represent a genuine reason to be optimistic about the future, lifestyle adjustments are often very difficult to make and integrate into a daily routine that is realistic, sustainable, and enjoyable. Clinical health psychologists can assist you if you feel stuck implementing changes, overwhelmed by information, or want support and guidance in applying cutting edge science into your life. Contact our office at 732-988-3441 to schedule a consultation appointment with a clinical health psychologist today.

Lauren Gashlin, PsyD
Clinical-Health Psychologist

Sundowning syndrome, or sundowning effect, primarily results in neurocognitive and behavioral changes occurring later in the day.  This is frequently observed in patients with brain-related neurological conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, metabolic disturbances, or other neurological conditions.  Not only is this condition stressful for patients, but it also affects caregivers and healthcare professionals.

While sundowning is not totally understood, a number of factors may influence the onset and persistent nature of this syndrome.  It is considered a multifactorial syndrome based on physiological, neurobiological, pharmacological, environmental, and medical components.  For example, specific elements considered to be a contributing factor to sundowning include medications, a patient’s history of a sleep disorder, brain-related physical changes (e.g., changes in melatonin, neurotransmitters, glucose, circadian rhythms) as well as environmental considerations (e.g., change in environment, overstimulation, reduced sunlight).  Individuals are particularly prone for developing sundowning when they are overstimulated and experience both physical and neurocognitive exhaustion.  At that time, individuals have difficulty and a lack of tolerance when placed in an unfamiliar, ever-changing, and often misperceived threatening environment.

Sundowning syndrome is generally considered, and eventually diagnosed, through patient observation.  As previously discussed, these individuals have a tendency toward increased confusion and behavioral changes (e.g., restlessness, agitation, disorientation) later in the day or when the sun goes down, hence the term sundowning.  Sundowning may also occur in individuals with other coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, urinary tract infections, pain symptoms, and documented sleep disturbances such as chronic obstructive sleep apnea.

Once sundowning is formally and clinically diagnosed, treatment strategies can be enforced.  First and foremost, an individuals prescribed an over-the-counter medication regimen needs to be identified and assessed.  It is imperative that specific medications be avoided to minimize an adverse medication interaction effect which often heightens an individual’s level of confusion and behavioral decompensation.  Despite this, some medications may prove beneficial in ameliorating some of the adverse symptoms.  Environmental changes can also prove beneficial, which may include keeping individuals in a familiar and non-threatening environment, minimize over-stimulation, increase light exposure, including fluorescent bulbs, and aromatherapy (e.g., in particular, lavender oils have proved to be both calming and relaxing).

From a preventive perspective, preventing or minimizing sundowning syndrome or sundowning effect is imperative.  The successful implementation of the following strategies often proves beneficial:

• Doctors’ appointments or daily therapeutic interventions should be scheduled in the morning or early afternoon.
• Maintain a regular morning and bedtime routine.
• Expose the individual to as much natural lightening as possible throughout the day.
• Provide the individual with a larger meal in the afternoon and a smaller meal at night.
• Keep a daily log as to what activities may increase confusion or adverse behavioral changes and those activities which appear beneficial in reducing sundowning.

In summary, while sundowning syndrome or sundowning effect often occurs in individuals with a host of neurological conditions, understanding the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures is paramount.   While sundowning is stressful to the patient, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, utilizing some of the aforementioned information and treatment strategies will undoubtedly be helpful.  If you or other individuals are exposed to this challenging situation and in need of additional information or clinical consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us at 732-988-3441.

Michael J. Raymond, Ph.D., ABN, FACPN
Board Certified Neuropsychologist #232
Licensed Psychologist #35S100252900

The fight-or-flight response is our body’s natural reaction to danger. It starts whenever we face a stressful, life threatening situation. This response helps us survive by preparing us to either fight the threat off or flee to safety. Unfortunately, this stress response is often triggered by events/situations that are non-life-threatening (e.g., traffic jams, work pressure, relationship difficulties), therefore affecting our mental and physical health.

Common Symptoms of Fight-or Flight Response:

• rapid heart rate
• faster, shallower breathing
• increased blood pressure
• high alertness
• muscle tension
• shaking or trembling
• dizziness/lightheadedness
• cold hands
• sweaty palms
• tunnel vision
• agitation
• focus on negative memories
• high anxiety/panic attack

Coping Strategies:

1. Moving to a quiet place
2. Deep breathing
3. Engaging in activity (e.g., going for a walk)
4. Seeking social support
5. Seeking professional support

Professional guidance can help with specific coping strategies. Feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn optimal ways to regain control and manage the fight-or-flight response.

Basia Andrejko-Gworek, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology, Post-Doctoral Fellow
Permit# TP #213-03

What are Seizure “Triggers”?

Before listing common seizure triggers and ways to avoid them, lets briefly review what is Epilepsy or commonly known as seizure disorder.

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed resulting in seizures.  It is basically a result of abnormal electrical brain activity causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures. One seizure does not signify epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have one seizure during their lifetime). Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as trauma or stroke. But in 50% of cases, there’s no known cause.

Depending on the area of the brain impacted by these abnormal activities, seizures can cause:

•  Shaking
• Twitches
• Confusion
• Blank Stares
• Pain
• Changes in sensation (hearing, vision, taste)
• Feelings of fear, anxiety, dread, or even pleasure
• Changes in heart rate or breathing
• Stiffness throughout the body
• Repeated or automatic movements

That said, no two cases of epilepsy are the same.  An individual’s trigger can be completely different than someone else’s triggers.

Some of the most common known seizure triggers include:

• Missed dosage of anti-epileptic drug (AED)
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Flashing lights or patterns
• Withdrawal from narcotics and/or barbiturates
• Low blood sugar
• Time of the day
• Hormonal changes
• Fever
• Infection or other illness

Increased awareness and understanding of what causes one’s seizures can help with diagnostics, treatment planning, and symptoms management.

Journal entry (information about seizures and factors associated with epilepsy) coupled with structured routine can help with identification of specific triggers as well as pathways to avoid the known trigger.

Once a patient understands and knows their specific trigger(s), the following can help avoid them or reduce its impact.

• Take medications as prescribed (right dosage at the right time)
• Limit stress
• Getting adequate amount of sleep
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and/or other substances
• Avoid flashing lights or patterns
• Modifying eating habits
• Planning around hormonal changes
• Treating at the first sign of illness
• Talking with others who understand (outreach group, medical professional, mental health provider)

Neurology should always be consulted first.  Once you have established  yourself with a neurologist, neuropsychology can help with the treatment of seizure disorder.

Please contact our staff or schedule an appointment with our providers for diagnostic clarification and treatment planning including identifications of triggers and help with managing them.  Our doctors can help you manage symptoms associated with epilepsy with evidenced based approaches including Medical Adjustment Counseling ®, Biofeedback, and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy

Mihir J. Shah, Psy.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) focuses on improving thinking abilities related to everyday functioning and strengthening independent living skills.  Typically, CRT focuses on patients with various neurological conditions, including but not limited to strokes, TBI, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and mild neurodegenerative disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and early stages of dementia.

Thinking abilities related to everyday functioning include attention, the ability to process information coming into the brain via sight, hearing, touch, or other senses, as well as memory, language, and problem-solving.

Examples of daily activities affected by problems in thinking may involve basic skills: preparing meals, taking care of personal hygiene and appearance, maintaining a daily schedule, etc. Other, more complex, negatively impacted abilities may include taking care of finances, managing medications, driving, making decisions, and solving problems related to work and life at home.

The neuropsychological examination (NPE) helps determine which thinking processes are impaired, the significance of their impact on daily functioning and whether the person would be a good candidate for CRT.

CRT is based on research demonstrating that thinking abilities can improve with practice. The treatment usually starts with simple tasks that become increasingly more difficult. A doctor or therapist decides on the tasks’ order and complexity.  In addition to retraining the brain, another treatment component included in CRT is based on learning compensatory strategies to compensate for thinking deficits. For instance, one of the strategies to improve memory learned during CRT may include using alarms and calendars. Techniques to strengthen attention may focus on minimizing distractions and taking breaks.

If you have any questions regarding CRT, please contact our office for more information.

Eleonora Gallagher, Psy.D.
Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
NJ Permit: TP# 213-079

It is no secret that depression can resemble dementia.  The question is, how can we differentiate the two?

Dementia and depression share common features.  Researchers have found that people who become depressed later in life have a 70% increased risk of developing dementia (www.health.harvard.edu).  Dementia in older adults is steadily increasing, along with emotional problems like stress and anxiety.  These emotional problems can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, and other symptoms that look like depression.  Many older adults develop memory problems from health issues, or side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies, or even substance abuse. Cognitive issues related to these areas may be treatable.

What is dementia?  This is not a specific disease, but a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two cognitive brain functions like memory loss and judgment.  A few types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss that affects daily functioning, difficulty planning and problem-solving, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images, problems with words in speaking or writing, poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality.

If it is depression, a behavioral health issue is causing the person to feel continued sadness.  They lose interest in everyday things.  Depression is one of the most treatable mental health disorders.  Seeking help can significantly improve a person’s life.  Some depression signs and symptoms are:  Trouble concentrating, remembering detail, persistent fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, irritability, and suicidal thoughts.  If it is depression, getting treatment can improve memory, concentration, and energy.  Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, staying active, being socially engaged, exercise, and controlling stress levels are all important to one’s emotional health.

Depression vs. Dementia

A person with depression will likely recognize if they are having memory problems, whereas someone with dementia may be less likely to notice the decline. Depression, confusion, or forgetfulness can come on suddenly, whereas dementia typically causes a slow cognitive decline.  People who are depressed know who they are speaking with, what day and time it is, and where they are.  People with dementia are impaired in these matters.  Depressed people use language correctly, though they may speak slowly at times.  However, someone with dementia has many language issues such as difficulty remembering someone’s name or the name of certain objects.

Both depression and dementia are unique to the individual and vary case by case.  Whether memory loss or cognitive decline is caused by depression or dementia it’s important to seek a medical workup first and then see a neuropsychologist who will administer a neuropsychological examination, who will then be able to list the thinking problems and behavioral changes and make the case whether it’s dementia vs. depression.

For more helpful tips on how you can help your loved ones who are dealing with dementia or depression, give us a call for a consult and put the question to rest.

Robert B. Sica, PhD, ABN
Board Certified, Neuropsychology
Principal, Director of Training

According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”

The role of Neuropsychology is to provide comprehensive evaluations via objective testing, to assess a person’s reading and writing abilities in the context of general neurocognitive functioning. In addition, the data via the Neuropsychological Examination provides information about brain-behavior functioning and cortical functioning involved in reading and writing conditions, such as dyslexia.

A pivotal article published in 2008, titled, “Learning disabilities: The need for neuropsychological evaluation” from Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, reads the following, “A learning disability (LD) is a neurobiological disorder that presents as a serious difficulty with reading, arithmetic, and/or written expression that is unexpected, given the individual’s intellectual ability. A learning disability is not an emotional disorder nor is it caused by an emotional disorder. If inadequately or improperly evaluated, a learning disability has the potential to impact an individual’s functioning adversely and produce functional impairment in multiple life domains. When a learning disability is suspected, an evaluation of neuropsychological abilities is necessary to determine the source of the difficulty as well as the areas of neurocognitive strength that can serve as a foundation for compensatory strategies and treatment options.”

Here at NRS|LS, we are here to help you or your child assess for learning disability and provide comprehensive treatment and recommendations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.

ADHD requires a multi-factorial treatment approach.

Besides the traditional neuropsychological approach consisting of consultation, neuropsychological examination, treatment (Medical Adjustment Counseling), and Cognitive Rehabilitation, the following are supplemental approaches:

Diet:

• Individuals with ADHD can be more sensitive to certain foods, meaning their symptoms worsen from consuming them.
• Foods with artificial additives, preservatives, and colors can increase ADHD symptoms.
• Sugar is a common additive in foods that increases the hyperactivity in those with ADHD.

Exercise:

• Physical exercise can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms (inattention, impulsivity, &hyperactivity)

Supplements:

• Vitamins/Minerals (see your nutritionist for specifics)

Sleep:

• Not getting proper sleep can worsen ADHD symptoms
• Sleeping Disorder (Comorbidity)
• Difficulties falling asleep (sleep onset), awakening at night, low sleep duration

Neurofeedback/Biofeedback:

• Helps individuals control and understand their own behaviors
• Looks at brain waves to retrain the brain
• Individuals are taught to self regulate brain activity
• Neurofeedback therapy, alongside other services, has been found to improve ADHD symptoms

Aerobic Exercise:

• Walking, running, cycling, jumping, swimming, dancing (10-30 minutes daily)

Yoga

• Less intense form of exercise – physical postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, & mindfulness/meditation

Psychotherapy:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Executive functioning building

Meditation/Mindfulness:

• Meditation and mindfulness can improve focus, concentration, behavioral issues, self-control, and sleep quality

Strength-Based Approach:

• Focuses on the individual’s strengths, success, and resources
• Pays less attention to the challenges faces by those who have ADHD
• This approach can be implements at home and in the school setting

Sleep Schedules:

• Having proper sleep schedule can help with troubles, falling asleep, and staying asleep

Please call our office for further information.

Michelle Blose, PsyD
Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow