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MEDICAL STUDENTS
Name: Anna Cervantes
Home University: Tufts University School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email:
Anna.Cervantes@tufts.edu
Mentor(s): Jody Corey-Bloom, M.D., Ph.D.
Host University: University of California, San Diego
Research Project: Pathologic Diagnoses of Patients Enrolled in
Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s Disease
Name: Yeowon Kim
Home University: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email:
yeowon@mail.med.upenn.edu
Mentor(s): Hillary Bogner, M.D.
Host University: University of Pennsylvania
Research Project: Characteristics of Older Primary Care
Patients With Thoughts of Death or Death Ideation
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of thoughts of death and the
medical correlates of thoughts of death among older primary care
patients.
DESIGN: Survey conducted between 2000 and 2003.
SETTING: Community primary care practices.
PARTICIPANTS: 355 persons aged 65 and older.
MEASUREMENTS: Participants were interviewed in their home with
standardized measures of medical conditions, functional status, and
psychological status. Thoughts of death and wishes to die were
assessed with standard questions.
RESULTS: The weighted point prevalence of thoughts of death was 9.7%
and 6.1% for the wish to die. Persons who reported angina or falls
within 6 months of interview were more likely to experience thoughts
of death than persons who did not (odds ratio (OR) = 2.06, 95%
confidence interval (CI) [1.05, 4.07] for angina and OR = 2.24, 95% CI
[1.15, 4.36] for falls). Several medical conditions were associated
with a wish to die (myocardial infarction, OR = 2.61, 95% CI [1.31,
5.19]; stroke, OR = 2.31, 95% CI [1.12, 4.79]; urinary incontinence,
OR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.31, 5.10]; falls, OR = 2.04, 95% CI [1.04,
3.98]). Persons with 3 or more medical conditions were more likely to
report a wish to die (OR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.06, 3.88]). In multivariate
models that adjusted for potentially influential characteristics, the
association between falls and thoughts of death and MI and the wish to
die remained statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Thoughts of death and a wish to die are common in older
primary care patients with chronic medical conditions.
Name: Shivanand Lad
Home University: Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago
Medical School
Major: MD/PhD
Email: cnsfixer@yahoo.com
Mentor(s): Elliott Mufson, Ph.D.
Host University: Rush University Medical Center
Research Project: TRKA but not P75NTR is up regulated in the
hippocampus in late stage Alzheimer’s disease
 Name:
Susan Park
Home University: New York University School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email: susan.park@med.nyu.edu
Mentor(s): Helen Lavretsky, M.D.
Host University: University of California, Los Angeles
Research Project: Accelerating Antidepressant Response in
Geriatric Depression
Abstract: Accelerated treatment response may be particularly
beneficial in elderly depressed patients prone to increase frailty and
suicide. Different treatment strategies of depression in these
patients may be warranted. There is presently a lack of prospective
controlled augmentation antidepressant trials in elderly depressed
patients.
 Name:
Aaron Benson
Home University: Southern Illinois University School of
Medicine
Major: Medicine
Mentor(s): Murali Doraiswamy, M.D.
Host University: Duke University Medical Center
Research Project: Screening for Early Alzheimer's disease in
2004: Is there still a role for the MMSE?
Abstract:
Background: The objective of this study was to compare the performance
of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) total score as well as
item scores in separating four groups of elderly subjects—normal
elderly controls, subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI),
subjects with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and elderly subjects with
depression.
Method: The MMSEs of 86 subjects (25 normal elderly controls, 26 MCI,
10 mild AD, and 25 depression) were analyzed. Statistically
significant differences between groups of both overall MMSE score and
individual items were documented. Receiver operating characteristics
(ROC) curves were constructed to yield further data.
Results: The overall MMSE scores of the mild AD group were
significantly below that of subjects for control, MCI, and depression.
The overall MMSE scores of MCI subjects were significantly lower than
control subjects but not different from that of subjects with
depression. Furthermore, individual item responses were significantly
different between MCI and controls. The Delayed Recall item scores
were statistically lower in the mild AD group vs. the other three
groups but did not separate the control, MCI, and depression groups
from each other.
Conclusion: The MMSE effectively separates mild AD from the other
three groups and MCI from normal aging, but it is relatively
ineffective in separating elderly normal individuals from depression
and MCI from depression. Measures other than the MMSE may need to be
implemented to evaluate mental status to more effectively separate MCI
from depression and depression from normal aging.
Name: Andrew DiNardo
Home University: Wayne State Medical School
Major: Medicine
Email:
adinardo@med.wayne.edu
Mentor(s): Helen Kales, M.D. and Frederic Blow, Ph.D.
Host University: University of Michigan Section of Geriatric
Psychiatry
Research Project: Vascular Risk Factors and Depression in
Patients with Diabetes Mellitus/Effect of International Medical School
Training on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Late-Life Depression
 Name:
Latoya Green-Smith
Home University: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email: lag24@cwru.edu
Mentor(s): Martha Sajatovic, M.D.
Host University: University Hospitals of Cleveland
Research Project: Clinical Characteristics and Health Resource
Utilization in Geriatric Patients with Mood Disorders with and without
Dementia
Abstract:
Objective: The challenge of treating geriatric patients with mood
disorders may be further complicated by the presence of dementia.
Dosing of psychotropic medication and clinical factors may vary with
the additional diagnosis of dementia. This retrospective chart-review
study evaluated clinical characteristics and medication utilization
among geriatric patients with a mood disorder diagnosis, with or
without dementia.
Methods: Electronic discharge summaries over a one year period were
reviewed for 114 elderly patients with a mood disorder. Individuals
were categorized as having a diagnosis of dementia with their mood
disorder, or not having a diagnosis of dementia with their mood
disorder.
Results: Compared to the individuals with a mood disorder without
dementia (N=55), individuals with a mood disorder plus dementia (N=59)
had more psychotic symptoms, agitation and delirium, had lower GAF and
MMSE scores, had higher usage of anti-psychotics and lower amounts of
ECT treatments. Both groups had substantial medical burden (mean
Chronic CIRS score of 11.43).
Conclusion: Selected clinical characteristics and medical utilization
differ between mood disorder patients with or without dementia.
However, both groups have extensive medical burden and utilize
numerous psychotropic medications.
 Name:
Emily Hill
Home University: University of Wisconsin Medical School
Major: Medicine
Email: emilyhill@wisc.edu
Mentor(s): Greg A. Sachs, M.D.
Host University: University of Chicago
Research Project: Factors Predicting Intention to be Screened
for Mild Cognitive Impairment(MCI): Instrument Development
Abstract:
Rationale: The aging demographics of our society necessitate a focus
on issues of dementia. MCI is a relatively new, earlier stage memory
impairment category that is a new target of pharmaceutical treatments.
Objective: The goal of our study is to determine what factors predict
the likelihood of a person choosing to be screened for MCI. We propose
that expectations of aging, anxiety, locus of control, social support
and family history may be significant predictors for intention to be
screened.
Method: The first stage in our study was to develop a survey
instrument that would capture respondents’ interest in being screened
for memory problems as well as their personal perceptions of the
domains listed above.
Results: We have developed an interview instrument that consists of 59
questions encompassing the domains of expectations of aging, anxiety,
locus of control, social support, family history and intention to be
screened for Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Conclusions: The instrument has been tested in a convenience sample
and is ready to be administered in a pilot study.
 Name:
Sadhana Jackson
Home University: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Major: Medicine
Email:
sadhana_j@hotmail.com,
janahdas@yahoo.com
Mentor(s): Bonnie L. Green, Ph.D. and Mary Ann Dutton, Ph.D.
Host University: Georgetown University Medical School
Research Project: The Relationships Between Health Care
Providers and Predominately Low Income Women with a History of PTSD
Abstract: The prevalence of a man or woman’s exposure to a
psychologically traumatic event (such as a life-threatening assault or
accident, human-caused or natural disaster, or war) can vary from 40%
to 90%.1 Many studies have linked trauma exposure to various health
problems such as depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research has found that women with PTSD develop a sense of
victimization and vulnerability, as well as lack trust in close
relationships.6 Thus, the need to explore the relationships of women
with PTSD to their health care providers is important for reasons of
treatment and a greater understanding of the condition. Of the
twenty-three women interviewed, seven were diagnosed with PTSD. After
participants gave detailed descriptions of provider-patient
relationships, barriers to health access and overall health care
experiences, we used a computerized qualitative methodology (ATLAS.ti
4.2) to analyze the interviews according to generative coding system.
Our preliminary data suggests that women with PTSD did not differ in
regard to positive and negative statements about their doctors. We
observed a trend for women with PTSD having fewer positive statements
and more negative statements regarding the health care provider
system, more generally. We also found that women in this study may
have had more positive experience with specific doctors than general
samples. Further studies will link trauma history with adult
attachment styles and the amount of health care utilization.
 Name:
Sheetal Kerkar
Home University: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email:
shkerkar@med.wayne.edu
Mentor(s): Peter A. Lichtenberg, Ph.D., ABPP
Host University: Wayne State University
Research Project: Effect of Cerebrovascular Risk Factors,
Social Support and Physical Disability on Geriatric Depression
Abstract: The implications of the Vascular Depression
hypothesis are of special relevance to African American elders since
the rates of diabetes and hypertension are significantly greater in
African American elders than they are in European American elders.
Data from 1034 urban African American elders with no evidence of
stroke was used to determine whether there was support for the
association of Cerebral Vascular Risk Factors (CVRFs) and depressed
mood, and whether this association was mediated by activity
limitations and/or social support. A Chi Square analysis demonstrated
that the prevalence of depressed mood among those with CVRF burden
(13.4%) was significantly higher than those without vascular burden
(7.6%). While depressed mood was also related to physical limitations
and to social support, these relationships did not mediate the
relationship between vascular burden and depression. These findings
provide further evidence for the vascular depression hypothesis in
late life and highlight the relationship between physical limitations
and lack of social support on geriatric depression.
 Name:
Sophia Liu
Home University: Yale School of Medicine
Major: Medicine
Email: sophia.liu@yale.edu
Mentor(s): Martha Bruce, Ph.D., M.P.H. and Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D.
Host University: N.Y. Weill Medical College of Cornell
University
Research Project: Correlates of Stigma Perceived by Caregivers
of Depressed Patients
Abstract: Objective: To examine age differences in stigma
perceived by caregivers (CG) of young and older depressed patients and
to assess possible correlates of CG perceived stigma using linear
regression.
Methods: A two stage sampling procedure identified 66 adults diagnosed
with major depression seeking mental health treatment. Their CG was
assessed with a two part scale measuring perceived stigma towards a)
persons with a mental illness (consumers) and b) families of
consumers.
Results: Age differences were found for CG perceived stigma towards
consumers. Patient age and severity of disease were independent
predictors of stigma towards consumers (R=0.221). Patient age, patient
stigma and CG external attribution were independent predictors of
stigma towards families (R=0.367).
Conclusions: Patient factors and CG attribution are important
predictors of CG perceived stigma. Additional factors and whether CG
stigma impacts patient outcome should also be examined.
 Name:
Jesse Winer
Home University: University of Massachusetts
Major: Medicine
Email: Jesse.Winer@umassmed.edu
Mentor(s): Anthony Rothschild, M.D.
Host University: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Research Project: Accuracy of the Diagnosis of Psychotic
Depression at 4 Academic Medical Centers
Abstract: Major Depression with Psychotic features (psychotic
depression), though occurring relatively frequently in the general
population, is a commonly misdiagnosed psychiatric disorder. With
proper and timely treatment, morbidity and costs can be reduced while
improving outcomes. Age differences in treatment effectiveness of
psychotic depression suggest that clues towards the diagnosis and
reasons for misdiagnosis may also differ between younger adults
(18-59) and older adults (60+). The purpose of this study was to
ascertain the accuracy of the diagnosis of psychotic depression at 4
academic medical centers and to explore factors that may contribute to
diagnostic accuracy. Psychotic depression was initially misdiagnosed
in at least 27% of our sample. Although both old and young adults were
correctly diagnosed at similar rates, diagnoses were more likely to be
accurate in the inpatient unit than the ER, and more likely to be made
accurately by resident psychiatrists than attending psychiatrists.
This suggests that time spent interviewing patients is a crucial
factor leading to a correct diagnosis of psychotic depression.
 Name:
Ida Wong
Home University: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Major: Medicine
Email:
ida_wong80@hotmail.com
Mentor(s): Douglas Galasko, M.D. and David Salmon, Ph.D.
Host University: University of California, San Diego
Research Project: Reliability of the Clock Drawing Test in
Assessing Patients
with Dementia
Abstract: Although significant advances have been made in the
ability to pathologically differentiate Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), it is still difficult to clinically
distinguish between the two disorders during life because DLB tend to
present with neuropsychiatric features similar to AD. There are,
however, some features that differentiate the two dementias. Consensus
criteria for DLB states distinguishing characteristics for DLB include
fluctuations in attention and alertness, while other various studies
have also shown DLB patients exhibit disproportionately severe
deficits in visuospatial capabilities early in the disease. These
prominent visuospatial deficits have been shown using sensitive
neuropsychological measures such as the Clock Drawing Test (CDT).
We retrospectively examined whether or not DLB patients (n=35)
performed worse on the CDT than demographically-matched and
equally-demented patients with AD (n=35), and whether or not they
showed greater variability (i.e., less reliability) in CDT performance
across two different testing sessions within a month compared to AD
patients, considering DLB patients’ documented fluctuations in
attention.
We found that patients with DLB performed significantly worse than
patients with AD on the CDT, even though the groups were matched on
age, education, and overall dementia as measured by the MMSE. This is
consistent with the notion that DLB patients are disproportionately
impaired in visuospatial abilities compared to AD patients. The
reliability of CDT performance was equally high in patients with DLB
and patients with AD. Inconsistencies in qualitative errors across the
two test sessions were not elevated in the DLB group. This suggests
that disproportionately increased fluctuations in attention were not
detected in patients with DLB compared to patients with AD over two
CDT attempts within one month.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
 Name:
Steve Balsis
Home University: Washington University in St. Louis
Major: Clinical Psychology (Aging Track)
Email: smbalsis@wustl.edu
Mentor(s): Thomas Oltmanns, Ph.D. and Martha Storandt, Ph.D.
Host University: Washington University in St. Louis
Research Project: Assessment of Personality Disorders in Older
Adults
Abstract: There are no assessment tools specifically designed
to measure personality disorders (PDs) in older adults. The absence of
a tailored assessment tool forces researchers and clinicians to draw
conclusions based on existing instruments, which are likely
inadequate. The first step toward developing a valid measure is to
determine which items in a commonly-used instrument, the Structured
Interview for DSM-IV Personality (SIDP-IV; Pfohl, Blum, & Zimmerman,
1997), provide age-biased estimates of the presence of PDs.
Five-hundred older adults will complete a semi-structured interview
designed to assess personality pathology. Their responses will be
compared to younger adults responses previously obtained. Differential
item functioning will be analyzed using an Item Response Theory (IRT)
framework. Those items that do not discriminate pathology equally for
both populations will be analyzed and discussed. Alternative items
will be suggested for a tailored, age-specific instrument. Determining
which items fail to adequately assess personality pathology in older
adults has both clinical and basic research implications. Clinically,
it may lead to better tools for assessing personality disorders in
older adults. It may also lead to a better understanding of the
presentation of personality pathology in late-life and contribute to
our understanding of the long-term course of PDs.
 Name:
Thea Brennan-Krohn
Home University: Harvard Extension School
Major: Health Careers Program (Pre-medical)
Email: theabk@yahoo.com
Mentor(s): Stephen Salloway, M.D.
Host University: Brown Medical School
Research Project: Diffusion-Tensor Imaging and Exective
Function in Subcortical Vascular Disease
Abstract: We examined the effects of subcortical vascular
disease (SVD) on white matter integrity and cognitive functioning. We
employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a new form of MR imaging
which provides rotationally invariant measures of the magnitude and
direction of water diffusion and yields detailed information about the
microstructural organization of white matter. DTI scalar parameters
include trace (Tr) and fractional anisotropy (FA), measures of the
magnitude of diffusion and of the degree of directionally restricted
diffusion, respectively, within a voxel. In lesioned white matter, Tr
should be increased and FA should be decreased. The results of our
study showed that Tr was increased and FA was decreased in patients
with SVD relative to healthy age- and education-matched controls, even
in white matter regions that appeared normal on conventional MRI. In
addition, in both groups, FA was significantly lower and Tr was
significantly higher in anterior vs. posterior regions. For Tr, this
difference was greater in SVD patients than in controls. Finally, we
found a correlation between Trail-Making Test Part A and these DTI
parameters.
 Name:
Cory Chen
Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill
Major: Clinical Psychology
Email:
corychen@email.unc.edu
Mentor(s): Ann Louise Barrick, Ph.D. and Sheryl Zimmerman,
Ph.D.
Host University: UNC-Chapel Hill/John Umstead Hospital
Research Project: Attachment and Expressed Emotion in
Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia
Abstract: The proposed study will attempt to examine the
potential factors relevant to the development of different patterns of
interaction within the caregiver/care-recipient with dementia dyad.
Specifically this research aims to examine: (1) Levels of expressed
emotion and attachment patterns in caregivers of institutionalized
individuals with dementia to determine whether a relationship between
these two variables exist (2) The mediators through which childhood
attachment patterns impact expressed emotion. Specifically, adult
attachment and attributions will be examined as mediators through
which the childhood attachment process impacts caregiving behavior.
Participants are the primary family caregivers of individuals with
dementia who are residing in various institutional settings. The study
is currently under review by the UNC-School of Medicine Institutional
Review Board (IRB). This study will address gaps in knowledge
regarding the development of caregiver interaction patterns that are
relevant to caregiver/care-recipient outcomes.
 Name:
Lavinia Fiorentino
Home University: SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program
Major: Psychology
Email:
lfiorentino@ucsd.edu
Mentor(s): Sonia Ancoli Israel, Ph.D.
Host University: University of California, San Diego
Research Project: Effects of Treating Sleep Apnea in
Alzheimer's Patients on Caregivers' Sleep and Depression
Abstract: Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is a condition that
is characterized by recurrent and prolonged cessations of breathing
during sleep (i.e., apneic or hypopneic events) that result in
fragmented and non-restorative sleep. An apnea is defined as a
complete cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds with concomitant
persistent respiratory effort, while a hypopnea is a partial decrease
in airflow for at least 10 seconds. Patients with SDB complain of
daytime sleepiness and loud snoring that is typically also reported by
frustrated, sleepless bed partners, caregivers or housemates. It is
known that treating SDB patients with Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure (CPAP) significantly improves their sleep and their daytime
functioning and alertness.
The present study is part of a larger ongoing study analyzing the
effects of treating SDB with CPAP on the cognitive functioning of
patients with mild-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. Patients were
randomly assigned to one of two groups: treatment with therapeutic
CPAP for the six weeks or treatment with sham CPAP (a CPAP with holes
in it, i.e., placebo) for the first three weeks followed by
therapeutic CPAP for the second three weeks. Objective and subjective
sleep measures were recorded and neuropsychological assessments were
administered to the patients at each of the three time points (before
treatment, at three weeks, and at six weeks of treatment). In
addition, subjective sleep measures and psychological questionnaires
were given to the caregivers (CG) to complete about the patient and
about themselves.
The present research focused on the effects of treating the patient
sleep apnea on the CG subjective sleep quality and self-report of
depression.
Name: Judes Fleurimont
Home University: Finch University
Major: Post Bac/Premedical
Email: fjudes@hotmail.com
Mentor(s): Jennifer Manly, Ph.D.
Host University: Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons PH19
Research Project: Diagnostic Strength of Mini-Mental State
Examination (MMSE) Scores Adjusted for Quality of Education (literacy
level) Among African American and Caucasian Elders
 Name:
Ruth Gentry
Home University: University of Nevada-Reno
Major: Doctoral program in Clinical psychology
Email: rag1776@yahoo.com
Mentor(s): Jane Fisher, Ph.D.
Host University: University of Nevada, Reno
Research Project: Facilitating Conversation with Alzheimer's
Disease Patients
Abstract: This study examined the effects of listener verbal
repair responses on the conversational speech of elderly persons with
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to examine how
listener responses affect the fluency and coherence of conversational
speech in cognitively impaired older adults in order to identify
specific listener repair responses that may be effective in
maintaining conversation with older adults with AD. Communicating with
older adults with AD can be difficult since AD speakers experience
memory difficulties during conversation causing them to struggle with
retrieving words, naming, and staying on topic. Findings from previous
research suggest that common responses made by listeners during
conversation with AD patients (e.g. corrective feedback) may function
to punish the verbal behavior of the patient. Given that patients will
eventually lose all verbal abilities, listener responses that
contribute to the premature reduction in verbal behavior increase the
risk of excess disability in patients.
In this study two type of listener repair responses were evaluated:
direct repairs (overly or “directly” correcting mistakes) and indirect
repairs (paraphrasing combined with reflective listening). Using a
reversal (ABAC) design, several measures of patient verbal behavior
were repeatedly assessed across time during alternating conditions of
baseline, indirect and direct listener repair. Data were analyzed
through a combination of graphic and statistical methods.
Results indicate that listener responses significantly affect the
conversational speech of AD patients. Indirect repair responses
facilitate the fluency and coherence of conversational speech while
direct repair responses produce reductions in both fluency and
coherence. Findings from this study have implications for
understanding behavioral linguistics in Alzheimer’s disease and
designing interventions for improving communication with AD patients.
 Name:
Scott Hayes
Home University: University of Arizona
Major: Clinical Neuropsychology
Email:
smhayes@u.arizona.edu
Mentor(s): Suzanne Corkin, Ph.D.
Host University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Research Project: Reduced Fractional Anisotropy in Frontal Lobe
White Matter in Older Adults
Abstract: Reduced Fractional Anisotropy in Frontal Lobe White
Matter in Older Adults
Scott M. Hayes, David H. Salat, Suzanne Corkin.
Fractional anisotropy (FA) measures the directionality of movement of
water.
Different tissue types have different FA values that can be measured
by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTI is capable of mapping anatomy
and detecting changes in WM in aging and disease. WM changes may be an
important correlate of cognitive decline in healthy aging. The purpose
of the current study was to investigate changes in WM integrity in
aging and to assess the regional specificity of WM changes. 31 young
adults (YA; mean age=22.2 yrs) and 38 older adults (OA; mean age=69.9
yrs) were scanned using a high resolution DTI sequence. Results of an
independent samples t-test (2-tailed, p<.001) of FA maps in young vs.
older adults showed significantly greater FA in frontal lobe WM in YA
relative to OA. The most striking differences occurred in
orbitofrontal and superior frontal WM, and anterior corpus callosum.
Interestingly, OA exhibited greater FA in the putamen. WM in anterior
regions appears to be particularly vulnerable to aging. Decreased
integrity of frontal lobe WM may underlie age-related changes in
working memory and executive functions.
 Name:
Jessica Segal
Home University: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public
Health
Major: Mental Health
Email: jsegal@jhsph.edu
Mentor(s): George Rebok, Ph.D.
Host University: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public
Health
Research Project: The Effects of a Combined Memory and Physical
Activity Training Program on Cognition in Healthy Older Adults:
Preliminary Findings
Abstract: Cognitive decline associated with normal aging is
prevalent in a large percentage of the elderly population. A growing
body of literature supports the protective effects of late-life
cognitive training programs as well as the positive effects of
physical activity on cognitive function among older adults.
Nonetheless, very little attention has been paid to the potential
positive effects of a combined memory and physical activity training
program on cognition. A pilot study was launched to determine the
impact of this combined training program. Healthy adults over age 65
were recruited from two sites in Baltimore. The study will enroll 60
individuals over 4 waves. After initial telephone screening and
baseline testing, participants are randomly assigned to 1 of 3
conditions: Mind/Body (memory & physical activity training),
Memory/Web (memory & computer/internet training), Control (no
training). Participants in the training conditions attend classes
twice a week for 8 weeks. Based on preliminary results (sessions 1-6)
from Wave 1 (n=14), Mind/Body training may improve word list memory
better than memory training alone (Memory/Web condition).
 Name:
Besangie Sellars
Home University: University of Michigan
Major: Psychology
Email: bsellars@umich.edu
Mentor(s): Toni Antonucci, Ph.D.
Host University: University of Michigan
Research Project: Bereavement and Social support among Older
Women
Abstract: As a person ages, the likelihood of experiencing the
loss of a loved one greatly increases. Though widowhood is among on of
the most disturbing life transitions that one can experience, there
may be other types of loss that may have a significant impact on
coping, depression, and life satisfaction. In times of loss, social
relationships are often depended on for support. Within the African
American community, social relationships consist of more kin, include
more contact, and are closer in proximity than other communities. This
study investigates the effect of spousal and non-spousal loss on
subjective well being for older African Americans and Whites, the
buffering effect of social relationships, and the quality of varying
types of relationships. The findings of this study will allow new
insight into the importance of social relations on loss and widowhood,
as well as how African Americans’ and Whites well being is influenced
by widowhood and other types of loss.
 Name:
Avani Shah
Home University: University of Alabama
Major: Clinical Psychology
Email: shah009@bama.ua.edu
Mentor(s): Forrest Scogin, Ph. D.
Host University: University of Alabama
Research Project: Exploring the Relation Between
Cerebrovascular Risk Factors, Depressive Symptoms, and Activity
Restriction
Abstract: The relations between cerebrovascular risk factors (CVRF’s),
depressive symptoms, and activity restriction were explored using
baseline data gathered from an ongoing study investigating the
efficacy of home-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for medically
frail rural older adults. The sample consisted of 25 males and 115
females, (M=75.6) years of age. The SCL-90-R (Derogatis, Rickels, &
Rock, 1976), Health and Health Behaviors Checklist, Fast Assessment of
Physical Functioning (Ettinger, Fried, Harris, Shemanski, Schulz, &
Robbins, 1994; Granger & Hamilton, 1987) and the Activity Restriction
Scale (Williamson & Shulz, 1992) assessed self-reported depressive
symptoms, presence of CVRF’s, functional impairment, and activity
restriction, respectively. Though CVRF’s were correlated with
depressive symptoms (r=.16, n=137, p<.05), functional impairment
(r=.25, n=137, p<.05), and activity restriction (r=.29, n=61, p<.05),
analyses indicated that activity restriction did not mediate the
relation of CVRF’s to depressive symptoms. These findings differ from
the results of a previous study (Yochim, Mast, & Lichtenberg, 2003).
Name: A. Leslie Vaughan
Home University: University of North Carolina at Chepel Hill
Major: Cognitive Psychology
Email:
avaughan@email.unc.edu
Mentor(s): Marilyn Hartman, Ph.D. ,
Host University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research Project: Accessing Information Outside the Focus of
Attention: Age differences in working memory
 Name:
Liz Evans
Home University: Bryn Mawr College
Major: premedical studies
Email: eevans@brynmawr.edu
Mentor(s): Brad Gaynes, M.D.
Host University: University of North Carolina School of
Medicine
Research Project: Mood and Meaning: Linguistic Markers of
Geriatric Depression
Abstract:
Title: Mood and Meaning: Word Use in Geriatric Depression
Background: Effective communication is essential to the diagnosis and
treatment of illness, yet it has received little systematic study in
medical research. This pilot study applies stylometric analysis to
compare how depressed geriatric patients and their caregivers use
language to describe depression.
Method: The study analyzes transcripts of semi-structured interviews
conducted with depressed elders hospitalized for major depression and
with their primary caregivers. The transcripts were digitized and
processed using a frequency table generator, Nota Bene, to generate a
ratio of frequency of word use for particular words. Key mood-related
terms were identified and compared.
Results: Despite a small sample size, patients and caregivers differed
significantly in how frequently they described a loss of interest and
problems the patients were having. In addition, patients and
caregivers tended to differ in likelihood to mention difficulty in
carrying out activities. Furthermore, we found suggested differences
in the likelihood of each group endorsing loss of interest, slowing
down, sleep disturbances, having problems, and having difficulty
carrying out activities.
Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests that patients and
caregivers differ in the likelihood and frequency of endorsing
specific DSN-related criteria. Additional validation of this technique
will require a larger database, with more demographic and diagnostic
information. In addition, investigation of a more complex set of
markers, such as richness or poverty of language, and complexity of
sentence structure, will provide additional opportunities to test and
refine this technique.
UNDERGRADUTE STUDENTS
 Name:
James Gatherwright
Home University: University of California, San Diego
Major: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Email: james_gather@yahoo.com
Mentor(s): John Olichney, M.D.
Host University: University of California, San Diego
Research Project: Effects of Prior Visual Study in Young Normal
Controls
Abstract: Memory dysfunction is a central feature to a variety
of neuropsychiatric disorders and “normal” aging. Furthermore,
treatment therapies, both behavioral and pharmacological, are still
sorely needed. In addition, event-related potentials (ERPs) have been
shown to be sensitive to a wide range of disorders including
Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Particularly the P600, an
ERP that occurs ~600 ms post stimulus, has been shown to be sensitive
to both “normal” aging, amnesia, mild cognitive impairment, and AD
patient groups. The P600 is thought to represent the updating of
working memory from long-term memory stores. This study examines study
effects in 8 young controls, using a visually enhanced study condition
(VESC), on both memory and ERP measures. Both memory and ERP measures
were found to be significant and were also found to correlate strongly
with each other. This study provides a springboard for using this
paradigm for patients suffering from memory dysfunction.
 Name:
Neelum Jeste
Home University: Duke University
Major: Psychology (cognitive) and Spanish Language Studies
Email: ndj2@duke.edu
Mentor(s): Thomas Patterson, Ph.D. and Sherrill Goldman
Host University: University of California, San Diego
Research Project: Everyday Functioning in Middle-Aged and
Elderly Patients with Schizophrenia: A Comparison between
Mexican-Americans and Anglo-Americans
Abstract:
Purpose: This study was designed to determine the predictors of
everyday functioning in Mexican-American and Anglo-American patients,
age 40 and older, diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective
disorder.
Methods: Subjects included 58 Mexican-Americans and 78 Anglo-Americans
enrolled in the UCSD Advanced Center for Interventions and Services
Research. All patients were assessed in terms of psychopathology (PANSS
and HAM-D), cognitive performance (DRS), everyday functioning (UPSA),
medication adherence (MMAA), social skills (SSPA), health-related
quality of life (QWB), and acculturation (ARSMA).
Results: The Mexican-American patients had greater impairment on all
functional outcome measures compared to the Anglo-American subjects.
The Mexican-American patients also had fewer years of formal
education, more severe positive symptoms, and worse cognitive
impairment. Lower level of education, greater severity of
psychopathology, and greater cognitive impairment were found to be
significant predictors of everyday functioning. After controlling for
these variables, ethnicity was not a significant predictor of
functioning.
Conclusions: In comparisons of ethnic groups, it is critical to
control for variables such as level of education, severity of
psychopathology, and degree of cognitive impairment.
 Name:
Ruby Lekwauwa
Home University: Duke University
Major: Psychology
Email: rel10@duke.edu
Mentor(s): David Steffens, M.D.
Host University: Duke University Medical Center
Research Project: Hippocampal Volume as a predictor of acute
ECT outcomes in a population of geriatric depressives
Abstract: In this project, the investigators examined the
relationship between hippocampal volume and acute electroconvulsive
therapy outcomes as measured by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating
Scale (MADRS) scores. After controlling for baseline MADRS score,
larger hippocampal volume was associated with higher MADRS scores
after an index course of ECT. These results are the converse of those
obtained in a study assessing the relationship between hippocampal
volume and pharmacotherapy. The findings suggest either mechanistic
differences between the two treatments, or differences between ECT-treated
and medication-treated patients.
 Name:
Melissa Moidel
Home University: Dickinson College
Major: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology & Chemistry
Email:
moidelm@dickinson.edu
Mentor(s): Robert Rubin, M.D., Ph.D.
Host University: Center for Neurosciences Research, Allegheny
General Hospital
Research Project: In Vitro Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Responses in Old and Young Rats Following Hormone and Cholinergic
Agonist Stimulation
Abstract: The HPA axis is the endocrine modulator of the stress
response. HPA responses to cholinergic stimulation are greater in male
vs. female rats, and elderly vs. young adult humans. We developed an
in vitro HPA axis model to directly study age and sex differences
following pharmacological and hormonal challenges.
HPA tissues were collected from young and old male and female rats,
and buffer samples were collected for immunoassay determination of CRH,
AVP, ACTH, and CORT before and after drug or hormone administration.
CRH baselines were higher in young vs. old, and male vs. female rats.
ACTH and CORT showed significant sex by age interactions. CRH and CRH/AVP
significantly increased ACTH in females.
In vitro HPA responses in old male and female rats contradicted
previously suggested results that HPA responses increase with
advancing age. These findings suggest weaker HPA activity with
increasing age and greater sensitivity to higher CNS input.
 Name:
Christopher Song
Home University: Brown University
Major: Biology and Business Economics
Email:
Christopher_Song@brown.edu
Mentor(s): Stephen Salloway, M.D.
Host University: Brown Medical School
Research Project: Screening for Notch3 Mutations in CADASIL
Families and Sporadic Cases
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Notch3 mutations cause CADASIL (cerebral
autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarction and
leukoencephalopathy), an inherited form of vascular dementia. The gold
standard for diagnosis is sequencing of the Notch3 gene. However, this
process is often tedious and cost-prohibitive making underdiagnosis a
potential problem. Therefore, we have developed a more cost and time
efficient method of detecting Notch3 mutations to facilitate diagnosis
in individuals and to improve prevalence estimates. METHODS: DNA of 25
patients was extracted and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length
polymorphism) analysis was used to detect specific mutations in
affected families. PCR-SSCP (single strand conformation polymorphism)
analysis was used to screen exon 3. RESULTS: RFLP analysis
successfully detected mutations in all 5 positive CADASIL samples and
in 66% (4/6) of the relatives of affected patients. SSCP analysis
successfully detected polymorphisms in exon 3 of the Notch3 gene and
33% (3/10) samples showed a base-pair change in exon 3. CONCLUSIONS:
We have developed an efficient method for detecting Notch3 mutations
in exons 3 and 4 using PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP analyses.
Name: Vargabi Das
Home University: Johns Hopkins University
Major: Public Health
Email: vdas2@jhu.edu
Mentor(s): Hochang Benjamin Lee, M.D.
Host University: The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Research Project: Mortality Among Residents of Assisted Living
Facilities in Maryland: Preliminary Analysis from Maryland Assisted
Living (MD-AL) Study
 Name:
Jennifer Prevost
Home University: Stanford University
Major: Biology and Psychology (Neurosciences Track)
Email: jprevost@stanford.edu
Mentor(s): Dan Sewell, M.D.
Host University: University of California, San Diego Hillcrest
Medical Center
Research Project: Aromatherapy: A "Scentsical" Approach to
Treating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Abstract: It is common for patients with dementia to develop
behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which
include verbal or physical aggressive or nonaggressive agitation, at
some point during their illness. Current pharmacological or behavioral
treatment for BPSD may be costly, cause undesirable side effects, or
lack a therapeutic effect. For these reasons, there is an increasing
interest in evaluating the effectiveness of “alternative treatments.”
One such alternative treatment is aromatherapy, which refers to
essential oils extracted from plants that are massaged into the skin
and inhaled through the respiratory system. Although the precise
mechanism of action is unknown, it is suspected that the high
concentration of terpenes in essential oils may play a significant
role. We are conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind
study to investigate the efficacy of Melissa essential oil in
decreasing agitated behavior in patients with dementia. We expect that
patients who receive lotion application containing Melissa oil will
exhibit a greater decrease in agitated behavior over two weeks than
patients in the control group who will receive unscented lotion
applications over the same time period. We will measure the changes in
agitated behavior by administering the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation
Inventory (CMAI) and the Behavior Pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease
(BEHAVE-AD) at three time points over the 14-day study period. We hope
to use scientific methodology to clarify whether aromatherapy with
Melissa oil is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for BPSD.
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