Simon Tan, PsyD, ABPP

All Publications

• DEFICITS IN VISUOSPATIAL PROCESSING CONTRIBUTE TO QUANTITATIVE MEASURES OF FREEZING OF GAIT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEUROSCIENCE Nantel, J., McDonald, J. C., Tan, S., Bronte-Stewart, H. 2012; 221: 151-156

  Abstract

  The aim of this study was to investigate whether an objective measure of freezing of gait (FOG) using a validated alternating stepping in place (SIP) task, is related to executive and/or visuospatial cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD).We studied prospectively 30 PD subjects with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III, the FOGq, Trail Making Test Part B (TMTB), Wisconsin Card Sorting, Initiation/Perseveration, Matrix Reasoning (MR) and Block Design (BD). PD subjects performed three, 100s trials of alternative SIP while standing on two force platforms to assess the number and duration of freezing episodes (FE), SIP rhythmicity and symmetry.Freezers had larger cycle asymmetry and arrhythmicity than non-freezers (P<0.05). Performance on BD and MR tests differentiated freezers from non-freezers (P<0.04; P=0.001, respectively). BD performance negatively correlated with the FOGq total (P<0.05), the number and duration of FE (P<0.01), SIP arrhythmicity and asymmetry (P=0.01, P<0.05). MR performance negatively correlated with all FOGq #3 and total as well as SIP FE metrics (P≤0.01), except for SIP asymmetry.Deficits in visuospatial perception and reasoning not in executive function differentiated freezers from non-freezers. Deficits in visuospatial processing negatively correlated with all SIP freeze metrics, whereas deficits in executive function were only correlated with SIP arrhythmicity, the FOGq total and the duration of freezing episodes. These results suggest that deficits in visuospatial processing to perform a motor task contribute to FOG and that different cognitive deficits may contribute to different aspects of freezing in PD. This is the first study to our knowledge that has compared metrics of freezing to cognitive tasks in the visuospatial and visual reasoning domains.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.07.007

  View details for Web of Science ID 000308628100015

  View details for PubMedID 22796080

• Comparison of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale and Neuropsychological Tests of Executive Functioning in Predicting Instrumental Activities of Daily Living APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY Karzmark, P., Llanes, S., Tan, S., Deutsch, G., Zeifert, P. 2012; 19 (2): 81-85

  Abstract

  Both neuropsychological tests of executive functioning and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) consistently predict instrumental activity-of-daily-living capacity. However, the nature of the predictive relationship between the FrSBe and neuropsychological tests of executive functioning has received limited attention. The current study was designed to assess the incremental validity of the FrSBe in predicting instrumental activity-of-daily-living functioning when added to comprehensive testing of executive functioning in a sample of 100 adult general neuropsychological referrals. A composite measure of executive test performance was calculated, and a family member completed the FrSBe and an instrumental activity-of-daily-living measure. Stepwise multiple regression analysis using the executive composite measure and the FrSBe accounted for 44% of the variance in instrumental activity capacity, and the addition of the FrSBe increased predictive ability by approximately 50%. The current results also indicate that FrSBe Scale E is more important as a predictor of instrumental activity capacity than the two self-regulation measures, Scale A and Scale D.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/09084282.2011.643942

  View details for Web of Science ID 000304596100001

  View details for PubMedID 23373573

• Effect of moyamoya disease on neuropsychological functioning in adults NEUROSURGERY Karzmark, P., Zeifert, P. D., Tan, S., Dorfman, L. J., Bell-Stephens, T. E., Steinberg, G. K. 2008; 62 (5): 1048-1051

  Abstract

  Moyamoya disease is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive occlusion of vessels comprising the circle of Willis, resulting in formation of collaterals that have a cloudy appearance on angiography. Neuropsychological research on the cognitive effects of the disorder in adults has been limited in scope and generalizability; only a few case studies have been published. The current study was intended to more comprehensively document the nature of cognitive impairment in moyamoya disease by assessing a large number of adult cases with a neuropsychological assessment test battery.Thirty-six adult patients with neurodiagnostically confirmed moyamoya disease were given presurgical neuropsychological assessments.Mean group performances were within normal limits for all measures assessed. The highest rate of impairment was for measures of executive functioning. The lowest rates occurred with memory and perception measures. Cognitive impairment was present in 11 (31%) of the patients; it was judged to be moderate to severe in four patients (11%). Five patients reported a mild level of depression, and two patients reported a moderate level.The present findings suggest that moyamoya disease diagnosed in adults can impair cognition but that the effect is not as severe as in pediatric cases. Executive functioning is most affected. Memory and, to a large extent, intellect are spared. The current pattern of results suggests brain region-behavior correlations that deserve further study.

  View details for DOI 10.1227/01.NEU.0000312712.55567.E6

  View details for Web of Science ID 000257218500011

  View details for PubMedID 18580802

• Orbitofrontal correlates of aggression and impulsivity in psychiatric patients PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH-NEUROIMAGING Antonucci, A. S., Gansler, D. A., Tan, S., Bhadelia, R., Patz, S., Fulwiler, C. 2006; 147 (2-3): 213-220

  Abstract

  The association between orbital frontal cortex (OFC) volume and aggression and impulsivity was investigated among a heterogeneous group of non-psychotic psychiatric clients. Fifteen non-psychotic subjects from two different psychiatric clinics (New England Medical Center and Lemuel Shattuck Hospital) with a variety of diagnoses were sequentially referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for clinical purposes. This convenience sample, clinically stable at the time of evaluation, received a standardized psychiatric diagnostic interview, aggression and impulsivity psychometrics (Barratt Impulsivity, Lifetime History of Aggression, and Buss-Perry Aggression scales), and an MRI protocol with image analysis. OFC gray matter volume, total as well as left and right, was significantly and positively associated with motor impulsivity. OFC asymmetry was associated with aggression, though total, left, and right OFC volume measurements were not. For subjects without affective disorder, there was a strong and positive association of the OFC to motor and no-planning subscales of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale. For subjects with affective disorder, there was a strong association of OFC asymmetry to both of the aggression psychometrics. Consistent with expectation, results are suggestive of OFC involvement in the neural circuitry of impulsivity and aggression. The findings suggest a dissociation of the role of the OFC in relation to aggression and impulsivity, such that the OFC may play a part in the regulation of aggressive behavior and a generative role in impulsive behavior.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2005.05.016

  View details for Web of Science ID 000241326800012

  View details for PubMedID 16952446