Pete Stavinoha welcomes everyone back to the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation’s Brain Beat podcast today for yet another discussion on brain health and brain function. This time around, he is joined by Dr. Stephen Hooper, the internationally recognized leader in the field of child neuropsychology who, among his many accomplishments, is the Associate Dean of Medicine, Chairperson of the Department of Health Sciences, tenured Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Together, they explore the intricate world of brain development disorders as our guest shares details from his recent book, Basics of Child Neuropsychology.

Infusing it with his extensive knowledge on neurodevelopmental disorders and the genetic and environmental factors that influence brain development, Dr. Hooper notes that he has actually tailored his book for educators and clinicians who want to understand the complexities of brain function without diving too deep into technical jargon. In this discussion with Pete, he touches on the evolution of neuropsychology, foundational brain development, and neurodiagnostic procedures. Focusing on specific genetic disorders like Down syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Dr. Hooper also explains their manifestations and the importance of evidence-based interventions. Today's fascinating and informative episode finds our experts meeting at the intersection of neuropsychology, pediatrics, and child psychiatry, as they provide a comprehensive overview of how genetic and environmental factors shape brain development while highlighting the ongoing need for effective treatments.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Steven Hooper and his extensive background in child neuropsychology
• 
  
• The structure and themes of Basics of Child Neuropsychology
• 
  
• Foundational neuropsychology and neurodiagnostic procedures
• 
  
• Brain development stages and the impact of genetic factors
• 
  
• Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and their neurocognitive, academic, and psychiatric manifestations
• 
  
• Evidence-based treatment options and the need for more research in this area

Key Takeaways:

“I cobbled together things to make it work for that audience so that I can sort of nurture their excitement and interest in this area, as well as not intimidate them with some of the lexicon and the things that we get into with the brain.”

"The brain is really critical at almost everything that we do."

"Genetics truly sort of lay out the blueprint of what things could look like."

"You have this wide constellation of the way things should be, and then the way things evolve when that genetic blueprint is disrupted."

"We have the formation of the neural tube in that first month of life, and it's very, very critical."

"This is a population of kids where there's a high rate of psychiatric illness with a rate of...25% to 30%, having some form of schizophrenia spectrum disorder by the time they're in their late teens to early twenties."

Links:

National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation website

Basics of Child Neuropsychology

Dr. Peter Arnett, renowned professor at Penn State University and a past president of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), welcomes the esteemed Dr. Maureen O'Connor to the Brainbeat podcast today. A board-certified neuropsychologist celebrated for her role as the Director of Neuropsychology at the Bedford Veterans Hospital and her position as an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Boston University, Dr. O'Connor's remarkable expertise centers on Alzheimer's disease and her dedicated mission to develop interventions that enhance patient functioning while alleviating the substantial burden placed on caregivers. Together with our host, she delves deep into the crucial realm of caregiving and dementia, illuminating the emotional, mental, and physical challenges that caregivers confront, while also unveiling the invaluable resources at their disposal. Deftly navigating sensitive topics, including driving cessation and end-of-life care, Dr. O’Connor provides indispensable guidance to those grappling with these intricate issues.

Her illuminating insights offer a profound understanding of the world of dementia caregiving, a role predominantly shouldered by older adults, often family members who find themselves navigating their own health-related concerns. The episode explores the emotional toll on caregivers, characterized by elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, all while shedding light on the social and financial implications of this pivotal role. Throughout the episode, a resounding message emerges—the paramount importance of caregivers prioritizing self-care. The conversation here today underscores the significance of constructing a robust care team, comprising healthcare providers, friends, family, and support groups, all of whom are indispensable for caregivers to deliver optimal care. As the multifaceted dynamics of the caregiver-patient relationship are unveiled, the ever-evolving nature of this profound connection becomes evident. In essence, this latest episode of Brainbeat imparts invaluable insights, serving as a powerful reminder that caregivers cannot pour from an empty cup, and highlights the critical need for self-care and unwavering support in the challenging realm of dementia caregiving.

Episode Highlights:

• Older adults as caregivers
• 
  
• Balancing the care of aging parents with young children
• 
  
• The high rates of psychological, social and financial challenges experienced by caregivers
• 
  
• Building a care team
• 
  
• Difficult conversations around topics like driving cessation and end-of-life care
• 
  
• Expanded support to rural caregivers through telehealth services
• 
  
• Prioritizing self-care
• 
  
• The significant impact of preexisting relationships on caregiving dynamics

Quotes:

"You can't pour from an empty cup. You need to care for your own physical and emotional needs."

"Often our dementia caregivers are so involved in caring for their loved one that they're not caring for themselves."

"Not everybody has WiFi for video visits, but we can also think about telehealth as telephone visits."

"These are daughters and sons and spouses and siblings, and that preexisting relationship can be complex, can be challenging."

"The relationship between caregiver and patient is a dynamic one, with evolving needs and challenges."

"Telehealth services are expanding to support rural caregivers, broadening access to care."

Links:

National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation website

Maureen O'Connor's BU Profile

Welcome back to an emotionally charged episode of Brainbeat, as your host, Pete Stavinoha, guides you through an extraordinary journey, shining a spotlight on the formidable challenges of battling brain cancer. Our guest, Dr. Tresa Roebuck Spencer, a distinguished board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, brings with her a unique perspective, having transitioned from clinician to patient when diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2020. As a former President of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, her insights resonate deeply, making this episode an inspiring exploration of hope, resilience, and patient advocacy in the face of adversity.

Dr. Roebuck Spencer's journey unfolds as a poignant story of unexpected health turmoil that disrupted her life while she was diligently working as a neuropsychologist. Her remarkable account takes listeners on a gripping odyssey through numerous surgeries, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and clinical trials, offering a comprehensive view of the intricate landscape of brain cancer care. What sets this episode apart is Dr. Roebuck Spencer's dual role as both clinician and patient, providing a profound understanding of the patient experience. Amid her journey, she shares invaluable insights into coping strategies, the importance of mental health awareness, and the significance of transparent communication with healthcare providers. Dr. Roebuck Spencer's story, as shared here today, serves as a poignant reminder that, even in the face of daunting challenges, the human spirit can find strength, hope, and a rekindled appreciation for life. For more on this story, please visit the recent BrainWise article, From Expert to Patient.

Episode highlights:

• Dr. Roebuck Spencer's unexpected health crisis that unfolded during a typical workday
• 
  
• Her unique perspective as a neuropsychologist and patient
• 
  
• Dr. Roebuck Spencer's treatment odyssey
• 
  
• Her coping strategies
• 
  
• The impact of Dr. Roebuck Spencer’s diagnosis on her family
• 
  
• The integral role of maintaining a sense of normalcy and engaging in social and physical activities
• 
  
• Advice for clinicians

Quotes:

"Awareness is very good because it has allowed me to compensate quite well."

"I now understand why patients always wanted to show me their pictures."

"I'm not the normal patient in that I'm asking them for strategies.”

"You certainly want clinicians to understand you as a person in a holistic way, not just who you are now going through an illness, but who you were before and how that affects you now."

"I think the awareness is a blessing because I am able to stay more independent, because I'm able to compensate because of that awareness."

"Don't make assumptions about your patient just because they've had brain injury or brain surgery and they may or may not be in a wheelchair or using a cane. Don't assume they're cognitively impaired, either in part or in whole."

Links:

National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation website

Dr. Tresa Roebuck Spencer