Handbook of Medical Neuropsychology:Applications of Cognitive Neuroscience

The recent surge of interest in the neuroscience of autism, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other disorders has brought with it an increasing awareness of the effects of medical conditions on the brain and behavior—an awareness extending through the research and practice arenas, among those working with pediatric and adult clients alike. Comprehensive in scope and highly detailed in its coverage, the Handbook of Medical Neuropsychology is organized to give readers knowledge of the field, whether one needs to understand a clinical evaluation, design a research study, or gain a deeper understanding of disease processes and corresponding behaviors. Featuring the most up-to-date information on cognitive neuroscience to enhance the work of the practitioner, the student, or the researcher, the book handles theory, historical background, practical considerations, and controversial areas with clear explanations, clinical expertise, and real-world insight, and critiques diagnostic and assessment tools specific to disorders. The wide selection of commonly seen and rarely encountered diagnoses covered includes: Primary nervous system disease and injury. Vascular system disease. Developmental, genetic, and structural disorders. Dementia and normal aging. Immune-related disorders. Endocrine disease. Metabolic conditions. Plus a chapter on current and emerging approaches to rehabilitation. Opening out a specialty as it grows in importance, the Handbook of Medical Neuropsychology is an essential resource for the neuropsychology clinician, researcher, or graduate student.

Carol L. Armstrong is a neuropsychologist conducting cognitive neuroscience research. Her long-term interests are the study of memory and attention, and the cognitive processes affected by white matter disease or injury. Investigations have focused on resource-limited memory and attention processes, and on the structural distribution of the white matter measure in normal and injured brains. Recent investigations include the longitudinal damaging effects of radiotherapy and brain tumors in both children and adults, as shown by longitudinal, prospective studies of cognition and neuroimaging of white matter integrity, and response of the hippocampus to radiotherapy. Current studies are being conducted on the functional and structural significance of cerebellar connections with the cortex.