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Memory and executive functions correlates of self-awareness in traumatic brain injury |
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| Authors: | Nicolle Zimmermann Andressa Hermes-Pereira Rochele P. Fonseca George P. Prigatano |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Radiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;2. Department of Psychology—Human Cognition, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil;3. Neuropsychology Service, Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;4. Department of Psychology—Human Cognition, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil;5. Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St.?Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA |
| Abstract: | Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of executive functions (EF) components and episodic and working memory variables, as well as clinical and demographic factors, to awareness of cognitive ability in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Sixty-five TBI patients (mild: n?=?26; moderate/severe: n?=?39) took part in the study. Independent stepwise regression models were calculated for EF and memory predictors, with awareness being measured by patient/informant discrepancy in the Patient Competency Rating Scale. Results: Models with EF variables indicated that semantic verbal fluency and age are the best predictors of awareness, whereas models including mnemonic functions suggested verbal delayed episodic recall and TBI severity as predictors. Conclusions: These results are discussed in relation to clinical implications, such as the need to focus efforts of rehabilitation in the cognitive abilities related to awareness, and theoretical models. |
| Keywords: | Traumatic brain injury memory metacognition awareness |