1st Edition

Applied Neuropsychology of Attention Theory, Diagnosis and Rehabilitation

Edited By Michel Leclercq, Peter Zimmermann Copyright 2002
    414 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    416 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    The concept of attention in academic psychology has been treated with varying degrees of importance over the years. From playing a key role in the 19th century, it was discarded in the first half of the 20th century, as clinical psychologists claimed it was superfluous to the essential subconscious processes of the mind, and experimental psychologists thought it was not a scientific term. Applied Neuropsychology of Attention aims to review the considerable developments in the field of attention over the last 20 years as it makes its comeback.
    This collection of essays forms a comprehensive overview of this crucial component of human cognitive function. The book begins with an explanation of the essential theoretical concepts and definitions. Aspects of diagnosis are then discussed as the assessment and impairments of attention are reviewed in normal ageing and in specific neurological categories. Victims of brain injury and patients with cerebrovascular or neurodegenerative diseases are considered. A critical analysis of existing practices in cognitive rehabilitation is given and a review of the techniques and methodologies used for treating attentional disturbances brings the book to a conclusion.
    Leclercq and Zimmermann have compiled a book of cutting-edge research which provides an effective framework to detect, analyse and understand the nature of attention deficit. The book will be invaluable to clinicians, mental health specialists and all academic psychologists in the field.

    Part I: Theory. M. Leclercq, Theoretical Aspects of the Main Components and Functions of Attention. P. Zimmermann, M. Leclercq, Neuropsychological Aspects of Attentional Functions and Disturbances. Part II: Assessment and Diagnostics. M. Leclercq, G. Deloche, M. Rousseaux, Attentional Complaints Evoked by Traumatic Brain Injured and Stroke Patients: Frequency and Importance. P. Zimmermann, B. Fimm, A Test Battery for Attentional Performances. P. Zoccolotti, B. Caracciolo, Psychometric Characteristics of Attention Tests in Neuropsychological Practice. A. Cantagallo, Neuropsychological Assessment With Non Computerised Tasks of Attention Disorders: Impairment and Disability. M. Van der Linden, F. Collette, Attention and Normal Aging. W.H. Brouwer, Attention and Driving: A Cognitive Neuropsychological Approach. Part III: Pathologies of Attention. M. Leclercq, P. Azouvi, Attention After Traumatic Brain Injury. M. Rousseaux, B. Fimm, A. Cantagallo, Attention Disorders in Cerebrovascular Diseases. F. Collette, M. Van der Linden, Attention Disorders in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Part IV: Rehabilitation. M. Leclercq, W. Sturm, Rehabilitation of Attention Disorders: A Literature Review. W. Sturm, B. Fimm, A. Cantagallo, N. Cremel, P. North, A. Passadori, L. Pizzamiglio, M. Rousseaux, P. Zimmermann, G. Deloche, M. Leclercq, Computerized Training of Specific Attention Deficits in Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injured Patients: A Multicentric Efficacy Study.

    Biography

    Michel LeClerq practises neuropsychology at the William Lennox Neurology Centre in Ottignies, Belgium, where he works with adult patients.
    Peter Zimmermann teaches in the Psychology Institute at Freiburg University and specialises in methodology, cognitive processes and neuropsychology.

    A goldmine of ideas. - The British Journal of Neurosurgery

    The neuropsychology of attention has developed rapidly. This book gives an admirable overview of the state of the art, and I hope that many readers will perceive it as a goldmine of ideas - as I did. - Adriaan H. van Zomeren, Department of Neurology, Groningen University Hospital, The Netherlands