Clinical Neuropsychology of Attention

Book excerpt: Written by a clinical neuropsychologist and a cognitive psychologist, this work presents an integrated view of the multi-faceted concept of attention. In neuropsychology, attention has different meanings depending on the nature of the neurological disorder and the theoretical background of the investigator. To provide insight into these theoretical backgrounds, this volume opens with a discussion of psychological and neurobiological theories of attention. The book does not adopt a particular theoretical orientation but tries to clarify the various conceptualizations of attention that are encountered in the literature. Throughout, the book critically reviews the literature on attentional deficits in frequently occurring neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. This material is organized according to the types of tasks used to investigate attention, such as tests of focused, divided and sustained attention. The book concludes with three chapters on topics that underline its practical aim: assessment of attention, the relationship between test performance and everyday activities, and the rehabilitation of impairments of attention. This comprehensive work will be invaluable to neuropsychologists, neurologists, clinical psychologists, gerontologists, and rehabilitation specialists.