The Neuropsychology of Attention (Critical Issues in Neuropsychology)
by: Ronald A. Cohen (Author)
Publisher: Springer
Edition:2nd ed. 2014
Publication Date: 2013-undefined-Dec.
Language: English
Print Length: 1005 pages
ISBN-10: 0387726381
ISBN-13: 9780387726380
Book Description
It has been 15 years since the original publication of Neuropsychology of Attention. At the time of its publication, attention was a construct that had long been of theoretical interest in the field of psychology and was receiving increased research by cognitive scientists. Yet, attention was typically viewed as a nuisance variable; a factor that needed to be accounted for when assessing brain function, but of limited importance in its own right.
There is a need for a new edition of this book within Neuropsychology to present an updated and integrated review of what is know about attention, the disorders that affect it, and approaches to its clinical assessment and treatment. Such a book will provide perspectives for experimental neuropsychological study of attention and also provide clinicians with insights on how to approach this neuropsychological domain.
Review
From the reviews of the second edition:
“Attention is a core cognitive function, impacting all other functions of the brain. Recognized as a primary component of cognitive functioning in a variety of illnesses, it is thoroughly reviewed and explored in this book. … The book is intended for neuropsychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, health psychologists, physicians, and educators. … this is an excellent, comprehensive resource on nearly everything happening in the world of attention.” (Christopher J. Graver, Doody’s Book Reviews, June, 2014)
From the Back Cover
Once viewed as a somewhat vague metaphysical construct, not suitable for behavioral inquiry, attention is now recognized as a core cognitive function, essential to the brain’s processing of outside stimuli. Not surprisingly in an era of advanced information technologies–and rising rates of ADD–attention has also emerged as a significant area of study within neuropsychology.
The Second Edition of Neuropsychology of Attention reflects this evolution, integrating fruitful lines of inquiry from disciplines as varied as psychology, medicine, and cognitive science, and synthesizing the current state of attention-related theory, conceptualization, findings, and therapy. Focusing on cognitive, behavioral, and neural processes, mechanisms, and disorders, this reference expands on previous models of brain structures and function in light of the latest theoretical and technological advances. Imaging, clinical, and experimental data locate attention in the context of executive functioning and track the attentional effects of specific conditions from depression to TBI to Alzheimer’s disease. And the book’s updated clinical chapters offer state of the art methods for the assessment and treatment of attention disturbances, providing possibilities for addressing these and other real-life conces. Included in the coverage:
Phenomenology, history and evolution of the neuropsychology of attention.
Behavioral and cognitive manifestations and processes of attention.
Relationships of attention to consciousness, awareness and memory.
Neural substrates of attention.
Functional brain systems underlying attention.
Impact on attention of specific neurological, psychiatric, and medical illnesses.
Current methods for assessing attentional disorders.
Effective behavioral treatments and pharmacotherapy.
Neural,behavioral, and physical constraints on attention.
New directions from neuroimaging and computational neuroscience.
The Second Edition of Neuropsychology of Attention brings a variety of professionals up to speed, including neuropsychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, health psychologists, primary care physicians, and educators.
About the Author
Ronald Cohen, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown Medical School and The Miriam Hospital and Director of Neuropsychology at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Cohen is an active researcher in clinical and cognitive neuroscience with over 50 publications. His research interests include the study of brain-behavior relationships, particularly with respect to attention, timing, and executive functioning. His clinical research interests include the neural bases of violence, cardiovascular disease influences on neurocognitive functioning, and Alzheimer’s and related dementia. Recent work has been initiated to examine neurobehavioral effects of brain nicotinic function. Cohen is actively involved in the training of intes and postdoctoral fellows.
