Program in Neuroscience, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Francoise Colombo-Thuillard
Neuropsychology Service
Fribourg Cantonal Hospital
1700 FRIBOURG
SWITZERLAND
phone +41-26-426 7289
email Colombof@etat.fr
Clinical neuropsychology, language and aging
Clinical neuropsychology aims to characterize the behavioural changes induced by cerebral lesions in humans, and to propose models for understanding the normal functioning of behaviour and cognition in children, adults and the elderly. Recent developments in cognitive neuropsychology and functional-imaging techniques have conduced to improve our understanding of the brain organization underlying specific behaviours.
In the clinical setting, research is guided by the particular semiology of brain-damaged patients. In this context, we are attempting to elucidate the role played by age in the decline of cognitive functioning, focusing our attention on the search for specific markers of dementias. We are also attempting to comprehend how particular behaviours (such as artistic creativity) are represented and processed in the brain. Additionally, we are working on specific deficits in cognitive functions, in an endeavour to develop appropriate rehabilitative strategies.
Neuropsychological research is based on interviews and questionnaires, which are geared towards distinguishing modifications in behaviour or personality following cerebral lesions. Test batteries are being developed to test specific cognitive models (e.g., those for memory subsystems; and, in the language sphere, those for naming, reading or spelling abilities). Specific paradigms such as dichotic listening or tachistoscopic presentation, are frequently used when laterality differences between both hemispheres are being investigated. Reaction times or qualitative analyses of responses offer a broad spectrum of potential measurements. Particular attention has to be paid to control data: the research subject himself may act as a control; but if this proves to be impossible, appropriate control groups - taking into account such factors as age and sex - need to be selected.
Selected publications
Thuillard F. & Assal G. Donnees neuropsychologiques chez le sujet age normal. In: Syndromes dementiels: approche clinique et neurosychologique (Eds. Habib M, Joanette Y. & Puel M.) Masson 1991
Thulliard-Colombo F. & Assal G. Le test de denomination de Boston: adaptation francaise et versions abregees. Rev. Europ. Psych. Appliquee 1: 67-73, 1992
Gasser, M., Colombo-Tuillard, F. & Helfenstein. Kunst und Aphasie. In ORL 17: Aktuelle Probleme der Otorhinolaryngologie (Ed. J. Sopko et al.), Hans Huber Bern 1994, pp. 209-215