An online platform and a dynamic database for neuropsychological assessment in Indonesia.

Proper use of neuropsychological tests in Indonesia is hindered by a lack of properly adapted neurocognitive tests as well as an absence of normative data. In 2016, we started adapting ten of these tests for use in Indonesia and collected data from healthy participants in Java. Here we introduce and propose a system that will facilitate the proper usage and interpretation of test scores: an online platform and a dynamic database. Newly collected data (492 healthy adults) of the Indonesian version of the Boston Naming Test (I-BNT) were used to illustrate the usefulness of the two functions. Analysis of variances, post-hoc tests, and a simulation study revealed the effects of age and education on the I-BNT, indicating that it is imperative to fine-tune the reference group based on these demographic factors. Putative inadequate sample size issues for obtaining reliable normative scores were overcome by employing regression analyses and the prediction of normative scores. It can be concluded that a flexible online platform is available for the calculation of normative scores either based on the whole population, on fine-tuned reference groups, or on predicted scores. The dynamic database's growth will allow to obtain even more fine-tuned and more reliable reference data as well as more accurate predictions. Fine-tuned reference data are badly needed for the heterogenous Indonesian population.

Offering Neurofeedback as an Intervention for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Indonesia: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: EEG Neurofeedback training is an accepted non-pharmacological therapy for attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although stimulant medication is known to decrease ADHD symptoms, possible adverse effects, concerns about prolonged drug use on neural development, and problems related to the compliance with the medications are often reported. In Indonesia, research on the feasibility of EEG Neurofeedback to treat ADHD is still lacking. The current study aimed to investigate whether setting up an EEG neurofeedback training program for children with ADHD would be feasible in Indonesia. METHODS: Nine children (aged 6-12 years) participated in the study. ADHD was diagnosed using the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS). Children received twenty-five sessions of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) neurofeedback training twice a week. Each session consisted of a 3-minute baseline, followed by 5*3 minutes of training. IQ scores and VADRS scores were collected at baseline, after completion of the intervention, and at 3 months follow-up, while school reports were provided by the schools. The EEG spectral content was determined for all 25 training sessions. In addition, a Go/No-Go Task, was administered at the first 5 training sessions, and at session 10, 15, 20 and 25. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: An overview of all the collected data is provided descriptively, given the small group size. One child dropped-out during the training because of parental request, but the remaining eight children completed the full intervention program. Descriptive data suggested improvement with respect to both the ADHD symptomatology and performance IQ. These findings are in line with previous studies. Although a control arm was not included, we propose that the abovementioned SMR neurofeedback protocol may still be offered as a suitable non-pharmacological intervention for children with ADHD in Indonesia and deserves further research.