Predicting Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

<p>The investigator sought to determine which neuropsychological tests are more likely to predict an individual’s cognitive decline (i.e., normal to mild cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease) two years prior to conversion. A sample of non-decliners (N=109) compared to those who declined (N=24) in cognitive status (i.e., mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease) with a mean age of 61.44 (SD=11.29) was examined. Results indicate the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Retention Trial (RCFT Retention; OR=0.93, p=0.005) is a significant predictor of conversion to MCI and the Buschke Delay (OR=0.54, p=0.017) is a significant predictor of conversion to AD. Due to group sample size difference, additional analyses were conducted utilizing a subsample of demographically matched non-decliners. Results indicate the RCFT Retention is a significant predictor of conversion to MCI (OR=0.94, p=0.019) and AD (OR=0.90, p=0.048) and Buschke Delay (OR=0.68, p=0.027) is a significant predictor of conversion to AD. Given the results of this dissertation, it may be important for clinicians/researchers to monitor these measures for the purpose of predicting cognitive decline.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Clinical Psychology

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Baerresen, Kimberly M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Vermeersch, David A.
• Miller, Karen J.
• Dye, Richelin V.
• Hartman, Richard E.

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Memory - Age Factors; Cognition - Age Factors; Aging - Psychological Aspects
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test
• Buschke Delay

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/180

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1192