‘Lopsided’ test scores may predict Alzheimer’s sooner

Cognitive testing for dementia has a problem in that low scores on some tests may simply reflect a person's weakness in some cognitive areas, or the presence of a relatively benign form of mild cognitive impairment (one that is not going to progress to dementia). A 2008 study found that one of every six healthy adults scored poorly on two or more of 10 tests in a brief cognitive battery. Following this up, the same researchers now show that a more holistic view might separate those who are on the path to dementia from those who are not.

Data from 395 clinical patients (aged 60+) and 135 healthy older adults has revealed that, while the cognitively normal produce a pattern of scores on 13 cognitive tests that fits a bell-shaped curve, those experiencing some level of dementia produce a more skewed pattern. Increasingly lower scores and degree of positive skew was also associated with worsening dementia.

http://www.futurity.org/lopsided-cognition-may-predict-early-alzheimers/

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-11/jhm-jhr111113.php

[3601] Reckess, G. Z., Varvaris M., Gordon B., & Schretlen D. J.
(2014). Within-person distributions of neuropsychological test scores as a function of dementia severity.
Neuropsychology. 28(2), 254 - 260.

seniors

Related News

Why exercise helps memory and learning

A number of studies, principally involving rodents, have established that physical exercise stimulates the creation of new brain cells in the

Resistance training benefits seniors with MCI

A study involving 86 older women (aged 70-80) with probable

Being active reduces Alzheimer's risk

A four-year study involving 716 elderly (average age 82) has revealed that those who were most physically active were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those least active.

Berries protect the aging brain

Over the years, I have reported on several studies that have found evidence that colorful berries — blueberries in particular (but I think that’s more of an artifact, due to the relative cheapness of these berries in North America) — benefit older b

Genes, brain size, brain atrophy, and Alzheimer’s risk

Genetic analysis of 9,232 older adults (average age 67; range 56-84) has implicated four genes in how fast your

Video game training benefits cognition in some older adults

A number of studies have found evidence that older adults can benefit from cognitive training.

Fluctuating sense of control linked to cognitive ability in older adults

Previous research has pointed to a typical decline in our sense of control as we get older. Maintaining a sense of control, however, appears to be a key factor in successful aging.

Larger belly linked to memory problems in people with HIV

A study involving 130 HIV-positive people has found that memory impairment was associated with a significantly larger waistline.

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain aging

A study involving 1,575 older adults (aged 58-76) has found that those with DHA levels in the bottom 25% had smaller brain volume (equivalent to about 2 years of aging) and greater amounts of

Cognitive stimulation beneficial in dementia

A review of 15 randomized controlled trials in which people with mild to moderate dementia were offered mental stimulation has concluded that such stimulation does indeed help slow down cognitive decline.

Pages