Abstract

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.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Vermeersch, David A.

Second Advisor

Miller, Karen J.

Third Advisor

Dye, Richelin V.

Fourth Advisor

Hartman, Richard E.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Date (Title Page)

9-2014

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Memory - Age Factors; Cognition - Age Factors; Aging - Psychological Aspects

Subject - Local

Mild Cognitive Impairment; Alzheimer's Disease; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; Buschke Delay

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

70

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage 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.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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