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Karstens AJ, Christianson TJ, Lundt ES, Machulda MM, Mielke MM, Fields JA, Kremers WK, Graff-Radford J, Vemuri P, Jack CR, Knopman DS, Petersen RC, Stricker NH. Mayo normative studies: regression-based normative data for ages 30-91 years with a focus on the Boston Naming Test, Trail Making Test and Category Fluency. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:389-401. [PMID: 38014536 PMCID: PMC11014770 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Normative neuropsychological data are essential for interpretation of test performance in the context of demographic factors. The Mayo Normative Studies (MNS) aim to provide updated normative data for neuropsychological measures administered in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA), a population-based study of aging that randomly samples residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, from age- and sex-stratified groups. We examined demographic effects on neuropsychological measures and validated the regression-based norms in comparison to existing normative data developed in a similar sample. METHOD The MNS includes cognitively unimpaired adults ≥30 years of age (n = 4,428) participating in the MCSA. Multivariable linear regressions were used to determine demographic effects on test performance. Regression-based normative formulas were developed by first converting raw scores to normalized scaled scores and then regressing on age, age2, sex, and education. Total and sex-stratified base rates of low scores (T < 40) were examined in an older adult validation sample and compared with Mayo's Older Americans Normative Studies (MOANS) norms. RESULTS Independent linear regressions revealed variable patterns of linear and/or quadratic effects of age (r2 = 6-27% variance explained), sex (0-13%), and education (2-10%) across measures. MNS norms improved base rates of low performance in the older adult validation sample overall and in sex-specific patterns relative to MOANS. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the need for updated norms that consider complex demographic associations on test performance and that specifically exclude participants with mild cognitive impairment from the normative sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee J. Karstens
- Division of Neurocognitive Disorders, Department of
Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Teresa J. Christianson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics,
Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emily S. Lundt
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics,
Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary M. Machulda
- Division of Neurocognitive Disorders, Department of
Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest
University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake
Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Julie A. Fields
- Division of Neurocognitive Disorders, Department of
Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Walter K. Kremers
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics,
Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nikki H. Stricker
- Division of Neurocognitive Disorders, Department of
Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Ferretti MT, Ding H, Au R, Liu C, Devine S, Auerbach S, Mez J, Gurnani A, Liu Y, Santuccione A, Ang TFA. Maximizing utility of neuropsychological measures in sex-specific predictive models of incident Alzheimer's disease in the Framingham Heart Study. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1112-1122. [PMID: 37882354 PMCID: PMC10917035 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sex differences in neuropsychological (NP) test performance might have important implications for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigates sex differences in neuropsychological performance among individuals without dementia at baseline. METHODS Neuropsychological assessment data, both standard test scores and process coded responses, from Framingham Heart Study participants were analyzed for sex differences using regression model and Cox proportional hazards model. Optimal NP profiles were identified by machine learning methods for men and women. RESULTS Sex differences were observed in both summary scores and composite process scores of NP tests in terms of adjusted means and their associations with AD incidence. The optimal NP profiles for men and women have 10 and 8 measures, respectively, and achieve 0.76 mean area under the curve for AD prediction. DISCUSSION These results suggest that NP tests can be leveraged for developing more sensitive, sex-specific indices for the diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Ferretti
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM)University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Women's Brain ProjectGuntershausenSwitzerland
| | - Huitong Ding
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Rhoda Au
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Slone Epidemiology CenterBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of NeurologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of BiostatisticsBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sherral Devine
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sanford Auerbach
- Department of NeurologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Department of NeurologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Ashita Gurnani
- Department of NeurologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yulin Liu
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Ting Fang Alvin Ang
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- The Framingham Heart StudyBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Slone Epidemiology CenterBoston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Mather MA, Ho EH, Bedjeti K, Karpouzian-Rogers T, Rogalski EJ, Gershon R, Weintraub S. Measuring Multidimensional Aspects of Health in the Oldest Old Using the NIH Toolbox: Results From the ARMADA Study. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024:acad105. [PMID: 38216151 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The percentage of older adults living into their 80s and beyond is expanding rapidly. Characterization of typical cognitive performance in this population is complicated by a dearth of normative data for the oldest old. Additionally, little attention has been paid to other aspects of health, such as motor, sensory, and emotional functioning, that may interact with cognitive changes to predict quality of life and well-being. The current study used the NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) to determine age group differences between persons aged 65-84 and 85+ with normal cognition. METHOD Participants were recruited in two age bands (i.e., 65-84 and 85+). All participants completed the NIHTB Cognition, Motor, Sensation, and Emotion modules. Independent-samples t-tests determined age group differences with post-hoc adjustments using Bonferroni corrections. All subtest and composite scores were then regressed on age and other demographic covariates. RESULTS The 65-84 group obtained significantly higher scores than the 85+ group across all cognitive measures except oral reading, all motor measures except gait speed, and all sensation measures except pain interference. Age remained a significant predictor after controlling for covariates. Age was not significantly associated with differences in emotion scores. CONCLUSIONS Results support the use of the NIHTB in persons over 85 with normal cognition. As expected, fluid reasoning abilities and certain motor and sensory functions decreased with age in the oldest old. Inclusion of motor and sensation batteries is warranted when studying trajectories of aging in the oldest old to allow for multidimensional characterization of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Mather
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily H Ho
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katy Bedjeti
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tatiana Karpouzian-Rogers
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily J Rogalski
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard Gershon
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Iñesta C, Oltra-Cucarella J, Sitges-Maciá E. Regression-Based Normative Data for Independent and Cognitively Active Spanish Older Adults: Verbal Fluency Tests and Boston Naming Test. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11445. [PMID: 36141718 PMCID: PMC9517509 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An increased cognitive reserve is associated with changes in the pattern of cognitive decline during aging. Thus, normative data adapted to the characteristics of the target population are needed to reduce the possibility of false diagnoses. The aim of this work was to develop normative data for the Phonemic Verbal Fluency test, the Semantic Verbal Fluency test and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). METHOD Regression-based normative data were calculated from a sample of 118 non-depressed, cognitively active, independent community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older (64.4% women) from SABIEX (University for Seniors at the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche). Raw scores were regressed on age, sex, and education. RESULTS The effects of age and education varied across neuropsychological measures. No effect of sex was found in any of the tests assessed. Statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of low scores using SABIEX or population-based normative datasets. The level of agreement identifying individuals labeled as showing one or more low scores was only fair-to-good. CONCLUSIONS Normative data obtained from the general population might not be sensitive to identify low scores in cognitively active older adults, increasing the risk of misdiagnoses. A friendly calculator is available for neuropsychological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Iñesta
- SABIEX, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Av. de la Universidad, 03207 Elche, Spain
| | - Javier Oltra-Cucarella
- SABIEX, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Av. de la Universidad, 03207 Elche, Spain
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Esther Sitges-Maciá
- SABIEX, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Av. de la Universidad, 03207 Elche, Spain
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
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Pirani A, Nasreddine Z, Neviani F, Fabbo A, Rocchi MB, Bertolotti M, Tulipani C, Galassi M, Belvedere Murri M, Neri M. MoCA 7.1: Multicenter Validation of the First Italian Version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:509-520. [PMID: 36186724 PMCID: PMC9484132 DOI: 10.3233/adr-210053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The early detection of neurocognitive disorders, especially when mild, is a key issue of health care systems including the Italian Dementia National Plan. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), i.e., the reference screening tool for dementia in Italian Memory Clinics, has low sensitivity in detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Objective: Availability of a 10-minute screening test sensitive to MCI and mild dementia, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), is relevant in the field. This study presents initial validity and reliability data for the Italian version of MoCA 7.1 that is being collected as part of a large ongoing longitudinal study to evaluate the rate of incident MCI and dementia in older adults. Methods: MoCA 7.1 and MMSE were administered to cognitive impaired patients (n = 469; 214 with MCI, 255 with dementia; mean age: 75.5; 52% females,) and healthy older adults (n = 123, mean age: 69.7, 64 % females). Results: Test-retest (0.945, p < 0.001) and inter-rater (0.999, p < 0.001) reliability of MoCA 7.1, assessed on randomly selected participants with normal cognition, MCI, dementia, were significant. MoCA 7.1 showed adequate sensitivity (95.3%) and specificity (84.5%) in detecting MCI compared to MMSE (sensitivity: 53.8%; specificity: 87.5%). The Area Under the Curve of MoCA 7.1 was significantly greater than that of MMSE (0.963 versus 0.742). MoCA 7.1 showed similar results in detecting both MCI and dementia. Conclusion: MoCA 7.1 is a reliable and useful tool that can aid in the diagnosis of MCI and dementia in the Italian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pirani
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia, Health County of Ferrara, Cento, Italy
- Alzheimer’s Association “Francesco Mazzuca”, Cento, (Fe), Italy
| | | | - Francesca Neviani
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Chair of Geriatrics, University of Modenaand Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbo
- Dementia Program, HealthTrust, Health County of Modena, Italy
| | | | - Marco Bertolotti
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
- Center for Gerontological Evaluation and Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Tulipani
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia, Health County of Ferrara, Cento, Italy
- Alzheimer’s Association “Francesco Mazzuca”, Cento, (Fe), Italy
| | - Matteo Galassi
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Chair of Geriatrics, University of Modenaand Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Martino Belvedere Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mirco Neri
- Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia. Chair of Geriatrics, University of Modenaand Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Fröhlich S, Müller K, Voelcker-Rehage C. Normative Data for the CERAD-NP for Healthy High-Agers (80-84 years) and Effects of Age-Typical Visual Impairment and Hearing Loss. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2021:1-13. [PMID: 34823624 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617721001284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to establish reference data for nondemented adults between 80 and 84 years of age based on the German version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease Neuropsychological (CERAD-NP) test battery and to assess the possible influence of hearing and vision impairments on CERAD-NP performance. METHODS Two hundred one volunteers were examined with the German CERAD-NP test battery, and 18 test scores were calculated from the data. The sample included 99 men (49%), the mean age was 81.8 years (SD = 1.3), and the mean years of education were 13.9 (SD = 3.1). Percentiles for continuous and percentile ranks for discrete test scores were calculated separately for four norm groups. The groups were classified according to gender and education. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict cognitive performance from visual acuity and hearing ability. RESULTS The normative data obtained were consistent with other findings from younger and older age groups. Worse visual acuity predicted slower performance in the Trail Making Test (TMT). None of the other CERAD-NP tests were correlated to sensory functions. CONCLUSIONS Using age-appropriate reference data, such as that established here for the 80-84 year age group can help to improve the detection of cognitive decline and prevent biases that arise when old-old adults are compared to younger old adults. Visual acuity should be considered an influencing factor on TMT performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Fröhlich
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Psychology & Sport Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Sports Psychology (With Focus on Prevention and Rehabilitation), Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Katrin Müller
- Department of Sports Psychology (With Focus on Prevention and Rehabilitation), Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
- Department of Social Science of Physical Activity and Health, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Claudia Voelcker-Rehage
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Psychology & Sport Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Sports Psychology (With Focus on Prevention and Rehabilitation), Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
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Campagna I, Ferreira-Correia A. Hooper visual organization test: Psychometric properties and regression-based norms for the Venezuelan population. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2021; 29:1394-1402. [PMID: 33583298 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1882461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT) is used to assess visual organization and visual synthesis. Psychometric studies reveal cultural biases and associations between demographic variables and test performance capable of compromising the test's clinical utility. The present study aimed to adapt the HVOT, explore the psychometric properties of this test, and develop regression-based norms for the Venezuelan population. Using a cross-sectional design, the HVOT was administered to a stratified sample of 351 healthy adults (20-85 years of age and 0-23 years of education) from the Metropolitan Area of Caracas. The results revealed good levels of internal consistency and reliability. Confirmatory Factor Analysis suggests that the HVOT is unidimensional. Item difficulty, types and rate of errors and inappropriateness of some items indicated a potential cultural bias in our Venezuelan sample. Spearman's Correlation and Wilcoxon Rank test analysis (p<.001) showed a significant association between HVOT total score and age, education, and gender, but not with socioeconomic status. We present regression-norms stratified by age, years of education, and gender. Cultural biases were noted, which highlights the need for a revision of items in terms of inclusion, scoring, and order of presentation. Future studies of concurrent and predictive validity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilva Campagna
- Unidad de Neuropsicología, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Venezuela, Republic of Bolivarian.,Instituto Anatómico José Izquierdo, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela, Republic of Bolivarian
| | - Aline Ferreira-Correia
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Halloway S, Arfanakis K, Wilbur J, Schoeny ME, Pressler SJ. Accelerometer Physical Activity is Associated with Greater Gray Matter Volumes in Older Adults Without Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:1142-1151. [PMID: 29432610 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable health behavior that can protect against age-related gray matter atrophy and cognitive dysfunction. Current studies of PA and gray matter failed to utilize device measures of PA and do not focus on adults >80 years. Thus, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine cross-sectional associations between accelerometer lifestyle PA and (a) gray matter volumes and (b) cognitive function, controlling for demographics, and health status. METHOD Participants were 262 older adults without dementia or mild cognitive impairment from Rush Memory and Aging Project, an epidemiological cohort study. Participants wore an accelerometer to assess total daily lifestyle PA, and completed anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to assess gray matter volumes and a neurocognitive test battery to assess cognitive function. RESULTS Multivariate linear regression indicated that higher levels of total daily lifestyle PA was significantly related to larger gray matter volumes, F(2, 215) = 3.61, p = .027, including subcortical gray matter (β = 0.17, p = .007) and total gray matter (β = 0.11, p = .049), with no significant associations between lifestyle PA and cognitive function. DISCUSSION These findings may inform future lifestyle PA interventions in order to attenuate age-related gray matter atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Arfanakis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL.,Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | - Susan J Pressler
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Center for Enhancing Quality of Life in Chronic Illness, Indianapolis, IN
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Talwar N, Churchill NW, Hird MA, Tam F, Graham SJ, Schweizer TA. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the trail-making test in older adults. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232469. [PMID: 32396540 PMCID: PMC7217471 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The trail-making test (TMT) is a popular neuropsychological test, which is used extensively to measure cognitive impairment associated with neurodegenerative disorders in older adults. Behavioural performance on the TMT has been investigated in older populations, but there is limited research on task-related brain activity in older adults. The current study administered a naturalistic version of the TMT to a healthy older-aged population in an MRI environment using a novel, MRI-compatible tablet. Functional MRI was conducted during task completion, allowing characterization of the brain activity associated with the TMT. Performance on the TMT was evaluated using number of errors and seconds per completion of each link. Results are reported for 36 cognitively healthy older adults between the ages of 52 and 85. Task-related activation was observed in extensive regions of the bilateral frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes as well as key motor areas. Increased age was associated with reduced brain activity and worse task performance. Specifically, older age was correlated with decreased task-related activity in the bilateral occipital, temporal and parietal lobes. These results suggest that healthy older aging significantly affects brain function during the TMT, which consequently may result in performance decrements. The current study reveals the brain activation patterns underlying TMT performance in a healthy older aging population, which functions as an important, clinically-relevant control to compare to pathological aging in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Talwar
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nathan W. Churchill
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Megan A. Hird
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fred Tam
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simon J. Graham
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tom A. Schweizer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals aged 90 or older (oldest-old), the fastest growing segment of the population, are at increased risk of developing cognitive impairment compared with younger old. Neuropsychological evaluation of the oldest-old is important yet challenging in part because of the scarcity of test norms for this group. We provide neuropsychological test norms for cognitively intact oldest-old. METHODS Test norms were derived from 403 cognitively intact participants of The 90+ Study, an ongoing study of aging and dementia in the oldest-old. Cognitive status of intact oldest-old was determined at baseline using cross-sectional approach. Individuals with cognitive impairment no dementia or dementia (according to DSM-IV criteria) were excluded. Participants ranged in age from 90 to 102 years (mean=94). The neuropsychological battery included 11 tests (Mini-Mental Status Examination, Modified Mini-Mental State Examination, Boston Naming Test - Short Form, Letter Fluency Test, Animal Fluency Test, California Verbal Learning Test-II Short Form, Trail Making Tests A/B/C, Digit Span Forward and Backwards Test, Clock Drawing Test, CERAD Construction Subtests), and the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS Data show significantly lower scores with increasing age on most tests. Education level, sex, and symptoms of depression were associated with performance on several tests after accounting for age. CONCLUSIONS Provided test norms will help to distinguish cognitively intact oldest-old from those with cognitive impairment. (JINS, 2019, 25, 530-545).
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11
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Talwar NA, Churchill NW, Hird MA, Pshonyak I, Tam F, Fischer CE, Graham SJ, Schweizer TA. The Neural Correlates of the Clock-Drawing Test in Healthy Aging. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:25. [PMID: 30804769 PMCID: PMC6370722 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance: The clock-drawing test (CDT) is an important neurocognitive assessment tool, widely used as a screening test for dementia. Behavioral performance on the test has been studied extensively, but there is scant literature on the underlying neural correlates. Purpose: To administer the CDT naturalistically to a healthy older aging population in an MRI environment, and characterize the brain activity associated with test completion. Main Outcome and Measure: Blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI was conducted as participants completed the CDT using novel tablet technology. Brain activity during CDT performance was contrasted to rest periods of visual fixation. Performance on the CDT was evaluated using a standardized scoring system (Rouleau score) and time to test completion. To assess convergent validity, performance during fMRI was compared to performance on a standard paper version of the task, administered in a psychometric testing room. Results: Study findings are reported for 33 cognitively healthy older participants aged 52–85. Activation was observed in the bilateral frontal, occipital and parietal lobes as well as the supplementary motor area and precentral gyri. Increased age was significantly correlated with Rouleau scores on the clock number drawing (R2) component (rho = -0.55, p < 0.001); the clock hand drawing (R3) component (rho = -0.50, p < 0.005); and the total clock (rho = -0.62, p < 0.001). Increased age was also associated with decreased activity in the bilateral parietal and occipital lobes as well as the right temporal lobe and right motor areas. Conclusion and Relevance: This imaging study characterizes the brain activity underlying performance of the CDT in a healthy older aging population using the most naturalistic version of the task to date. The results suggest that the functions of the occipital and parietal lobe are significantly altered by the normal aging process, which may lead to performance decrements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Talwar
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan W Churchill
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Megan A Hird
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Iryna Pshonyak
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fred Tam
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Corinne E Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon J Graham
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tom A Schweizer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Beker N, Sikkes SAM, Hulsman M, Schmand B, Scheltens P, Holstege H. Neuropsychological Test Performance of Cognitively Healthy Centenarians: Normative Data From the Dutch 100-Plus Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2018; 67:759-767. [PMID: 30592018 PMCID: PMC7379661 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The fraction of the population that reaches the age of 100 years is growing. At this age, dementia incidence is high and cognitive functioning is highly variable across individuals. Normative data for neuropsychological tests are lacking in centenarians, which hampers the ability to evaluate their cognitive functioning for both research and clinical practice. Here, we generated norms for neuropsychological tests in a sample of cognitively healthy centenarians while taking sensory impairments into account. DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING Centenarians who participate in the prospective 100-plus Study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 235 centenarians (71.5% female), who self-reported to be cognitively healthy, which was confirmed by an informant and a trained researcher. MEASUREMENTS We generated normative data for 15 cognitive tests, measuring global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]), premorbid intelligence, attention, language, memory, executive function, and visuospatial function by multiple linear regressions and/or by reporting percentiles. RESULTS Normative data for global cognition resulted in a mean MMSE score of 25.6 ± 3.1 (range = 17-30; interquartile range = 24-28). Vision problems and fatigue often complicated the ability to complete tests, and these problems explained 41% and 22% of the missing test scores, respectively. In contrast, hearing problems (4%) and task incomprehension (6%) rarely complicated test performance. While educational level was associated with performance on the majority of the tests, sex and age were only weakly associated with test performance. CONCLUSIONS We generated normative data for 15 common neuropsychological tests in a large sample of cognitively healthy centenarians, while taking age-related sensory impairments into consideration. These normative data allow the detection of deficits across a wide range of cognitive domains. Our results suggest that, next to education level, vision ability and the level of fatigue should be taken into account when evaluating cognitive functioning in centenarians. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:759-767, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Beker
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sietske A M Sikkes
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc Hulsman
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Schmand
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henne Holstege
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Martin PK, Schroeder RW, Baade LE. A tale of two norms: the impact of normative sample selection criteria on standardized scores in older adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2017; 31:1204-1218. [PMID: 28752793 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2017.1349182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Normative sample composition can vary notably as a function of exclusionary criteria in older adult samples given that typical medical conditions of exclusion become more prevalent with age. Older adult norms may consist of typically aging or healthy aging individuals according to the stringency of the exclusion criteria, a difference illustrated when comparing two normative samples for the RBANS: the original standardization sample and the Oklahoma sample. METHODS The current study examined the clinical impact of norm selection in older adults by analyzing impairment classification rates for 105 older adult behavioral health inpatients. Rates of impaired performance (scaled score ≤4 or its normalized equivalent) were compared across RBANS subtests using standardization sample vs. Oklahoma sample normative data in patients aged 70-79 (n = 57) and 80-89 (n = 48). RESULTS Across most RBANS subtests, utilization of the original standardization sample vs. Oklahoma sample norms resulted in a greater proportion of individuals classified as impaired. These findings occurred across both age groups and persevered when holding constant the sample normalization process. Overall, use of the standardization sample vs. Oklahoma sample normative data were 1-11 times more likely to indicate impairment, with one of the more notable differences seen on the Coding subtest in the 80-89 sample (65% vs. 8% labeled as impaired). CONCLUSIONS Sample composition and exclusionary criteria require consideration when selecting an appropriate normative sample against which to compare older adult test performance. Salient differences between typically aging vs. healthy aging older adult norms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip K Martin
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Kansas School of Medicine , Wichita , KS , USA
| | - Ryan W Schroeder
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Kansas School of Medicine , Wichita , KS , USA
| | - Lyle E Baade
- a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Kansas School of Medicine , Wichita , KS , USA
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14
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Canneti B, Mosqueira AJ, Carreras T, Gago-Veiga AB, Onsurbe C, Ruiz M, Vivancos J. Differences in performance in CAMCOG-R domains between old and oldest old patients with Alzheimer's disease. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2017; 25:588-597. [PMID: 28705033 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2017.1353679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the neuropsychological performance in a ≥90-year-old population with Alzheimer disease (AD) in comparison with younger elderly patients. We retrospectively studied all patients with AD attended in a specialized clinic between 1999 and 2011. Age, sex, educational level, and sensory loss data were collected. Neuropsychological evaluation included Mini-Mental State Examination and Global Deterioration Scale. We used the eight Cambridge Cognitive Assessment (CAMCOG-R) domains to evaluate and compare the neuropsychological performance in the younger than 90 years old (<90) and older than 90 years old (≥90) groups. We selected 2931 patients, 2897 <90 (98.83%) and 34 ≥90 years old (1.17%). The ≥90 group had significant lower punctuations in memory, praxis, and abstract thinking CAMOCG-R domains with 1.49, 0.75, and 0.58 less points, respectively, (p < 0.05). Neuropsychological characteristics of cognitive decline seem to be different in ≥90 compared to <90 years old patients. According to age, the biggest differences in the CAMCOG-R performance are in the memory, praxis, and abstract thinking domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Canneti
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - A J Mosqueira
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - T Carreras
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - A B Gago-Veiga
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - C Onsurbe
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - M Ruiz
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
| | - J Vivancos
- a Neurology Department , Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa , Madrid , Spain
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Legdeur N, Binnekade T, Otten R, Badissi M, Scheltens P, Visser P, Maier A. Cognitive functioning of individuals aged 90 years and older without dementia: A systematic review. Ageing Res Rev 2017; 36:42-49. [PMID: 28284872 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reference values to define cognitive impairment in individuals aged 90 years and older are lacking. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the level of cognitive functioning of individuals aged 90 years and older without dementia. METHODS The search identified 3972 articles of which 20 articles were included in the review. We calculated mean cognitive test scores and cut-off scores for cognitive tests published in two or more articles. RESULTS The mean cognitive test scores (SD)/cut-off scores for individuals aged 90 years and older without dementia of the five most commonly used cognitive tests were: MMSE: 26.6 (2.6)/23.3 points, Digit Span forward: 5.9 (1.8)/3.6 digits, Digit Span backward: 4.4 (1.6)/2.4 digits, TMT-A: 85.8 (42.5)/140.2s and TMT-B: 220.3 (99.2)/347.3s. DISCUSSION We provided mean cognitive test scores and cut-off scores that will improve the diagnostic process of cognitive impairment in individuals aged 90 years and older.
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