An investigation into distractibility in those reporting memory change
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attention all!: An investigation into distractibility in everyday life
IRAS ID
167531
Contact name
Claire Lancaster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research will explore the attentional profile of those visiting memory assessment services to report subjective concerns about their cognition. Many of these individuals will receive a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a diagnosis representing the grey area between healthy and pathological age-associated change in cognition. The diagnostic criteria of MCI have evolved to include impairment in domains outside of memory. This research aims to establish if changes in attentional control are important in characterising MCI. Furthering understanding of MCI is important due to the increased risk of this population converting to dementia. Additionally, the research aims to establish if a different profile of attention is seen in those carrying a genetic risk factor for dementia (Apolipoprotein e4). Apolipoprotein status is related to cognitive decline in older age and conversion from MCI to dementia. Carriers of APOE e4 have consistently demonstrated attention changes across the lifespan.
The research consists of two phases. Phase one will collect questionnaire data from individuals being referred to memory assessment service within the Sussex Partnership trust. In addition, recruited participants will be given the opportunity to invite their partners or spouses to complete the study, with this group acting as a control. The questionnaires will focus on attention in everyday life, and participants are asked to complete them in their home environment and return them by post. All participants are invited to volunteer for phase 2 of the study. Phase 2 will involve participants providing a buccal (inner-cheek) swab for APOE genotype analysis. Participants will then be required to complete a behavioural paradigm assessing distractibility, followed by a short verbal measure of IQ and a further questionnaire assessing occupational, social and leisure activities across the lifespan.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0228
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion