Measuring Change in Neuropsychological Functioning in the Older Adult
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quantification of Change in Neurpsychological Functioning in the Older Adult Population Using Three Tests of Executive Functioning.
IRAS ID
182446
Contact name
Bruce Downey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
The risk of dementia increases with age (APA, 1994). It is most common among those over the age of 65 years. Accurate diagnosis is helpful in myriad ways; allowing people to make plans with their families for example, and ensuring timely access to treatments that can sustain cognitive functions (such as memory), wellbeing, quality of life and independent living - key aims of Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy (Scottish Government, 2013).
In clinical practice, before a diagnosis of any dementia can be made, it is necessary to establish whether the patient is cognitively impaired. Therefore, evaluating cognitive functions, such as memory and problem solving, is key to assessing people for dementia. Within this context, it is imperative to know if a person’s current cognitive functioning has declined significantly from what would be expected. However, because few people have cognitive tests during their adult lives, rarely are we able to compare directly current and previous test results.
One reliable method of detecting cognitive impairment or decline is to compare an individual’s current test results with an estimate of their expected score that is based upon related factors such as age, education, and occupation. However, cognitive tests commonly used in diagnosing dementia do not provide a means for estimating expected test scores. This limits their clinical utility. This study, therefore, aims to create a method for clinicians to be able to estimate quickly and accurately expected test performance using easily accessible information. The potential impact of this project is substantial and international.
To realise the above aim, a group of community dwelling older adults (from the general population) will be recruited; with their neuropsychological functioning then assessed on specific tests of interest. Participants will be assessed on a single occasion, with testing lasting approximately 25 minutes.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
15/ES/0152
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion