Estimates of age-related memory decline are inflated by unrecognized Alzheimer's disease

Neurobiology of Aging
Karra D HarringtonAIBL Research Group

Abstract

Cognitive decline is considered an inevitable consequence of aging; however, estimates of cognitive aging may be influenced negatively by undetected preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to determine the extent to which estimates of cognitive aging were biased by preclinical AD. Cognitively normal older adults (n = 494) with amyloid-β status determined from positron emission tomography neuroimaging underwent serial neuropsychological assessment at 18-month intervals over 72 months. Estimates of the effects of age on verbal memory, working memory, executive function, and processing speed were derived using linear mixed models. The presence of preclinical AD and clinical progression to mild cognitive impairment or dementia during the study were then added to these models as covariates. Initially, age was associated with decline across all 4 cognitive domains. With the effects of elevated amyloid-β and clinical progression controlled, age was no longer associated with decline in verbal or working memory. However, the magnitude of decline was reduced only slightly for executive function and was unchanged for processing speed. Thus, considered together, the results of the study indicate that undetected preclinical A...Continue Reading

Citations

Oct 3, 2018·Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology : the Official Journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists·Christa DangUNKNOWN AIBL Research Group
Jan 8, 2020·Alzheimer's & Dementia : Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring·Christa Dang, Paul Maruff
Aug 21, 2020·Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS·Nikki H StrickerRonald C Petersen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Alzheimer's Disease: Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging can help identify pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here is the latest research on neuroimaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, in AD.

Age-related Dementia

Dementias are a group of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, characterized by deficiencies in cognitive abilities. Age-related dementia refers to dementias that occur in older individuals, usually 60+ years old, in contrast to early-onset dementia. Follow the latest research on age-related dementia here.

Cell Aging (Keystone)

This feed focuses on cellular aging with emphasis on the mitochondria, autophagy, and metabolic processes associated with aging and longevity. Here is the latest research on cell aging.

Alzheimer's Disease: APP

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) proteolysis is critical for the development of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease associated with accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. Here is the latest research on APP and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Disease: Amyloid Beta

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain; these plaques are comprised of amyloid beta deposits. Here is the latest research in this field.

Aging Epidemiology

This feed focuses on epidemiology of aging and aging-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and age-associated cognitive impairment. Here is the latest research.

© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved