Research Using the NACC Database

Dissociable Facets of Executive Dysfunction and Association with Preclinical
Alzheimers Disease
 
   Lead Investigator:    Joyce Zhu
   Institution      :    Vanderbilt University
   E-Mail           :    joyce.y.zhu@vanderbilt.edu
   Proposal ID      :    224


   Publications:


1  Zhu JY, Vandermorris S, Craik FIM
   Digit Symbol Substitution as a Marker of Asymptomatic AD
   Abstract  J Int Neuropsychol Soc,19(S1):222,2013,

   PUBLISHED





   Proposal Description:
   1.       The purpose of this study is to examine cognitive markers of preclinical AD in light of new clinical criteria that incorporate a fuller spectrum of cognitive aging. It is plausible that the earliest predictive markers of AD are not consistent at every stage of the disease process. Numerous studies suggest that tests of episodic memory are the most robust predictors of MCI to AD conversion measures of executive function are secondary. However, recent clues in the literature suggest that cognitive predictors might differ in the preclinical stage that precedes MCI.   2.       The secondary objective is to identify the dissociable facet(s) of executive dysfunction that are most closely associated with the onset of preclinical AD. That is, this study serves to identify early and specific cognitive marker(s) of executive dysfunction that predicts cognitive decline due to AD. To probe executive dysfunction in preclinical AD, I will use neuropsychological methods (WAIS-R Digit Symbol, Trails B, Digit Span Backwards, Category Fluency, etc) which measure dissociable facets of executive function.  3.       The third objective is to shine light on whether the optimal  executive function marker of preclinical AD is consistent at various stages of the AD spectrum: from cognitively Normal individuals who transition to MCI, and MCIs who transition to AD.