Examining the Relationship between Loss of Set and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults Lead Investigator: Vanessa Watorek Institution : University of Hartford E-Mail : watorek@hartford.edu Proposal ID : 1104 Proposal Description: This study aims to compare loss of set (i.e., losing track of what one isdoing) performance in healthy controls, individuals with MCI, and those who present with dementia and examine its prediction of cognitive decline. It is hypothesized that the worst performance will be seen in those with dementia, followed by those with MCI, and the least in healthy controls. Group differences among the various dementia diagnoses will be examined. Specific neuropsychological measures of interest include: Trails B Commission Errors, Phonemic Fluency Repetitions, and Phonemic Fluency Rule Violations. Additionally, given that depression and anxiety may influence executive functioning, the role of these psychiatric presentations on loss of set will also be investigated. Lastly, this study will examine whether there is a relationship between loss of set and functional ability across diagnostic groups. It is hoped that this research will clarify whether loss of set performance can be used as a predictor for cognitive decline.