Brief cognitive assessment of older adults with limited formal
education-examining MoCA scores and autopsy data 
   Lead Investigator:    Justin Barber
   Institution      :    University of Kentucky
   E-Mail           :    justin.barber@uky.edu
   Proposal ID      :    1208



   Proposal Description:
   Neuropsychological tests are widely used to evaluate older adults at risk for memory and thinking problems due to Alzheimer?s disease and related disorders. Neuropsychological test batteries are not utilized frequently in primary care settings due to costs and administration time. The Montreal          Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is widely used by primary care providers (PCP) to quickly assess the cognitive status of older adults who may be at risk for cognitive impairment or dementia. However, many cognitive tests have inadequate test norms for individuals with limited formal education (Marcopulos et al., 1997). In this context, it is important that PCPs be able to distinguish lower    performance due to education from that due to likely underlying neuropathology.   We will examine this several ways. This research could improve diagnosis and treatment of older adults with lower education levels.                            Primary Aim 1: compare MoCA scores between individuals with low and high autopsy-confirmed AD pathology who have <=12 years of formal education.          Primary Aim 2: examine the diagnostic utility of the MoCA threshold for impairment between education levels and autopsy findings.