Sensory Impairment  Neuropsychiatric Symptoms among Older Adults with Cognitive
  
   Lead Investigator:    Carrie Nieman
   Institution      :    Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
   E-Mail           :    cnieman1@jhmi.edu
   Proposal ID      :    1641



   Proposal Description:
   The objectives of this study are to examine within a national cohort, 1) the prevalence of hearing and visual impairment and associated device use (e.g., hearing aids, corrective lenses) among older adults with cognitive impairment and 2) the prevalence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms among older adults with cognitive impairment by sensory status, including hearing, vision, or dual sensory impairment.    Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the prevalence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in older adults with cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment or dementia) is greater among participants with hearing loss compared to participants without hearing loss after adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates. Similarly, we hypothesize the prevalence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms is greater among those with vision impairment or dual sensory impairment.