Latent Structure of the Mild Cognitive Impairment Syndrome

 
   Lead Investigator:    John Hanfelt
   Institution      :    Emory
   E-Mail           :    jhanfel@sph.emory.edu
   Proposal ID      :    40


   Publications:


1  Hanfelt JJ, Wuu J, Sollinger AB, Greenway MC, Lah J, Levey AI, Goldstein FC
   An Exploration of Subgroups of Mild Cognitive Impairment Based On Cognitive, Neuropsychiatric and Functional Features: Analysis of Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center
   Journal Article  Am J Geriatr Psychiatry,19:940-950,2011,PMC3202691

   PUBLISHED





   Proposal Description:
   The primary aim of this study is to comprehend the heterogenous structure underlying the  recently recognized syndrome of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The current method  of clinically categorizing subtypes of MCI is based on the differences in cognitive  domains affected in the individual that are hypothesized to relate to early manifestations  of various dementias. We propose to determine empirically, and characterize clinically,  subcategories of MCI based on cross-sectional UDS data, including cognitive  performance and clinical presentation/history, with adjustment for demographic  variables. The resulting well-defined subtypes of MCI identified in this study can serve  as a baseline for use in future, longitudinal studies of disease progression in MCI patients.  Aim 1: Determine empirically the subcategories of MCI based on the clustering  patterns of selected UDS variables in MCI patients.  Aim 2: Elucidate whether these subcategories of MCI comprise a  multidimensional construct or alternatively form a combination of disease subtypes and  severity levels.  Aim 3: Characterize each subtype of MCI in terms of its prevalence among UDS  MCI patients, the subset of UDS variables providing the strongest contribution to the  subtype, and clinical interpretation.