Latent Structure of Alzheimer's Disease: A Taxometric Analysis of 
Neuropsychological Indicators 
 
   Lead Investigator:    Glenn Walters
   Institution      :     
   E-Mail           :    gwalters@bop.gov
   Proposal ID      :    72


   Publications:


1  Walters GD
   Dementia: Continuum or distinct entity?
   Journal Article  Psychol Aging,25:534-544,2010,PMC2943994

   PUBLISHED





   Proposal Description:
   Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) will be analyzed  taxometrically for the purpose of determining whether Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an extensive  of normal aging (dimensional latent structure) or a distinct category of  memory/neuropsychological deficit (taxonic latent structure). In order to assess whether AD and  normal aging differ quantitatively (dimensional) or qualitatively (taxonic), NACC data will be  analyzed with three standard taxometric procedures: mean above minus below a cut  (MAMBAC), maximum covariance (MAXCOV), and latent-mode factor analysis (L-Mode).  Four to six indicators that achieve adequate inter-indicator correlations and validity will be  selected from the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and neuropsychological test battery.  These results should have important implications for classifying and assessing AD and  understanding its etiology.