Verbal learning and everyday functioning in dementia: an application of latent variable growth curve modeling.

Full Abstract

This study used latent variable growth curve modeling to identify predictors and correlates of verbal learning over trials on a list-learning task in patients with dementia. Data from 116 patients evaluated at the Detroit satellite of the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were incorporated in the present analyses. Patients were administered the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation, examined independently by a geriatrician, and, if appropriate, given a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease according to criteria from the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association. The presence of dementia significantly predicted both the intercept (i.e., level of performance) and the slope (i.e., learning over trials), with dementia patients demonstrating lower overall levels of performance and less verbal learning over trials. Rate of verbal learning over trials was a significant predictor of everyday functioning (instrumental activities of daily living) above and beyond general cognitive impairment and demographics.

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Author information

Author/s: Mast, Benjamin T (BT); Allaire, Jason C (JC);

Affiliation: Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. b.mast(-atsign-)louisville.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences (J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-May; vol 61 (issue 3) : pp P167-73

Dates: Created 2006/05/03; Completed 2006/06/14; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16670186, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Activities of Daily Living - psychology
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alzheimer Disease - psychology
Disease Progression
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Individuality
Male

Male
Mental Recall
Mental Status Schedule - statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Models, Statistical
Neuropsychological Tests - statistics & numerical data
Psychometrics - statistics & numerical data
Serial Learning
Statistics as Topic
Verbal Learning

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