Journal
MECHANISMS OF AGEING AND DEVELOPMENT
Volume 181, Issue -, Pages 42-46Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2019.111122
Keywords
Aging; Geriatrics; Neurology; Neuropsychological tests; Cognitive assessment; Health; Cognition; Frailty Index
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Neuropsychological tests, besides reflecting the cognitive reserves and deficits of the tested individual, might also be differently affected by his/her underlying biological asset. In this context, the construct of frailty may offer an opportunity for better weighting the results of traditional tests. We evaluated the relationships between a set neuropsychological measures and a 35-item Frailty Index (FI). The role played by the FI in the relationship between neuropsychological tests and global cognition was also explored. Data from the first neurological and neuropsychological assessments of 79 subjects attending our university memory clinic because complaining cognitive disturbances were considered for the present analysis. A statistically significant correlation between FI and Trail Making Test-B was observed (Spearman's rho 0.33; p = 0.02). The relationship between the performance at the Rey Complex Figure and global cognition (as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination) was influenced by the Fl. In fact, participants with higher Fl levels had a weakened association linking constructional/visual memory abilities and general cognitive functioning. The interpretation of the neuropsychological assessment can be biased by the frailty status of the tested individual. It can be hypothesized the need of developing new models of correction, that may better reflect the person's biology and complexity.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available