Cognitive decline in the elderly: an analysis of population heterogeneity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

studies of cognitive ageing at the group level suggest that age is associated with cognitive decline; however, there may be individual differences such that not all older adults will experience cognitive decline.

Objective

to evaluate patterns of cognitive decline in a cohort of older adults initially free of dementia.

Design, setting and subjects

elderly Catholic clergy members participating in the Religious Orders Study were followed for up to 15 years. Cognitive performance was assessed annually.

Methods

performance on a composite global measure of cognition was analysed using random effects models for baseline performance and change over time. A profile mixture component was used to identify subgroups with different cognitive trajectories over th

SUBMITTER: Hayden KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3199215 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature