Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of dementia. The best method for detecting MCI is through comprehensive evaluation, which can be costly and time consuming. Cost effective cognitive screening measures are needed to identify early cognitive decline in older adults. The Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen (MCAS) has been developed to assess a wide range of functions known to be impaired in dementia. It also has the unique feature of telephone administration. A preliminary study shows that the MCAS can very effectively distinguish between healthy elderly and individuals with mild to moderate dementia.

The proposed study will recruit 200 older adult individuals (aged 60-79) who are cognitively healthy (n = 50), have mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 100), or have mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD; n = 50). They will undergo a comprehensive in-office diagnostic work-up and will be administered the MCAS over the telephone within two weeks of the in-office exam. We will define the sensitivity and specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen (MCAS) for MCI compared to cognitively-normal older controls and persons with mild AD. We will also identify whether other factors (psychiatric history, repetitious behaviors, practice effects, awareness of deficit) can distinguish between the groups. Contact Michael Mcquiggan at 444-3673 or email Mmcquiggan@lifespan.org.

Funded by Nation's CareLink

Wellness Approaches For Memory Problems

Principal Investigator: Geoffrey Tremont, PhD

The goal of this project is to determine whether health education or yoga can be helpful for people with mild cognitive impairment. Participants (aged 55-80) attend health education seminars or yoga classes, and they complete tests of cognition and mood as well as a brief health assessment. Office visits are on three occasions (prior to starting the program, following program, and at 8-week follow-up). Contact Michael Mcquiggan at 444-3673 or email Mmcquiggan@lifespan.org.

Funded by the Brown University Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Behavioral and Electrophysiological Investigation of Semantic Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease

Principal Investigator: William C. Heindel, PhD

Although Alzheimer's disease is virtually synonymous with memory loss, its impact on specific aspects of memory is poorly understood. The processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information in the brain are enormously complex. Understanding exactly how Alzheimer’s disrupts particular parts of these processes may lead to improved ways of measuring progression of the disease and assessing the effectiveness of drugs, and might even suggest new therapeutic targets.

Alzheimer’s disease has a well-documented effect on an individual’s ability to recall words, facts, and general knowledge, information encoded in a storage and retrieval system known as “semantic memory.” This project will explore whether this effect is due to (1) disruption of semantic memory itself, (2) damage to a cognitive capacity known as the “attentional system” or “central executive,” an overall function that regulates an individual’s ability to focus, plan, respond appropriately to cues, and switch from one task to another, or (3) abnormalities in both the semantic and attentional systems. The research team will measure reaction times and certain electrical brain wave patterns in addition to performance on conventional semantic memory tests in an effort to distinguish how Alzheimer’s affects either system separately or both together. Insights gained may aid development of better diagnostic and monitoring tools as well as more effective therapies. Contact Elena Festa-Martino at 863-9168.

Funded by the Alzheimer's Association