clusters of cognitive domains in centenarians
What is it about?
In this study, we aimed to accomplish these goals through a cluster analysis of scores on multiple neuropsychological tests administered at enrollment in the Long Life Family Study (LLFS). We hypothesize that, while individual tests capture specific aspects of cognition, the combination of multiple neuropsychological test scores should capture the global cognitive state of individuals. Therefore, to better describe global patterns of cognitive function, we sought to discover cognitive signatures defined as profiles of performance across multiple neuropsychological tests. By associating these cognitive signatures with various aging markers, clinical variables, and medical events, the patterns of strengths and weaknesses across neuropsychological tests can inform about the underlying biological and physical contributors to cognitive aging.
Why is it important?
Discovering patterns of cognitive domains and characterizing how these patterns associate with other risk factors and biological markers can improve our understanding of the determinants of cognitive aging. Moreover, identifying subgroups of participants who have distinct cognitive profiles can assist in therapeutic interventions and primary care.