Insight and cognitive decline in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Nicola Lautenschlager (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Leon Flicker ,  Prof Osvaldo Almeida

Brief description Australia's population is aging rapidly and so is the frequency of age-related disorders. Dementia is one of the most frequent mental health disorders and one of the leading causes of years of life lost due to disability in Australia. Therefore it is important to be able to identify older adults at high risk of developing dementia in order to be able to introduce preventative strategies. One important risk factor for cognitive decline is the presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults who complain about memory problems. However many subjects with MCI do not develop dementia and it remains a challenge to identify those with pre-dementia amongst those with MCI. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether reduced awareness of cognitive impairment is a better predictor of cognitive decline and dementia than having memory complaints . To investigate the association of reduced awareness and cognitive decline, 80 participants with MCI and 80 healthy controls will be followed over a period of 24 months. Awareness will be measured and compared to information on cognitive and functional impairment given by the participant and an informant. Additionally, information from neuroimaging and laboratory studies will be collected to determine it's interaction with reduced awareness.

Funding Amount $AUD 399,600.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant