[The cognitive variations among non-dementia elders: from successful aging to mild cognitive impairment].
OBJECTIVE
To study the heterogeneity of cognitive function in the non-demented elderly population with complaint of memory decline.


METHODS
Neuropsychological tests were carried out in 34 subjects by using clinical memory scales including 17 variables and Q-type cluster analysis was performed.


RESULTS
Fifteen subjects (44%) were diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Six new clusters were produced by cluster analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
In the transitional period from normal aging to early Alzheimer's disease, the cognitive function of elders are heterogeneous, there may be cognition of successful aging, cognition of normal aging and even cognitive impairment with potential risk of dementia.
Wang
Wei
W
Department of Neurology, South Building, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijng 100853, China. wangwei301@hotmail.com
Xie
Hengge
H
Wan
Qi
Q
Wang
Luning
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests