title: Getting lost: directed attention and executive functions in early Alzheimer's disease patients.
abstract: This study explores the link between directed attention (DA) and getting lost behavior (GLB) in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a cross-sectional design with 3 groups. Based on their dementia levels, 116 community-dwelling participants were recruited from a teaching hospital in Taiwan and classified as the non-demented control, questionably demented, and mild AD groups. Statistical analyses include Pearson correlations, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regressions. Attentional impairments, consisting of distractibility, impulsivity, and executive function problems, significantly predict GLB in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Irritability and executive function problems are associated with mental difficulties in choosing a turn, whereas the use of way-finding strategies reduces GLB. Future interventions may include: (a) mental hygiene of aging; (b) programs targeted at improving attentional function and effective way-finding, and (c) inclusion of DA tests in a routine clinical neuropsychological examination for early detection and accurate diagnosis of dementia.
authors.affiliation: Chang-Gung University, Department and Graduate Institute of Nursing, Taoyuan, Taiwan. yulandac@mail.cgu.edu.tw
authors.forename: Yi-Chen
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Algase
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whall
authors.forename: Jersey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Hsiu-Chih
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ker-Neng
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Pei-Ning
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan