Getting lost: directed attention and executive functions in early Alzheimer's disease patients.
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.
Chiu
Yi-Chen
YC
Chang-Gung University, Department and Graduate Institute of Nursing, Taoyuan, Taiwan. yulandac@mail.cgu.edu.tw
Algase
Donna
D
Whall
Ann
A
Liang
Jersey
J
Liu
Hsiu-Chih
HC
Lin
Ker-Neng
KN
Wang
Pei-Ning
PN
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