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1. Cognitive markers for the early detection of the prodromal phase of Alzheimer’s disease.
The professional figure of the neuropsychologist usually handles the application of different evaluation instruments. These include various types of tests, scales and questionnaires useful to measure both the objective cognitive performance and the subjective perception of an individual with respect to aspects such as memory complaints, mood or coping styles. To meet the challenges posed in the context of the Vallecas Project, the neuropsychological test battery focuses espe- cially on the evaluation of memory processes, attention and executive functions as potential early markers of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the neuropsycholog- ical profile of each participant is completed by gathering information related to other cognitive domains such as language, visuospatial ability and visuoconstruc- tion, as well as emotional variables. This is particularly important because it allows identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the cognitive profile and characterize, if appropriate, the type of cognitive impairment that an individual presents. More- over, the neuropsychological evaluation protocol includes various questionnaires in order to collect information complementary to the cognitive profile. Specifically, we obtain data about the assessment of possible cognitive complaints, as well as different aspects of them such as the time of appearance, the concern generat- ed or the profile of these complaints. In essence, the study of all these cognitive variables, both objective and subjective, together with the rest of the biographical and clinical data, will allow us to establish what role each cognitive parameter plays in the appearance and course of Alzheimer’s disease.
1.1. Usefulness of subjective cognitive complaints as an early marker.
This is perhaps the most consolidated line of research in the department that has even led to the publication of a doctoral thesis. Subjective Cognitive Impair- ment (SCI) appears in preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease Cognitive com- plaints may appear in preclinical phases of Alzheimer’s disease; even a person can often experience this type of complaint though their cognitive performance in a formal neuropsychological examination is within normal parameters. For this reason, there has been renewed scientific interest in recent years for the study of subjective cognitive complaints as a possible marker of future objective cognitive impairment.
The Department of Neuropsychology has carried out different studies to analyze the role of cognitive complaints as a predictor of cognitive impairment in a sample of elderly people from the general population. Specifically, the focus is placed on studying which specific aspects and what type of cognitive complaints show a greater relationship with the development of cognitive impairment. In general, the following conclusions can be drawn from all the research work carried out:
• The SCI rate in the Vallecas Project cohort (~ 70%) is slightly higher than that obtained in other research studies. This can be explained by the fact that our cohort has a higher mean age.
• Our results are consistent with the accumulated evidence: SCI is more strongly associated with subjective variables (i.e. depression, anxiety, quality of life, etc.)
3. Scientific activity
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