Neuropsychological Dysfunction As Associated With Cognitive Factors among Clinical Population of Older Adults

The study was initiated to understand the nature of cognitive impairment among Indian older adults. Given that research on Indian population has been carried out on patient groups (seizures, dementia etc.) more often, this study was looked at as a timely contribution being conducted on individuals who did not receive any diagnosis. The clinical sample was drawn from the division of Neurology clinic of Bangalore Neuro Centre, Bangalore India.  Mental status and cognitive functions were assessed by MMSE (30-score) and standardized 10 Neuropsychological tests (Attention, Fluency, motor speed, mental speed, logical memory, auditory verbal learning & memory, visuo-spatial ability and visual long term memory). The tools used in this study are the MMSE and the NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for adults. Sample was obtained through referrals from other professionals and informed consent was obtained for participating in the study. The study explores the inter-relationship of the Neuropsychological test variables, (Pearson’s) correlation analysis and fact-finding factor analyses were performed. Further, we analyzed a principal component and a varimax rotation method to extract number of cognitive factors. Results indicated the high sensitivity of few tests in understanding neuropsychological functioning. This lead us to conclude that the tests, Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Logical Memory test, Complex Figure Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Colour Trails Test and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, are sufficient to understanding the impairment of cognition in the given sample.