The predisposition to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease estimated by neuropsychological assessment of 1st degree relatives

• Grant number: 23/04225-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Cognitive Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Paula Foss
• Grantee: Marcos Josué Costa Dias
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Current scientific research paints a multifaceted picture of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Within this framework, it is known that genetic and family factors play crucial roles at different stages of their development. Thus, studies are increasingly seeking to characterize and identify subtle cognitive changes in the prodromal phase of the disease. In this sense, the neuropsychological assessment (ANP) plays a fundamental role, but the more traditional measures are not as sensitive at this stage, although they indicate deficits. However, research in the area has obtained results that show the power of a task as a possible neuropsychological marker for the prodromal phase, in this case, the task of binding visuospatial working memory (TBMTV). In line with these factors, it is intended to apply neuropsychological tests (NT) and perform TBMTV in two groups: relatives of relatives with diagnosed AD (GP) and unrelated people (GC). In addition, in view of the multifaceted nature of AD, instruments will be applied to assess other variables that influence the result, such as age, education, gender and caregiver burden. The last one is due to the possibility of the GP participant being a caregiver. From the result obtained, a statistical analysis will be made in order to ascertain the relevance of the possible differences between the two conditions. Finally, it is conjectured that differences in the scores obtained are identified, either by TN or TBMTV, but it is expected that the differences are more consistent in TBMTV.