| Title | Age and Graphomotor Decision Making Assessed with the Digital Clock Drawing Test: The Framingham Heart Study. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2017 |
| Authors | Piers, RJ, Devlin, KN, Ning, B, Liu, Y, Wasserman, B, Massaro, JM, Lamar, M, Price, CC, Swenson, R, Davis, R, Penney, DL, Au, R, Libon, DJ |
| Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pagination | 1611-1620 |
| Date Published | 2017 |
| ISSN | 1875-8908 |
| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Digital Clock Drawing Test (dCDT) technology enables the examination of detailed neurocognitive behavior as behavior unfolds in real time; a capability that cannot be obtained using a traditional pen and paper testing format. OBJECTIVE: Parameters obtained from the dCDT were used to investigate neurocognitive constructs related to higher-order neurocognitive decision making and information processing speed. The current research sought to determine the effect of age as related to combined motor and non-motor components of drawing, and higher-order decision making latencies. METHODS: A large group of stroke- and dementia- free Framingham Heart Study participants were administered the dCDT to command and copy with hands set for "10 after 11". Six age groups (age range 28-98) were constructed. RESULTS: Differences between age groups were found for total time to completion, total pen stroke count, and higher-order decision making latencies in both command and copy test conditions. CONCLUSION: Longer age-related decision making latencies may reflect a greater need for working memory and increased self-monitoring in older subjects. These latency measures have potential to serve as neurocognitive biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and other insidious neurodegenerative disorders. |
| DOI | 10.3233/JAD-170444 |
| Alternate Journal | J. Alzheimers Dis. |
| PubMed ID | 29036819 |
