Analysis of Social and Behavioral Data Sets in Aging

Sponsorship Type: Federally Funded, National Institute of Health, National Institute on Aging
Research Type: Secondary Data Analysis
Impact: National

The objective of this study is to examine changes in personality traits in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer’s disease and identify early markers of the disease before the onset of dementia. Changes in personality are one of the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of dementia, and changes have been consistently observed with the onset and progression of dementia. It is unknown, however, whether changes in major dimensions of personality begin before the onset of dementia.

This study is examining data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) , an ongoing community-based cohort study. Starting from 1980, more than 1,700 participants have completed a self-reported measure of personality on multiple occasions, on average 5 assessments per person. In addition, a subset of participants had their personality rated by their spouse. BLSA participants were genotyped and their clinical and cognitive status has been evaluated at regularly scheduled visits. By examining data that span more than a decade (up to 31 years) before the onset of dementia, the study hopes to determine at what stage and which specific personality traits change in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease.

This data provides an unprecedented opportunity to systematically evaluate the progression of personality change in the crucial preclinical phase of Alzheimer's. Such changes may represent an early marker of the disease and can aid in a timely diagnosis. Early detection can expedite the implementation of eventual prevention and treatment interventions prior to the onset of clinical dementia.

For more information, please email geriatrics.research@med.fsu.edu .

*Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Logitudinal Study of Aging.

    Dr. Antonio Terracciano