Selective Attrition and Intraindividual Variability in Response Time Moderate Cognitive Change
Date
2016
Authors
Yao, C.
Stawski, R.S.
Hultsch, D.F.
MacDonald, S.W.S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
Abstract
Objectives—Selection of a developmental time metric is useful for understanding causal processes that underlie aging-related cognitive change, and for the identification of potential moderators of cognitive decline. Building on research suggesting that time to attrition is a metric sensitive to non-normative influences of aging (e.g., subclinical health conditions), we examined reason for attrition and intraindividual variability (IIV) in reaction time as predictors of cognitive performance.
Method—Three-hundred and four community dwelling older adults (64-92 years) completed annual assessments in a longitudinal study. IIV was calculated from baseline performance on reaction time tasks. Multilevel models were fit to examine patterns and predictors of cognitive change.
Results—We show that time to attrition was associated with cognitive decline. Greater IIV was associated with declines on executive functioning and episodic memory measures. Attrition due to personal health reasons was also associated with decreased executive functioning compared to individuals who remained in study.
Discussion—These findings suggest that time to attrition is a useful metric for representing cognitive change, and reason for attrition and IIV are predictive of non-normative influences that may underlie instances of cognitive loss in older adults.
Description
Keywords
intraindividual variability, cognition, aging, attrition, longitudinal change
Citation
Yao, C., Stawski, R.S., Hultsch, D.F., & MacDonald, S.W.S. (2016). Selective Attrition and Intraindividual Variability in Response Time Moderate Cognitive Change. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 38(2), 227-237. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2015.1102869