Application of a Growth Curve Approach to Modeling the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

摘要: BACKGROUND: Studies using clinical measures to track AD progression often assume linear declines over the entire course of disease, which may not be justified. The objective this study was model change in severity Alzheimer's disease (AD) time. METHODS: We developed a method apply growth curve models prospective data and characterize patients' functional Data from modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE) basic instrumental ADL, administered semiannually for up 5 years 236 patients with probable AD, were modeled. RESULTS: rate decline mMMS scores per 6-month interval gradually increased as dropped maximum 57 20. then decreased approached 0, resulting an inverse "S" curve. increase ADL attenuated increased, while that across intervals constant. CONCLUSIONS: Differences pattern three is part function their psychometric properties. curves also reflect content-specific features instruments. Superimposition modeled these content areas suggests hypothetical relative timing cognitive changes AD.