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Simple reaction time as a measure of global attention in Alzheimer's disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2009

Mary Sano ,
Wilma Rosen ,
Yaakov Stern ,
Jeffrey Rosen  and
Richard Mayeux
Mary Sano
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology in the Sergievsky Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032
Wilma Rosen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032
Yaakov Stern
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology in the Sergievsky Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032 Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032
Jeffrey Rosen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, City University of New York, NY 10031
Richard Mayeux
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology in the Sergievsky Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032 Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY 10032
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Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive decline in memory, language and other cognitive functions. Deficits in attentional processes have also been suggested. A simple reaction time (RT) task was used to assess global attention in AD. The length and consistency of a warning signal given prior to the response stimulus were manipulated to determine if patients with AD and age-matched controls benefit from predictability in RT tasks. Overall reaction time was slower in the AD group than in the and control group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in RT with long warning signals compared to short warning signals, but only the control group benefited from the consistency of the warning. (JINS, 1995, I, 56–61.)

Keywords

Alzheimer's diseaseAttentionReaction timeGlobal attention
Type
Research Articles
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 1 , Issue 1 , January 1995 , pp. 56 - 61
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 1995

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