ABSTRACT
Neuropsychometric data are integral to research in cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychometric data are required for a research diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, are obtained as a matter of course in longitudinal studies of aging and dementia, and have been an integral component of thousands of publications on cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter provides some background on research in cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease that may be relevant to quantitative psychology. The initial section provides a review of current clinical research activities in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on investigations of mildly cognitively impaired patients. The second section provides a historic overview of uses of neuropsychometric data in Alzheimer’s disease research and explores possible areas for new research. It is hoped that this review stimulates interest among quantitative psychologists in Alzheimer’s disease research.
