Identifier

etd-11092004-135151

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The usual assessment instruments for the diagnosis of dementia are often difficult to use among individuals with mental retardation. This study investigates whether a modified method based on Visser et al. (1997) can identify a dementing process. Ninety individuals diagnosed with severe and profound mental retardation were studied. One half of the participants were diagnosed with Down's syndrome. The participants were equally assigned to one of three groups based on perceived risk of dementia. A differential prevalence design was used. Both cross sectional and longitudinal analyses were utilized in this study. Results indicate that the Visser et al. (1997) method is effective in identifying dementia. Differences between syndrome and risk of dementia groups will be discussed.

Date

2004

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Johnny L. Matson

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.3360

Included in

Psychology Commons

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