Spatial Navigation in Alzheimer's Disease - A Meta-Analysis
Author Information
Author(s): Kossowska-Kuhn Dorota, Gouveia Gillian, Charness Neil, Wagner Richard
Primary Institution: Florida State University
Hypothesis
This meta-analysis investigates the differences in spatial navigation performance between cognitively healthy older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion
Cognitively healthy older adults have significantly better navigation abilities compared to those with Alzheimer's disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The global population of individuals aged 65 and over is projected to nearly double by 2050.
- Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
- Spatial disorientation is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- The analysis considers various moderators, including the mode of test administration and the type of measure.
- The results show a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.97.
Takeaway
Older people without Alzheimer's can find their way around better than those with the disease.
Methodology
The analysis includes 124 effect sizes from 42 studies, measuring navigation performance using various test methods and tasks.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 2409 participants, including 941 diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and 1468 cognitively healthy older adults.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website