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Direct and indirect effects of demographic, medical, and psychological variables on neuropsychological performance in normal geriatric persons: A structural equation model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2009

Craig Lyons Uchiyama ,
Maura Mitrushina ,
Paul Satz  and
Matthew Schall
Craig Lyons Uchiyama
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90024
Maura Mitrushina
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, Los Angeles, California 90024 California State University, Northridge, California 91330
Paul Satz
Affiliation:
California State University, Northridge, California 91330
Matthew Schall
Affiliation:
Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
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Abstract

The direct and indirect effects of demographic, medical, and psychological variables on neuropsychological performance in elderly individuals were examined using a LISREL structural equation model. One-hundred fifty-six geriatric subjects were individually administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, an extensive medical history and demographics questionnaire, and the Neuropsychology Behavior and Affect Profile (a psychological assessment instrument). The model assessed the effects of five independent latent variables (medical history, psychological functioning, global mental status, education, and gender-related functioning) on two dependent latent variables (nonverbal and verbal neuropsychological functioning). The best fitting model revealed that three latent variables (medical history, global mental status, and gender-related functioning) had direct effects on neuropsychological functioning and that all five independent variables exhibited indirect effects. These findings suggest that the influence of demographic variables on neuropsychological functioning for geriatric persons is complex and that certain variables should not be interpreted independently of each other due to their significant moderating influences. (JINS, 1996, 2, 299–305.)

Keywords

NeuropsychologyGeriatricModerating variables
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 2 , Issue 4 , July 1996 , pp. 299 - 305
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 1996

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