Correlates of quitting the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test in cognitively normal older adults participating in a study of normal cognitive aging

Abstract

Our study of cognitive aging involves a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological measures. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is the only test that some of our participants will refuse to complete. We explored variables related to quitting versus completing the PASAT in this sample of normal older adults. We hypothesized that quitting would be related to personality features, subclinical anxiety symptoms, demographics, and/or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised (WAIS–R) Arithmetic performance. A logistical regression model including NEO Personality Inventory–Revised (NEO-PI-R) depression and excitement seeking, age, and WAIS–R Arithmetic classified participants with moderate accuracy. We encourage investigators involved in longitudinal studies to consider causes for missing data, especially when secondary to participant refusal.

Keywords:

• Normal cognition
• Aging
• Personality
• Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test
• Neuropsychology

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging (P30–AG19610 and R01–AG031581), the National Institute of Mental Health (R01–MH057899), the Alzheimer's Association (IIRG–98–078), the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, and the State of Arizona. The authors wish to thank Sandra Yee-Benedetto and Bruce Henslin for study coordination as well as psychometrists Jessie Jacobsen, Allyson Jensen, Jennifer Pichon, and Jeanne Young for their help with data collection.