The main objective of this study is to measure executive functions at two levels. First we will compare the results of neuropsychological testing in elderly with autism and compare these findings to elderly without autism. Secondly we will compare…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Developmental disorders NEC
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main study parameters are several measurements of executive functioning
obtained via neuropsychological testing, a self-report questionnaire and an
informant-report questionnaire. Possible cognitive profiles will be compared
between the elderly with and without autism.
Secondary outcome
Not applicable
Background summary
Cognitive autism research has mainly focussed on children and adults. The past
few years there has been increased interest in the cognitive development of
elderly with autism. Research suggests that the developmental trajectories
differ between elderly with and without autism in regards to cognitive
functioning. More research is needed however to verify these findings and
expand upon them. Cognitive research generally uses neuropsychological testing
as a basis. In autism certain cognitive domains seem to be affected, but
results vary based on the tasks used, intelligence, gender and most notably
age. Mainly because of these inconsistent findings neuropsychological testing
is used to ascertain the patients cognitive strengths and weaknesses. One of
these domains is executive functioning. Research shows an apparent difference
between the cognitive problems reported by patients (or; subjective complaints)
and the observed cognitive functioning (or; neuropsychological testing). This
study will expand the body of research in regards to the cognitive effects of
aging and autism and will also compare the measured executive functions with
two self-report questionnaires.
Study objective
The main objective of this study is to measure executive functions at two
levels. First we will compare the results of neuropsychological testing in
elderly with autism and compare these findings to elderly without autism.
Secondly we will compare these findings to a measurement of self- and
informant-report.
Study design
Cross-sectional design
Study burden and risks
Participants with ASD: This study will collect the data of the next fifty
elderly (age: 60 and above) who visit our centre and are sub sequentially
diagnosed with ASD. For full inclusion criteria see: chapter 4. Nearly all the
data will be obtained via the regular diagnostic tests and questionnaires. The
only additional questionnaire will be the self-report measurement which will
take the participant and an informant (someone who has seen the participant
regularly the past 2 years) approximately 20 minutes each. The total burden
will be an additional 40 minutes of testing, divided over two people. There are
no foreseeable risks associated with this study.
Non-ASD group: This will be a random control group consisting of fifty elderly
(age: 60 and above) without a psychiatric condition. For full inclusion
criteria see: chapter 4 of the research protocol. Total testing time is
approximately 3 hours (1 visit to our centre, or on site).
Testing can be administered on site, or the participant can travel to our
centre. We expect only one visit will be necessary to complete the entire
regimen. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this study
Winston Churchilllaan 75
Eindhoven 5623 KW
NL
Winston Churchilllaan 75
Eindhoven 5623 KW
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
-Male
-Age above 60
-An autism Spectrum Disorder as described in the DSM-5
-Intelligence within the normal range, or above. Total, verbal and performal IQ above 85. This is based on the IQ-cutoff provided by the DSM-IV-TR (V-code V62.89) which indicates mental impairment below 85.
Exclusion criteria
General exclusion criteria:
-Specific somatic disorders: Active infection, known genetic abnormalities, metabolic disorder, tuberculosis, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury.
- Cases with disturbance of consciousness, delirium, psychosis, suicidal tendencies, severe aphasia, or major sensorimotor impairment precluding neuropsychological testing.
-Substance abuse (current)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL45575.008.13 |
| OMON | NL-OMON28410 |