Change in Cognitive Function in Older Persons From a Community Population

Abstract
IN LONGITUDINAL, population-based studies of persons 65 years and older, advancing age is associated with more rapid cognitive decline1,2 and with increased prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer disease.3-9 It is likely that some of the cognitive decline observed in aged populations reflects Alzheimer disease. Unfortunately, few longitudinal, population-based studies include clinical evaluation for dementia and Alzheimer disease.