Abstract
This thesis examined the predictive utility of olfactory episodic memory in the early detection of proxies for dementia using the newly developed Western Australia Olfactory Memory Test (WAOMT) in a sample of healthy aging older adults. The first study established WAOMT reliability and validity properties. In the second study, WAOMT recall predicted future changes in regional glucose metabolism in the pre-frontal cortex. In the final study, WAOMT performance was associated with baseline complex daily functioning, but not future daily functioning. In conclusion, the WAOMT is a reliable and valid tool to detect pre-clinical changes in healthy aging cohorts.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 6 Jun 2022 |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2021 |