Date of Award

10-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Kenneth Logan, PhD

Second Advisor

Winston Seegobin, PsyD

Third Advisor

Scott Burkhart, PsyD

Abstract

The rising incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease and its disproportionate prevalence in the female sex has led to a growth in research focused on preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease and the histopathological brain changes. However, limited research has focused on preclinical changes in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease populations and sex differences within these unique populations. This study aimed to address gaps in the literature by examining biological markers of neuroinflammation, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), in preclinical Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease mutation carriers and non-carriers, and its relationship with cognitive function and sex. Archival data was utilized from the Colombia-Boston biomarker study of Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease. Data utilized included plasma GFAP, the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), and the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD). Results revealed a significant difference between plasma GFAP in mutation carriers and non-carriers, but no significant difference between plasma GFAP in male carriers and female carriers. There was a significant negative correlation between plasma GFAP and MMSE scores, as well as plasma GFAP and CERAD scores. In carrier females, GFAP, age, and education predicted MMSE scores, though with limited explanatory power. For list learning delay, GFAP was a significant predictor, while age and education were not. In carrier males, MMSE scores were not significantly predicted by the factors. However, for list learning delay, age and education were significant predictors, but GFAP was not.

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