Chunk #54 — Online Methods — Genome-wide survival association study datasets — (4) Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE)
Each participant thus identified underwent baseline neurologic and neuropsychological examinations. Neurologists (trained in geriatric behavioral assessment) supplemented their clinical assessment with a few structured cognitive tests and administered the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Persons were reassessed systematically for the onset of at least mild dementia. A panel consisting of at least 1 neurologist (S.A., P.A.W., or S.S.) and 1 neuropsychologist (R.A.) reviewed all available medical records to arrive at a final determination regarding the presence or absence of dementia, the date of onset of dementia, and the type of dementia. For this determination, we used data from the neurologist’s examination, neuropsychological test performance, Framingham Study records, hospital records, information from primary care physicians, structured family interviews, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging records, and autopsy confirmation when available. All individuals identified as having dementia satisfied the DSM-IV criteria, had dementia severity equivalent to a CDR of 1 or greater, and had symptoms of dementia for at least 6 months. All individuals identified as having Alzheimer-related dementia met the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for definite, probable, or possible AD. Vascular Dementia was diagnosed
