Hidden trajectories and cognitive impairment risk: the use of latent change score models to assess the processing speed theory of cognitive ageing

Key Points

• This research aims to explore the relationship between declines in processing speed and cognitive impairment risk over time.
• Utilized latent change score models to analyze cognitive data over time.
• Assessed processing speed changes in relation to global cognitive status.
• Evaluated the clinical relevance of processing speed as a marker for cognitive ageing.
• Processing speed decline was linked to later cognitive impairment.
• Changes in processing speed predict global cognitive status beyond baseline measurements.
• Findings support processing speed as a critical factor in assessing cognitive ageing.