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Controlled and automatic information processing in senile dementia: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

A. F. Jorm
A. F. Jorm*
Affiliation:
NH and MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr A. F. Jorm, NH and MRC Social Psychiatry Research Unit, The Australian National University, GPO Box 4, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Synopsis

The evidence on cognitive decline in senile dementia is reviewed with respect to the distinction between controlled and automatic processing. It is argued that controlled processing, which requires the attentional resources of the individual, declines in early senile dementia. However, automatic processing, which does not require attentional resources, is well maintained until late in the disorder. Implications of this view are drawn for the development of effective screening instruments which can be used for the early detection of dementia in the general population.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , February 1986 , pp. 77 - 88
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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