Dataset Information

Normative Data for Derived Measures and Discrepancy Scores for the Uniform Data Set 3.0 Neuropsychological Battery.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The Uniform Data Set 3.0 (UDS 3.0) neuropsychological battery is a recently published battery intended for clinical research with older adult populations. While normative data for the core measures has been published, several additional discrepancy and derived scores can also be calculated. We present normative data for Trail Making Test (TMT) A & B discrepancy and ratio scores, semantic and phonemic fluency discrepancy scores, Craft Story percent retention score, Benson Figure percent retention score, difference between verbal and visual percent retention, and an error index.

Method

Cross-Sectional data from 1803 English speaking, cognitively normal control participants were obtained from the NACC central data repository.

Results

Descriptive information for derived indices is presented. Demographic variables, most commonly age, demonstrated small but significant associations with the measures. Regression values were used to create a normative calculator, made available in a downloadable supplement. Statistically abnormal values (i.e., raw scores corresponding to the 5th, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles) were calculated to assist in practical application of normative findings to individual cases. Preliminary validity of the indices are demonstrated by a case study and group comparisons between a sample of individuals with Alzheimer's (N = 81) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB; N = 100).

Conclusions

Clinically useful normative data of such derived indices from the UDS 3.0 neuropsychological battery are presented to help researchers and clinicians interpret these scores, accounting for demographic factors. Preliminary validity data is presented as well along with limitations and future directions.

SUBMITTER: Devora PV

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7014972 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:With the recent publication of new criteria for the diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a need for neuropsychological tools that take premorbid functioning into account in order to detect subtle cognitive decline. Using demographic adjustments is one method for increasing the sensitivity of commonly used measures. We sought to provide a useful online z-score calculator that yields estimates of percentile ranges and adjusts individual performance based on sex, age and/or education for each of the neuropsychological tests of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC, UDS). In addition, we aimed to provide an easily accessible method of creating norms for other clinical researchers for their own, unique data sets.Data from 3,268 clinically cognitively-normal older UDS subjects from a cohort reported by Weintraub and colleagues (2009) were included. For all neuropsychological tests, z-scores were estimated by subtracting the raw score from the predicted mean and then dividing this difference score by the root mean squared error term (RMSE) for a given linear regression model.For each neuropsychological test, an estimated z-score was calculated for any raw score based on five different models that adjust for the demographic predictors of SEX, AGE and EDUCATION, either concurrently, individually or without covariates. The interactive online calculator allows the entry of a raw score and provides five corresponding estimated z-scores based on predictions from each corresponding linear regression model. The calculator produces percentile ranks and graphical output.An interactive, regression-based, normative score online calculator was created to serve as an additional resource for UDS clinical researchers, especially in guiding interpretation of individual performances that appear to fall in borderline realms and may be of particular utility for operationalizing subtle cognitive impairment present according to the newly proposed criteria for Stage 3 preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Project description:IntroductionAssessment of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires reliable and validated methods to detect subtle cognitive changes. The battery of standardized cognitive assessments that is used for diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to AD in the TOMMORROW study have only been fully validated in English-speaking countries. We conducted a validation and normative study of the German language version of the TOMMORROW neuropsychological test battery, which tests episodic memory, language, visuospatial ability, executive function, and attention.MethodsGerman-speaking cognitively healthy controls (NCs) and subjects with AD were recruited from a memory clinic at a Swiss medical center. Construct validity, test-retest, and alternate form reliability were assessed in NCs. Criterion and discriminant validities of the cognitive measures were tested using logistic regression and discriminant analysis. Cross-cultural equivalency of performance of the German language tests was compared with English language tests.ResultsA total of 198 NCs and 25 subjects with AD (aged 65-88 years) were analyzed. All German language tests discriminated NCs from persons with AD. Episodic memory tests had the highest potential to discriminate with almost twice the predictive power of any other domain. Test-retest reliability of the test battery was adequate, and alternate form reliability for episodic memory tests was supported. For most tests, age was a significant predictor of group effect sizes; therefore, normative data were stratified by age. Validity and reliability results were similar to those in the published US cognitive testing literature.DiscussionThis study establishes the reliability and validity of the German language TOMMORROW test battery, which performed similarly to the English language tests. Some variations in test performance underscore the importance of regional normative values. The German language battery and normative data will improve the precision of measuring cognition and diagnosing incident mild cognitive impairment due to AD in clinical settings in German-speaking countries.