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Demographic characteristics and normative observations for derived-trail making test indices
Daniel L Drane1, Robert L Yuspeh, Justin S Huthwaite
1Department of Neurology, Regional Epilepsy Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104-2499, USA. ddrane@u.washington.edu
Summary
The Trail Making Test (TMT) difference scores (B-A) are significantly impacted by age, while ratio scores (B:A) show less age-related change. This study provides normative data for TMT indices in adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Derived Trail Making Test (TMT) indices may offer purer measures of executive function.
- These indices are suggested for detecting cognitive impairment.
- Prior research indicates these scores are relatively independent of age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between two derived TMT indices (difference and ratio scores) and age, education, and gender.
- To establish normative data for these derived TMT indices in adults.
Main Methods:
- Calculated difference (B-A) and ratio (B:A) scores from TMT performance in 285 healthy adults.
- Participants ranged in age from 18 to 90 years with education levels from 6 to 20 years.
- Analyzed correlations with age, education, and gender, and used ANOVA for age group comparisons.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between age and both (B-A) and (B:A) scores.
- Age accounted for 28% of the variance in (B-A) scores and 6% in (B:A) scores.
- Older age groups showed significantly larger (B-A) scores, while only the 70-79 age group differed significantly from younger groups on (B:A) scores.
Conclusions:
- Normal aging significantly impacts cognitive flexibility as measured by TMT indices.
- Normative data are provided for clinical application.
- Caution is advised against using (B:A) ratio cut-offs for impairment, as it may misclassify healthy older adults.