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Validating the Time and Change test to screen for dementia in elderly Koreans
Jung-Ae Rhee1, Eun-Kyung Chung, Min-Ho Shin
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hak-1-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-190, South Korea. jarhee@healthis.org <jarhee@healthis.org>
BMC Public Health
|November 6, 2004
Summary
The T&C test effectively screens for dementia in older adults, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability. This simple, rapid tool aids non-specialists in primary care settings.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Assessing dementia screening tools for primary care and community settings is crucial.
- The T&C test was evaluated for its accuracy and convenience in dementia screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the applicability of the T&C test for dementia screening in elderly populations.
- To evaluate the T&C test's sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
Main Methods:
- The T&C test assesses time comprehension (11:10) and money calculation (making 1,000 Won).
- Study included 59 patients and 405 community participants aged 65+.
- Test-retest and interobserver reliability were assessed over 24 hours.
Main Results:
- The T&C test showed 73.0% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity.
- Positive predictive value was 93.1%, negative predictive value was 66.7%.
- High test-retest and interobserver agreement (95%, kappa=0.91); modest correlation with K-MMSE (r=0.422).
Conclusions:
- The T&C test is a valuable supplemental tool for assessing calculation, conceptualization, and visuospatial domains.
- Its simplicity and ease of use allow application by trained non-specialists in community settings.
- The T&C test is a convenient and accurate screening method for dementia in the elderly.