Czech version of the Trail Making Test: normative data and clinical utility

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment.
• It evaluates visual-perceptual abilities and executive functions.
• Establishing normative data is crucial for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative data for the Czech version of the TMT.
• To investigate the relationship between TMT indices and demographic variables in a Czech population.
• To assess the clinical utility of TMT-derived scores in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods:

• The TMT was administered to 421 healthy Czech adults.
• Two clinical groups, including patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (n=90) and Alzheimer's disease (n=36), were also evaluated.
• Statistical analyses examined associations between TMT performance and demographic factors.

Main Results:

• Age and education significantly influenced TMT completion times and derived scores.
• Gender did not show a significant association with TMT performance.
• The TMT ratio score demonstrated independence from age effects.
• Improved accuracy on the TMT was observed with decreasing age.

Conclusions:

• The study presents normative values for the Czech TMT, offering a valuable reference for Czech speakers.
• TMT performance is influenced by age and education, highlighting the need for age-adjusted interpretation.
• The age-insensitive TMT ratio score may be particularly useful in clinical settings.