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Cognitive screening in Multiple Sclerosis: the Five-Point Test as a substitute for the PASAT in measuring executive
Sascha Hansen1,2, Jana Muenssinger1, Simona Kronhofmann1
1a Department of Neurology , Klinikum Bayreuth GmbH, Betriebsstätte Hohe Warte , Bayreuth , Germany.
The Clinical Neuropsychologist
|October 7, 2016
Summary
The Five-Point Test (FPT) is a suitable alternative to the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) for assessing cognitive function in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This replacement maintains diagnostic accuracy while mitigating the stress associated with the PASAT.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Neurology
Background:
- The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is commonly used to evaluate executive functions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Criticism exists regarding the PASAT's demanding nature and potential impact on validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Five-Point Test (FPT) as a potential substitute for the PASAT in MS patient screening.
- To compare the diagnostic utility of the FPT and PASAT in assessing cognitive impairment in MS.
Main Methods:
- 116 MS patients were administered a neuropsychological battery including the PASAT and FPT.
- Factor analysis was performed, and cognitive impairment frequencies were calculated for both PASAT and FPT versions.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis indicated that the PASAT and FPT loaded on the same primary factor.
- Replacing the PASAT with the FPT did not significantly change the proportion of patients identified with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- The Five-Point Test (FPT) is a valid alternative to the PASAT for MS neuropsychological screening.
- The FPT offers an advantage by avoiding the limitations and stress associated with the PASAT.
