Role of frailty in the assessment of cognitive functioning

Neuropsychological tests, besides reflecting the cognitive reserves and deficits of the tested individual, might also be differently affected by his/her underlying biological asset. In this context, the construct of frailty may offer an opportunity for better weighting the results of traditional tests. We evaluated the relationships between a set neuropsychological measures and a 35-item Frailty Index (FI). The role played by the FI in the relationship between neuropsychological tests and global cognition was also explored. Data from the first neurological and neuropsychological assessments of 79 subjects attending our university memory clinic because complaining cognitive disturbances were considered for the present analysis. A statistically significant correlation between FI and Trail Making Test-B was observed (Spearman's rho 0.33; p = 0.02). The relationship between the performance at the Rey Complex Figure and global cognition (as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination) was influenced by the FI. In fact, participants with higher FI levels had a weakened association linking constructional/visual memory abilities and general cognitive functioning. The interpretation of the neuropsychological assessment can be biased by the frailty status of the tested individual. It can be hypothesized the need of developing new models of correction, that may better reflect the person's biology and complexity.