Factor analysis of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument: Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) is widely used for global cognitive function screening.
• Empirical validation, particularly through factor analysis, is lacking for the CASI.
• Existing conceptualizations may not fully capture the nuances of cognitive aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and empirically test a parsimonious, two-factor conceptualization of the CASI.
• To differentiate between crystallized and fluid cognitive abilities within the CASI framework.
• To provide a more theoretically grounded structure for CASI interpretation in cognitive aging research.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analysis was employed on data from 3,491 men in the Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.
• A two-factor model was compared against a one-factor model using χ² difference tests.
• Criterion validity was assessed by examining associations with age, education, and dementia diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Both one-factor and two-factor CASI models demonstrated acceptable fit to the data.
• The two-factor model exhibited a significantly better fit compared to the one-factor model.
• Age and education were associated with both factors, while fluid abilities were negatively associated with dementia diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• The two-factor model provides a more informative representation of CASI's underlying cognitive structure.
• Researchers are encouraged to adopt the two-factor model for deeper insights into cognitive processes.
• This approach may offer greater clarity than relying on a single global cognitive measure.