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FLAME: A computerized neuropsychological composite for trials in early dementia
Helen Brooker1, Gareth Williams2, Adam Hampshire3
1St Lukes Campus The University of Exeter Medical School Exeter UK.
Introduction:
Sensitive neuropsychological tests are needed to improve power for clinical trials in early Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Methods:
To develop a neuropsychological composite (FLAME - Factors of Longitudinal Attention, Memory and Executive Function), we assessed, 10,714 participants over the age of 50 from PROTECT with validated computerized assessments for 2 years. A factorial analysis was completed to identify the key cognitive factors in all participants, and further analyses examined sensitivity to change in people with stage 2/3 early Alzheimer's disease (AD) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) framework.
Results:
The FLAME composite score (speed of attention, accuracy of attention, memory, and executive function) distinguished between normal cognition and stage 2/3 early AD at baseline, and was sensitive to cognitive and global/functional decline over 2 years, with the potential to improve power for clinical trials.
Discussion:
FLAME is sensitive to change, providing a straightforward approach to reduce sample size for RCTs in early AD.
Conclusion:
FLAME is a useful computerized neuropsychology composite with utility for clinical trials focusing on cognition.
