TICS-M scores in an oldest-old normative cohort identified by computable phenotype

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Cognitive assessment in the oldest-old (85+ years) is crucial for early detection of impairment.
• Electronic health records-based computable phenotypes (CP) offer a novel approach to identify study cohorts.
• The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status modified (TICS-m) is a widely used cognitive screening tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the distribution of TICS-m scores in cognitively healthy oldest-old individuals identified by a validated CP.
• To compare the impact of different TICS-m cutoff scores on identifying cognitive impairment in this age group.

Main Methods:

• A validated CP identified 24,024 individuals aged 85+.
• 252 participants completed the TICS-m assessment.
• Linear regression analyzed associations between TICS-m scores and age, sex, and education.

Main Results:

• The TICS-m scores ranged from 18 to 44 (mean=32.6, SD=4.7) in the 85-99 year-old cohort.
• TICS-m score associations with age, sex, and education were consistent with prior research.
• Commonly used TICS-m cutoff scores (27-31) yielded lower MCI and dementia prevalence rates compared to studies of younger populations.

Conclusions:

• Using a validated CP effectively identified a normative cohort for TICS-m assessment in the oldest-old.
• This study establishes expected TICS-m performance norms for the oldest-old population.
• The findings support the utility of CP in cognitive aging research and clinical screening.