Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure copy scoring systems in a dementia clinic sample

Objective: This study compared and contrasted the various achievement-based scoring systems-guidelines assessing accuracy and placement of details-and process-based scoring systems-those which assess organization and drawing approach-for the copy trial of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. Method: A sample of 90 US military veterans referred for outpatient evaluation in a general dementia clinic (age M = 73.0, SD = 6.7) was administered the complex figure as well as other neuropsychological measures of visuospatial, executive functioning, and memory skills. Results: Many scoring systems possessed comparably good properties. When clinical effectiveness and efficiency of use were taken into consideration, the achievement scoring guidelines by Loring et al. and process scoring guidelines by Bylsma performed strongly. Conclusions: Both achievement and process scores contributed uniquely to the clinical interpretation of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure in a dementia clinic setting, and both relate to each clinical domain to some degree. Some simpler scoring approaches had psychometric and clinical characteristics that were comparable to or better than the most complex methods.