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[The diagnostic value of tests for mental control]
J Lindeboom1, T Koene, D Matto
1Afdeling Medische Psychologie, Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|June 1, 1993
Summary
The Expanded Mental Control Test (EMCT) reliably assesses attention and concentration in older adults and neurological patients. Performance correlates with education and cognitive functions, suggesting it measures the Supervisory Attentional System.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Gerontology
Context:
- Mental control tasks, like reciting word lists, are used to assess attention in the elderly.
- The Expanded Mental Control Test (EMCT) was developed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Expanded Mental Control Test (EMCT).
- To determine the reliability and validity of the EMCT in elderly and neurological patient populations.
Summary:
- The EMCT, comprising 12 mental control tasks, was administered to 174 older adults and 74 neurological patients.
- The test demonstrated satisfactory reliability. Performance was linked to education level but not sex or age.
- In healthy individuals, EMCT scores correlated with backward digit span. In patients, correlations with the Amsterdam Dementia Screening (Ads6) depended on task complexity, potentially reflecting the Supervisory Attentional System.
Impact:
- The EMCT is a reliable tool for assessing attention and concentration in older adults and neurological patients.
- Findings suggest the EMCT may tap into higher-level cognitive functions, specifically the Supervisory Attentional System.
- This research contributes to the understanding of cognitive assessment tools for aging populations and those with neurological conditions.