Test-retest reliability of a dichotic digits test for assessing central auditory function in Alzheimer's disease

Test-retest reliability for the dichotic digits test was measured in 10 subjects diagnosed with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease and a control group of 10 subjects with no evidence of dementia, matched for age, gender and average degree of hearing loss. Although initial scores among the Alzheimer group were more variable, test-retest reliability over a month period was reasonably high for both subject groups. Results are in agreement with previous reports on dichotic digits showing good sensitivity, ease in administration and time efficiency. Use of the dichotic digits test for screening of central auditory function in the Alzheimer population is supported.