[Selective use of the Eight-Word subtest in psychogeriatrics]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Psychology

Background:

• Dementia screening requires accurate assessment of cognitive functions.
• The Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test (ADS) and Expanded Mental Control Test (EMCT) are tools used in psychogeriatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive validity of ADS and EMCT subtests for cognitive performance in a psychogeriatric day care population.
• To determine the diagnostic value of specific memory tests in dementia screening.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive sample of 204 day care attendees was assessed using the ADS and EMCT.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant predictors of cognitive performance.

Main Results:

• Attentional control (EMCT), category fluency, and picture recognition significantly predicted verbal free recall.
• Picture recognition and orientation predicted word recognition.
• Poor performance on EMCT and category fluency correlated with poor free recall in 97% of cases, questioning the added value of free recall in these instances.

Conclusions:

• The ADS and EMCT are valuable tools for assessing cognitive function in dementia screening.
• Specific subtests of verbal learning tests can differentiate impairments in working memory and episodic memory.
• The findings highlight the importance of attentional control and semantic memory in predicting episodic memory performance in older adults.