Open AccessA novel cognitive‐functional composite measure to detect changes in early Alzheimer's disease: Test–retest reliability and feasibility
Author(s) -
Jutten Roos J.,
Harrison John,
Lee Meeuw Kjoe Philippe R.,
Opmeer Esther M.,
Schoonenboom Niki S.M.,
Jong Frank Jan,
Ritchie Craig W.,
Scheltens Philip,
Sikkes Sietske A.M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2017.12.002
Subject(s) - intraclass correlation , dementia , reliability (semiconductor) , cognitive impairment , cognition , correlation , alzheimer's disease , psychology , medicine , physical therapy , audiology , psychometrics , disease , clinical psychology , psychiatry , power (physics) , physics , geometry , mathematics , quantum mechanics
To improve the detection of changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we designed the cognitive‐functional composite (CFC). As a first validation step, we investigated its test–retest reliability and feasibility of use. Methods We performed a test–retest study with 2–3 weeks between assessments, including patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild AD dementia and cognitively healthy participants. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) type absolute agreement for all CFC measures and compared baseline and retest scores using paired‐samples t ‐tests. We evaluated feasibility by interviewing participants. Results Forty‐three patients (40% female, mean age = 69.9) and 30 controls (50% female, mean age = 65) were included. Subtest intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .70 to .96. We found negligible improvements after retesting on only two subtests. Overall, patients perceived the administration of the CFC as feasible. Discussion The CFC is a stable and feasible measure in MCI and mild AD dementia, and thereby meets important quality metrics for clinically meaningful outcome measures.