The Usefulness of the Regression-Based Normed SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test in Detecting Cognitive Impairment in a Community Sample

Stemmler M, Arnold M, Numbers K, Kochan NA, Sachdev PS, Brodaty H (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Diagnostics MDPI

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: 2199

Journal Issue: 19

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14192199

Abstract

Background: The SKT is a short cognitive performance test designed to assess impairments in memory and cognitive abilities such as attention and speed of information processing. In 2019, new regression-based norms for the English version of the SKT were calculated. This study has two aims: to establish valid cut-offs for distinguishing between no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia (1) and to cross-validate the new norms for detecting MCI and dementia in a community sample of older adults with clinical diagnoses (2). Methods: The validation sample included 143 older adults (mean age = 87.7, SD = 3.55) from the Sydney Memory and Aging Study (MAS Study). Participants were classified as having normal cognition, MCI, or dementia solely based on a consensus diagnosis; in addition, three tests (SKT, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III)) to measure cognitive impairment were applied. Sensitivity and specificity for all three tests, as well as bivariate correlations, were calculated. Results: The sensitivity of the SKT for the differentiation of cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia) from normal cognition was 80.6%. The convergence between the SKT and the consensus diagnoses was 70.3% for all three diagnostic groups. All correlations between the three tests and the consensus diagnosis were significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions: In sum, it can be stated that the SKT is a valid tool for detecting early stages of cognitive impairment, performing very well in discriminating between no cognitive impairment and cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia).

Authors with CRIS profile

Mark Stemmler Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Melina Arnold Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie

Involved external institutions

University of New South Wales (UNSW) AU Australia (AU)

How to cite

APA:

Stemmler, M., Arnold, M., Numbers, K., Kochan, N.A., Sachdev, P.S., & Brodaty, H. (2024). The Usefulness of the Regression-Based Normed SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test in Detecting Cognitive Impairment in a Community Sample. Diagnostics, 14(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14192199

MLA:

Stemmler, Mark, et al. "The Usefulness of the Regression-Based Normed SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test in Detecting Cognitive Impairment in a Community Sample." Diagnostics 14.19 (2024).

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