Cross-Validation of the Newly-Normed SKT for the Detection of MCI and Dementia

Abstract

New regression-based norms for the SKT Short Cognitive Performance Test were introduced but have not been cross-validated for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. We examined 562 (59.6% female) community-dwelling persons (mean age = 75.8, SD = 5.5) at baseline and followed up with up to three annual visits. Participants were classified as being healthy, with MCI, or with dementia according to the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and the SKT. Overall congruency between the ratings was 57.8%. The correlation between SKT and MMSE scores reached r = –0.67. Sensitivity and specificity for MCI and dementia were 0.89 and 0.60 as well as 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. The SKT detected cognitive decline at early stages but produced increased rates of false positives.