RT Journal Article
T1 Differentiation between normal cognition and subjective cognitive decline in older adults using discrepancy scores derived from neuropsychological tests
A1 López Sánchez, Ramón
A1 Rubio Valdehita, Susana
A1 Fernandes, Sara M.
A1 Rodrigues, Pedro F.S.
AB Several studies have reported subtle differences in cognition between individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) compared to those with normal cognition. This study aimed to (i) identify these differences using discrepancy scores (e.g., categorial–phonemic verbal fluency performance) derived from neuropsychological tests in three cognitive domains (memory: Wechsler’s Word List and Digits; executive functions: Stroop and verbal fluency; and language: BNT and ECCO_Senior) and (ii) determine which discrepancy scores are significant for classification. Seventy-five older adults were included: 32 who were labeled SCD+ (age 71.50 ± 5.29), meeting Jessen et al.’s criteria, and 43 in the normal cognition group (SCD−; age 69.81 ± 4.62). Both groups completed a protocol including screening and the specified neuropsychological tests. No differences were found between the groups in their age, education, episodic memory, global cognitive state, or mood. Significant differences between the groups were observed regarding the discrepancy scores derived from BNT (naming) and ECCO_Senior (sentence comprehension). These scores accurately classified participants (71.6%), with ECCO_Senior having a primary role. ROC curves indicated a poor-to-fair model quality or diagnostic accuracy (AUC_BNT = 0.690; AUC_ECCO = 0.722). In conclusion, discrepancy scores in the language domain are important for distinguishing between individuals with SCD and normal cognition, complementing previous findings in this domain. However, given their relatively poor diagnostic accuracy, they should be used with caution as part of a more detailed neuro-psychological assessment.
PB MDPI
YR 2024
FD 2024-06-19
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/118806
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/118806
LA eng
NO López-Higes, R., Rubio-Valdehita, S., Fernandes, S. M., & Rodrigues, P. F. S. (2024). Differentiation between Normal Cognition and Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Adults Using Discrepancy Scores Derived from Neuropsychological Tests. Geriatrics, 9(3), 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9030083
DS Docta Complutense
RD 10 abr 2025