Food for the Brain, London, UK.
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2014 Feb;29(2):198-206. doi: 10.1002/gps.3993. Epub 2013 Jun 11.
Subtle cognitive changes have been described that may predate the onset of clinically recognizable Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may reflect pathological changes in the brain that are detectable up to 10 years before the onset of AD. Early screening for cognitive status can have benefits in terms of early management and prevention strategies for cognitive decline.
A novel computerized cognitive screening tool, the Cognitive Function Test (CFT), was compared with established paper tests of episodic memory, executive function and processing speed, domains previously shown to be predictive of AD, with 50 normal participants, Mini Mental State Examination ≥24, mean age 58.1, SD 5.6 years (range 50-65). An online version, self-administered by 195 eligible respondents without significant memory complaints or dementia, was assessed.
Significant correlations (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001) were found between the CFT and paper tests in a pilot study, showing concurrent validity. The pilot computerized tests were compared with the online version, and no differences were found in mean scores on the total test and domain-specific scores using an algorithm derived from the pilot CFT scores, thus showing internal consistency and reliability of the online format. Norms and 1.5 SD cut-offs for the CFT are presented.
The online CFT was shown to be suitable for self-administration in online format (with a mouse response mode) for this midlife age group. Individuals may wish to monitor their cognitive performance before memory concerns are sufficient to warrant visiting a GP or memory clinic.
已经描述了一些细微的认知变化，这些变化可能早于临床上可识别的阿尔茨海默病（AD）的发生，并且可能反映出大脑的病理变化，这些变化在 AD 发病前长达 10 年即可检测到。早期筛查认知状态可以在认知能力下降的早期管理和预防策略方面带来益处。
一种新的计算机认知筛查工具，即认知功能测试（CFT），与已建立的情景记忆、执行功能和处理速度的纸质测试进行了比较，这些领域以前被证明对 AD 具有预测性，共有 50 名正常参与者，简明精神状态检查（MMSE）≥24 分，平均年龄 58.1 岁，标准差 5.6 岁（范围 50-65 岁）。对 195 名没有明显记忆问题或痴呆的合格受访者进行了在线自我管理的测试。
在一项初步研究中，CFT 与纸质测试之间存在显著相关性（r=0.75，p<0.0001），表明具有同时效度。初步计算机测试与在线版本进行了比较，在使用源自初步 CFT 评分的算法计算总分和特定领域得分时，两种测试的平均分数没有差异，因此在线形式具有内部一致性和可靠性。呈现了 CFT 的常模和 1.5 个标准差的截断值。
在线 CFT 被证明适用于该中年人群的在线格式（使用鼠标响应模式）的自我管理。个人可能希望在记忆问题足以促使他们去看全科医生或记忆诊所之前，监测自己的认知表现。
