Dissociating Statistically Determined Normal Cognitive Abilities and Mild Cognitive Impairment Subtypes with DCTclock. (21st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matusz, Emily F.; Price, Catherine C.; Lamar, Melissa; Swenson, Rod; Au, Rhoda; Emrani, Sheina; Wasserman, Victor; Libon, David J.; Thompson, Louisa I.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Volume 29:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2022-02-21
• Subjects: Cognition -- Clock drawing -- Digital technologies -- Digital clock drawing test -- Aging -- Boston process approach -- Executive function; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/S1355617722000091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6177

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether the DCTclock can detect differences across groups of patients seen in the memory clinic for suspected dementia. Method: Patients ( n = 123) were classified into the following groups: cognitively normal (CN), subtle cognitive impairment (SbCI), amnestic cognitive impairment (aMCI), and mixed/dysexecutive cognitive impairment (mx/dysMCI). Nine outcome variables included a combined command/copy total score and four command and four copy indices measuring drawing efficiency, simple/complex motor operations, information processing speed, and spatial reasoning. Results: Total combined command/copy score distinguished between groups in all comparisons with medium to large effects. The mx/dysMCI group had the lowest total combined command/copy scores out of all groups. The mx/dysMCI group scored lower than the CN group on all command indices ( p < .050, all analyses); and lower than the SbCI group on drawing efficiency ( p = .011). The aMCI group scored lower than the CN group on spatial reasoning ( p = .019). Smaller effect sizes were obtained for the four copy indices. Conclusions: These results suggest that DCTclock command/copy parameters can dissociate CN, SbCI, and MCI subtypes. The larger effect sizes for command clock indices suggest these metrics are sensitive in detecting early cognitive decline. Additional research with a larger sample is warranted.