Computer-based cognitive tests and cerebral pathology among Japanese older adults

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify the appropriate computer-based cognitive tests and cut-off values for estimating amyloid burden in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease drug trials. Methods: Data from 103 older individuals, who underwent 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography and cognitive testing, were analyzed. Cognitive tests evaluated word list memory (immediate recognition and delayed recall), attention (Trail Making Test-part A), executive function (Trail Making Test-Part B), and processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test [DSST]). Results: The Aβ burden was significantly associated with word list memory (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.91) and DSST (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14–0.85). Positive predictive value and number needed to screen at a cut-off of 1.5 SD were better for word list memory and DSST among predictive values. Conclusions: The computer-based memory and processing speed tests have the potential to reduce failure rates while screening individuals with Aβ accumulation in community settings.