A comparison of screening tools for the assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment: Preliminary findings

Abstract

We report a pilot investigation into the utility of screening tools in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the novel Computer-Administered Neuropsychological Screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment (CANS-MCI) were administered to 20 elderly controls and 15 MCI cases. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-tests showed significant differences between groups (p < .0001) on the CANS-MCI and MoCA. The ACE-R and MoCA total scores showed high sensitivity (90%) to MCI. Area under the curve was consistently significant in discriminating controls and MCI for memory scores across all screening instruments. A useful profile of quantitative and qualitative information pertaining to cognitive functioning in MCI can be obtained with the MoCA, ACE-R, and CANS-MCI.

Keywords:

• Neuropsychological assessment
• Dementia
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Diagnosis

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank participants from OPTIMA for their kind participation in this study. The study was funded by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford (G. Wilcock and S. Ahmed), and Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust (C. de Jager). We are also grateful to Abderrahim Oulhaj for statistical advice.