The discriminant validity of Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) in subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (multiple domain) and Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD; mild stage) in Greek older adults

Abstract

Aim: The goal of this study was to determine the discriminant potential of the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment multiple domain (mdMCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia (ADD; mild subtype) as compared to older adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD).

Materials and methods: We administered RCFT in 608 older adults, dividing them in three groups (217 individuals with SCD; 304 mdMCI population; 106 people with mild ADD, aged 50–90 years; M = 66.9, SD = 8.4) and a mean education of 10.20 (SD 4.3) years.

Results: RCFT subtests have excellent discriminant validity, mainly between people with SCD and those with mild ADD. However, its discriminant validity in detecting older adults with SCD among mdMCI population is still questionable.

Discussion: The use of RFCT in discriminating older adults with SCD from those with mild ADD both in research as well as in clinical practice is highly recommended.

Keywords:

• RCFT in Greek older adults
• discriminant validity
• cut off scores
• dementia
• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Subjective Cognitive Decline
• Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD)

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participants who took part in this study as well as their family members who supported their participation to the current study.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related disorders, whereas informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).