Objective: This study examines the validity of The Computer-Administered Neuropsychological Screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment (CANS-MCI) with respect to its ability to provide useful screening information about the need for full diagnostic evaluations of dementia. The CANS-MCI is a fully self-administered, reliable instrument that measures multiple cognitive domains.
Design: 290 elderly community-dwelling volunteers enrolled in a 3-year longitudinal NIA-funded study. Baseline, 6-month and 1-year data are presented here.
Materials and Methods: Analyses included confirmatory factor analysis of baseline data on CANS-MCI tests along with concurrent Weschler Memory Scale, WAIS Digit Symbol and Mattis DRS scores. ANCOVAs were performed to examine changes at 6-months and 1-year, controlling for baseline scores.
Results: The validity of the CANS-MCI as a screening instrument for MCI was supported. Confirmatory factor analyses supporting a 3-factor model (Memory, Language/Spatial Fluency and Executive Functioning) provided the basis for testing change scores within cognitive domain factors. Normal and MCI groups for each factor were determined by baseline scores on standardized tests. Significant group differences in score changes over time were found within each factor for CANS-MCI tests(p<.05).
Conclusion: The CANS-MCI is an easily administered screening tool measuring all cognitive dimensions that predict whether full evaluations for cognitive impairment are warranted. Analyses to date indicate respectable levels of reliability and validity, a clear representation of three primary factors predictive of Alzheimer’s, and the ability to distinguish between MCI and normal functioning over time. The CANS-MCI provides change scores that can signal the need for full neuropsychological evaluations early enough in the pre-clinical phase of the disease to affect the timing of treatment decisions.
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