P4-359: Memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment are identified with cogtest

Background: Understanding the memory impairment associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and identifying assessment tools capable of measuring these impairments continues to be of paramount importance. The goal of this study was to examine the utility of Cogtest, a computerized neuropsychological test battery used with a variety of clinical populations and in clinical trials, to identify memory deficits in MCI. Methods: Cogtest (www.cogtest.com) has a library of computerized cognitive assessments with a platform allowing for accurate recording of reaction times and enhanced standardization of administration relative to conventional paperpencil tests The Word List Memory Test (verbal selective reminding memory test), Face Memory Test (visual memory), and the Auditory Number Sequencing Test (working memory) were administered to MCI (n 44) and healthy controls (HC, n 50). All subjects received a screening battery which included a paired associate test. A z score -1.5 SD below that of a normative group on this test was used as the objective measure of memory impairment in the definition of MCI. Results: Group differences were found for education and this was covaried in all analyses of Cogtest variables. ANCOVA were used to examine Cogtest variables and significance levels were set to p .01. Significant Group performance differences were seen on the Word List Memory Test (a computerized version of the Buschke selective reminding test). MCI subjects remembered significantly fewer words on the first trial (mean 4.8), on all trials (mean 36.3), and after a 30 minute delay (mean 5.8) compared to HC (mean’s 9.2, 54.3, 12.8, respectively). In the Face Memory Test, MCI subjects remembered significantly fewer words compared to HC (62% verses 78%, p .001. After a 30 minute delay, MCI subjects remembered significantly fewer faces (63%) compared to HC (73%) but not from each other. In the Auditory Number Sequencing task, MCI subjects sequenced significantly fewer numbers (mean 9.9) compared to HC (mean 12.2). Conclusions: We conclude that multiple memory domains as assessed with Cogtest are affected in MCI. The Cogtest library of tests is able to identify cognitive deficits in MCI patients.