Performance and normative values of a concise neuropsychological test (CAMCOG) in an elderly population sample

Abstract

Background: CAMCOG is a widely used brief neuropsychological test. To date no normative values are available for English speaking individuals representative of the general population.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to describe the population distribution of performance on CAMCOG, and to provide normative data derived from a representative population sample.

Methods: CAMCOG was administered at the assessment stage of the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. MRC CFAS is a multi-centre population-based study in England and Wales in respondents aged 65 years and older. Initial screening provided provisional identification of cognitive impairment. The subsequent assessment interview provided an algorithmic diagnosis of dementia, or other disorders, in a 20% sub-sample.

Results: There were large differences between demented and non-demented groups on the CAMCOG total score and on all CAMCOG subscales. Charts of normative values for CAMCOG are presented by age group, sex and education for the non-demented population (n = 1 914, representing 11 008 individuals screened).

Conclusions: Population-derived normative data are valuable for comparing an individual's score to the score which would be expected of the general population, given the individual's specific demographic characteristics.