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Review
. 2019 Feb;34(2):233-242.
doi: 10.1002/gps.5016. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Cognitive tests for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the prodromal stage of dementia: Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies

Alexandre Breton  1 , Daniel Casey  2 , Nikitas A Arnaoutoglou  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Cognitive tests for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the prodromal stage of dementia: Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies

Alexandre Breton et al. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is regarded as a prodrome to dementia. Various cognitive tests can help with diagnosis; meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies would assist clinicians in choosing optimal tests.

Methods: We searched online databases for "mild cognitive impairment" and "diagnosis" or "screening" from 01/01/1999 to 01/07/2017. Articles assessing the diagnostic accuracy of a cognitive test compared with standard diagnostic criteria were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed. Bivariate random-effects meta-analysis was used to evaluate sensitivity and specificity.

Results: Eight cognitive tests (ACE-R, CERAD, CDT-Sunderland, IQCODE, Memory Alteration Test, MMSE, MoCA, and Qmci) were considered for meta-analysis. ACE-R, CERAD, MoCA, and Qmci were found to have similar diagnostic accuracy, while the MMSE had lower sensitivity. Memory Alteration Test had the highest sensitivity and equivalent specificity to the other tests.

Discussion: Multiple cognitive tests have comparable diagnostic accuracy. The Memory Alteration Test is short and has the highest sensitivity. New cognitive tests for MCI diagnosis should not be compared with the MMSE.

Keywords: assessment; diagnosis; mild cognitive impairment; screening; test.

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