BHA-CS: A novel cognitive composite for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
Alzheimers Dement (Amst). 2020 Jun 21;12(1):e12042. doi: 10.1002/dad2.12042. eCollection 2020.
Abstract
Introduction: Composite scores based on psychometrically rigorous cognitive assessments are well suited for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Methods: We developed and cross-validated the Brain Health Assessment-Cognitive Score (BHA-CS), based on a brief computerized battery, in 451 cognitively normal (CN) and 399 cognitively impaired (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] or dementia) older adults. We investigated its long-term reliability and reliable change indices at longitudinal follow-up (N = 340), and the association with amyloid beta (Aβ) burden in the CN subgroup with Aβ positron emission tomography (N = 119).
Results: The BHA-CS was accurate at detecting cognitive impairment and exhibited excellent long-term stability. Reliable decline over one year was detected in 75% of participants with dementia, 44% with MCI, and 3% of CN. Among CN, the Aβ-positive group showed worse longitudinal performance on the BHA-CS compared to the Aβ-negative group.
Discussion: The BHA-CS is sensitive to cognitive decline in preclinical and prodromal neurodegenerative disease.
Keywords: Alzheimer disease; computerized cognitive assessment; dementia; early detection; neuropsychology; psychometrics.
PMID: 32582835 | DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12042
Authors
![Elena Tsoy](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Elena%20Tsoy%20RSZ.jpeg?h=5e947002&itok=LNQS5Bim)
Elena Tsoy, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
![Serggio Lanata](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Serggio%20Lanata.jpg?h=e89091ca&itok=Ap69SFpb)
Serggio Lanata, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Neurology
![Bruce Miller](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Bruce%20Miller.jpg?h=3334e0bf&itok=3zITuREU)
Bruce Miller, MD
Founding Director, University of California, San Francisco
![Joel Kramer](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Joel_Kramer.jpg?h=17c4d544&itok=WDjIGUzD)
Joel Kramer, PsyD
Professor of Neuropsychology
![Kate Possin](/sites/default/files/styles/image_1x1_small/public/profile/Kate-Possin.jpg?h=b17e2d09&itok=N7EpTTfi)
Kate Possin, PhD
Professor of Neurology