Overview
The Harmonized Multidomain Cognitive Assessment in Diverse Population (HMCA-DP) project, a pilot study led by the UCSF site of GBHI, aims to establish normative data for cognitive tests crucial for neurodegenerative disorder research. Using a blend of digital tools and traditional tests, the project will culturally adapt assessments, enroll 200 community individuals within each country/community involved, and generate regression-based norms. This initiative seeks to address the scarcity of diagnostic tools in regions with aging populations and contribute to global brain health research infrastructure.
Project Details
The HMCA-DP project, led by Assistant Professor, Elena Tsoy, focuses on developing infrastructure for dementia research and care by culturally and linguistically adapting and establishing normative data for a comprehensive set of cognitive tests sensitive to neurodegenerative diseases and other core factors that may influence brain health, including HIV, traumatic head injury and epilepsy. Using a combination of cutting-edge digital tools from the TabCAT platform and paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, the project will culturally adapt approximately 60 minutes’ worth of assessments across numerous countries—four locations already underway. All measures included in this battery have been carefully reviewed and selected by an international GBHI workgroup of multidisciplinary experts in aging and dementia and are harmonized with large, multinational studies of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
| Cognitive Domain | Test | Major Initiatives for Harmonization |
|---|---|---|
| Episodic Memory | Modified CERAD Word List Benson Figure Recall TabCAT Favorites | HCAP, 10/66 Dementia Research Group NACC UDS, ReDLat ReDLat |
| Attention, Speed, Working Memory | Digit Span Forward Digit Span Backward Trail Making Test A | NACC UDS NACC UDS HCAP, NACC UDS |
| Executive Functions | TabCAT Match TabCAT Set Shifting TabCAT Flanker | ReDLat ReDLat ReDLat |
| Language | Animal Fluency Vegetable Fluency | HCAP UDS, ReDLat ReDLat ReDLat |
| Visuospatial Skills | Benson Figure Copy TabCAT Line Orientation TabCAT Line Length | NACC UDS, ReDLat ReDLat ReDLat |
| Motor Dexterity | Grooved Pegboard | AFRICOS |
List of abbreviations: HCAP: Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol; NACC UDS: National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set; ReDLat: Multi-Partner Consortium to Expand Dementia Research in Latin America; AFRICOS: African Cohort Study
The approach to cultural adaptation of tests adheres to the gold standard guidelines in the field and involves qualitative and quantitative methodology with an emphasis on the involvement of local communities and experts at each stage of the process. Using scientifically rigorous approaches, we are enrolling 200 community-dwelling clinically normal individuals spanning diverse demographics to generate regression-based normative data. By completion of this work, we will generate a collection of culturally appropriate, psychometrically robust neuropsychological tests that will form a foundation for future research in areas where the needs for diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative disorders are highest. Moreover, by harmonizing the design of the battery with major national and international studies, we will catalyze cross-national initiatives aimed at better understanding of neurodegenerative disease epidemiology in regions historically underrepresented in dementia research.
Members involved
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