Geriatrics & gerontology international
Validity of Cognitive Performance-Based Screening Tools for Older Adults: Dual Tasks Combining Cognition and Hand Function
By Chen IC, Chuang IC, Chang CH and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Early detection of cognitive decline in older adults is essential for timely interventions to preserve independence in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Existing cognitive screening tools often lack ecological validity or require extensive administration. Dual-task paradigms combining cognitive and motor demands may provide a practical and sensitive alternative.
Objective
This study aimed to validate two dual-task measures integrating cognition and hand function as cognitive screening tools for older adults.
Methods
A total of 103 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years) were recruited and categorized into cognitively healthy (CH, n = 61) and cognitively impaired (CI, n = 42) groups based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Two dual tasks were proposed: (1) Serial Sevens Test with the Box and Block Test (SST-BBT) and (2) Frequency Discrimination with the Box and Block Test (FD-BBT). Construct validity was examined using known-groups comparisons and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Criterion-related validity was assessed via correlations with the Mini-Mental State Examination, MoCA, Stroop Color and Word Test, and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale.