Clock-face drawing, reading and setting tests in the screening of dementia in Chinese elderly adults.
Comprehensive neuropsychological batteries focus on the subtle cognitive deficits in dementia, but a brief screening instrument is also of immense practical value. As the clock-drawing test encompasses a number of cognitive domains frequently disturbed by the dementing process, it is considered to be a suitable screening instrument for the disorder. We documented the usefulness of a new scoring method of the clock-drawing test for screening of dementia in the elderly Chinese in Hong Kong. Fifty-three demented individuals and 53 healthy elderly controls were assessed. At a cutoff score of 3/4, the sensitivity and specificity of the clock-drawing test in screening of dementia was 83% and 79%. With a composite test of clock reading and clock setting, the positive predictive value of the clock face test was 98%. This new scoring method of clock-drawing proved to be a valid measure for screening of dementia. It is applicable in non-English speaking populations and should be a useful adjunct for quick screening assessment of dementia.
Lam
L C
LC
Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong. cwlam@cuhk.edu.hk
Chiu
H F
HF
Ng
K O
KO
Chan
C
C
Chan
W F
WF
Li
S W
SW
Wong
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013995:Time