A comparison of the new executive functioning domains of the CAMCOG-R with existing tests of executive function in elderly stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
to compare the two new executive function tests of the revised Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG-R), a bedside measure of cognitive function, with existing neuropsychological assessments of executive function in elderly stroke survivors.


METHODS
we assessed 83 stroke survivors at 1 and 3 months post-stroke with the new CAMCOG-R, the Weigl colour form sorting test and Raven's coloured progressive matrices. We assessed functional recovery with the Barthel index and depression with the self-report 15-item geriatric depression scale. We used descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, paired t-tests and principal axis factor analyses to interpret the data.


RESULTS
the new CAMCOG-R executive functioning tests showed moderate correlation with the Weigl and Raven tests (P<0.01). Improved functional outcome as measured by the Barthel index was significantly associated with higher executive function test scores (P<0.05). Depression was significantly associated with poorer performance on all tasks of executive function (P<0.05). A factor analysis of the scores on all of the neuropsychological tests revealed a single strong factor that accounted for 66% of the variance. The CAMCOG-R and the executive functioning subscales used in this population established sensitivity to change over time.


CONCLUSIONS
although the new executive tests of the CAMCOG-R compared reasonably well with the Weigl and Raven neuropsychological tests, the extra time taken to administer the CAMCOG-R may not be justified. The new CAMCOG-R executive function tests were vulnerable to the effects of depression. Finally, the executive function tests might have provided more of a global measure of cognitive function, raising doubts about their construct validity in our patient population.
Leeds
L
L
University Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl LL18 5UJ, UK.
Meara
R J
RJ
Woods
R
R
Hobson
J P
JP
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors