title: The ECO computerized cognitive battery: collection of normative data using elderly New Zealanders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computerized testing in the elderly has multiple advantages, including increased time-efficiency, a wider range of stimulus options and response forms, and increased psychometric reliability. The French-language ECO (Examen Cognitif par Ordinateur, Ritchie et al., 1993) computerized cognitive battery is investigated in this study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to yield normative data for an English-language version of the ECO, test the effects of age and education on test scores, to observe individual subtest sensitivity to cognitive impairment, and to examine participants' receptivity to this form of testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 129 community-dwelling elderly with normal cognitive functioning and 56 cognitively impaired older adults living in both independent and supported accommodation were tested using the ECO at either their own residence or an outpatient facility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Standardized scores for three different age bands are given for both impaired and non-impaired groups. Age and education effects varied between subtests. A discriminant analysis of subtest-sensitivity to group prediction is reported using a stepwise regression model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The English version of the ECO appears to be a sensitive and practical cognitive battery that is highly acceptable to older people.
authors.affiliation: Massey University at Albany, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Paul I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Merrick
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Secker
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fright
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Melding
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires