Combining the Memory Impairment Screen and the Isaacs Set Test: a practical tool for screening dementias.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of combining the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) with the Isaacs Set Test (IST) in distinguishing subjects with dementia from controls without dementia.


METHODS
The weighted sum of MIS and IST scores was calculated, and the logical "or" rule combination was performed using two different patient and control samples. Combination results were compared with each test used alone and with Mini-Mental State Examination to detect all types of dementias.


METHODS
Database of the Regional Network for Diagnostic Aid and Management of Patients with Cognitive Impairment in the Franche-Comté, France, geographical area.


METHODS
A cohort of 444 patients with Alzheimer's disease, non-Alzheimer's dementia, and reversible dementia and 311 controls.


METHODS
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the combination of these two tests.


RESULTS
The weighted sum had overall sensitivities of 0.92 and 0.84 for mild cases, with a specificity of 0.92. The "or" rule had overall sensitivities of 0.92 and 0.89 for mild cases, with a specificity of 0.90. This pairing requires no more than 5 minutes. Its scoring is simple with the "or" rule combination.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of MIS and IST could be a useful tool for screening dementias. The "or" rule combination seems particularly adapted to medical practice.
Chopard
Gilles
G
Department of Neurology, Besançon University Hospital-Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France.
Pitard
Alexandre
A
Ferreira
Sabrina
S
Vanholsbeeck
Geraldine
G
Rumbach
Lucien
L
Galmiche
Jean
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index