Predictive value of the Clock Drawing Test. A review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) assesses cognition focusing on executive function and praxis in contrast to the more language-based Mini-Mental State Exam. The CDT may allow early identification of cognitive decline.


METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was used to identify studies that had used the CDT to predict future cognitive impairment.


RESULTS
Five studies were found with the CDT as a predictor. The data were too disparate for meta-analytic techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
The CDT may be a useful tool to identify decline before more traditional screening tests; however, further studies are needed as the data are sparse and heterogeneous.
Care of the Elderly, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK. r.peters@imperial.ac.uk
Ruth
R
Peters
Elisabete M
EM
Pinto
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology