The Cognitive Assessment Battery (CAB): a rapid test of cognitive domains.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to evaluate the Cognitive Assessment Battery (CAB) in a specialist clinic setting in order to find out if it if it could be a supplement to the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and distinguish between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, as well as MCI of different severities.


METHODS
CAB consists of six short tests covering the cognitive domains of speed/attention, episodic memory, visuospatial functions, language and executive functions. It takes about 20 minutes to carry out and provides a quick overview of the patient's cognitive profile. Three groups were compared: healthy controls (N = 41), MCI (N = 83) and mild dementia (N = 28).


RESULTS
CAB distinguished very clearly between controls and MCI as well as MCI and dementia. On further analysis CAB also distinguished between MCI of different severities. It also showed to have good sensitivity and specificity for identifying more severe MCI.


CONCLUSIONS
CAB seems to be a useful supplement to MMSE and a screening instrument for MCI and dementia with good sensitivity and specificity.
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Mölndal, Sweden. arto.nordlund@neuro.gu.se
Arto
A
Nordlund
Lisbeth
L
Påhlsson
Christina
C
Holmberg
Karin
K
Lind
Anders
A
Wallin
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D016743:Mental Competency; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index