Evaluating language comprehension in Alzheimer's disease: the use of the Token test.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the psychometric properties of the Token test (TT), a verbal comprehension test, and its applicability to the diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).


METHODS
One hundred and sixty participants (80 AD and 80 controls) performed the TT and a short battery of neuropsychological tests designed to evaluate general cognitive status, working memory and executive functions. Internal consistency, factor structure, correlation with other measures and group comparisons were evaluated.


RESULTS
The test evinced good internal consistency and a bi-factorial structure (related to comprehension and attention). Differences between AD and controls were significant, however the TT presented only moderate sensitivity and specificity for the AD diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The TT showed evidence of good psychometric properties and adequacy for characterizing comprehension deficits in AD, but it was not an appropriate test for the AD detection and diagnosis.
Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil. jonasjardim@gmail.com
Jonas Jardim de
JJ
Paula
Laiss
L
Bertola
Rodrigo
R
Nicolato
Edgar Nunes de
EN
Moraes
Leandro Fernandes
LF
Malloy-Diniz
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity