title: Feasibility, internal consistency and covariates of TICS-m (telephone interview for cognitive status-modified) in a population-based sample: findings from the KORA-Age study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Test the feasibility of the modified telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS-m) as a screening tool to detect cognitive impairment in a population-based sample of older subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from 3,578 participants, age 65-94 years, of the KORA-Age study. We used analysis of covariance to test for significant sex, age and educational differences in raw TICS-m scores. Internal consistency was analysed by assessing Cronbach's alpha. Correction for education years was undertaken, and participants were divided in three subgroups following validated cut-offs. Finally, a logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of sex on cognition subgroups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Internal consistency of the TICS-m was 0.78. Study participants needed approximately 5.4 min to complete the interview. Lower raw TICS-m scores were associated with male sex, older age and lower education (all p < 0.0001). After correction for education years, 2,851 (79%) had a non-impaired cognitive status (score >31). Male sex was independently associated with having a score equal to or below 27 and 31 (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.5 and OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.7, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TICS-m is a feasible questionnaire for community-dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function or moderate cognitive impairment. Lower cognitive performance was associated with being a man, being older, and having fewer years of formal education.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Me
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lacruz
authors.forename: Rt
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Emeny
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Bickel
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Linkohr
authors.forename: Kh
authors.initials: Kh
authors.lastname: Ladwig
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D013689:Telephone