Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the construct validity of the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIH TB-CB) in the healthy oldest-old (85+ years old). METHOD: Our sample from the McKnight Brain Aging Registry consists of 179 individuals, 85 to 99 years of age, screened for memory, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Using previous research methods on a sample of 85 + y/o adults, we conducted confirmatory factor analyses on models of NIH TB-CB and same domain standard neuropsychological measures. We hypothesized the five-factor model (Reading, Vocabulary, Memory, Working Memory, and Executive/Speed) would have the best fit, consistent with younger populations. We assessed confirmatory and discriminant validity. We also evaluated demographic and computer use predictors of NIH TB-CB composite scores. RESULTS: Findings suggest the six-factor model (Vocabulary, Reading, Memory, Working Memory, Executive, and Speed) had a better fit than alternative models. NIH TB-CB tests had good convergent and discriminant validity, though tests in the executive functioning domain had high inter-correlations with other cognitive domains. Computer use was strongly associated with higher NIH TB-CB overall and fluid cognition composite scores. CONCLUSION: The NIH TB-CB is a valid assessment for the oldest-old samples, with relatively weak validity in the domain of executive functioning. Computer use's impact on composite scores could be due to the executive demands of learning to use a tablet. Strong relationships of executive function with other cognitive domains could be due to cognitive dedifferentiation. Overall, the NIH TB-CB could be useful for testing cognition in the oldest-old and the impact of aging on cognition in older populations.
Authors: Sara A. Nolin, Hannah Cowart, Stacy Merritt, Katalina McInerney, P. K. Bharadwaj, Mary Kate Franchetti, David A. Raichlen, Cortney J. Jessup, G. Alex Hishaw, Emily J. Van Etten, Theodore P. Trouard, David S. Geldmacher, Virginia G. Wadley, Eric S. Porges, Adam J. Woods, Ron A. Cohen, Bonnie E. Levin, Tatjana Rundek, Gene E. Alexander, Kristina M. Visscher
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
Funders: Brain Research Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Florida Department of Health, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation, Arizona Department of Health Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
Awards: G10987212, G1349860393, G1454130402, G1618297033, Disparities in Transition of Care after Acute Stroke Hospitalization: The Transition of Care Stroke Disparity Study (TCSD-S), Institutional Career Development Core, G2124492740, G22001352, G2266444343, G2555209502, G2555427744, G2981993524, Physical activity predictors of cognitive and brain health in the risk for Alzheimer's disease, G5441089557, G5858124381, Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Core Center, G811915517, G9000020853, G9000118070, G9000132673, G9000142256, G9000149641, G9000276057, G9000286694, Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Florida Regional Coordinating Center for the NINDS Stroke Trials Network
OpenAlex ID: W4306174453