Stricker Learning Span criterion validity: a remote self-administered multi-device compatible digital word list memory measure shows similar ability to differentiate amyloid and tau PET-defined biomarker groups as in-person Auditory Verbal Learning Test
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective The Stricker Learning Span (SLS) is a computer-adaptive digital word list memory test specifically designed for remote assessment and self-administration on a web-based multi-device platform (Mayo Test Drive). We aimed to establish criterion validity of the SLS by comparing its ability to differentiate biomarker-defined groups to the person-administered Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Participants and Methods Participants (N=353; mean age=71, SD=11; 93% cognitively unimpaired [CU]) completed the AVLT during an in-person visit, the SLS remotely (within 3 months) and had brain amyloid and tau PET scans available (within 3 years). Overlapping groups were formed for 1) those on the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum (amyloid PET positive, A+, n=125) or not (A-, n=228), and those with biological AD (amyloid and tau PET positive, A+T+, n=55) vs no evidence of AD pathology (A-T-, n=195). Analyses were repeated among CU participants only. Results The SLS and AVLT showed similar ability to differentiate biomarker-defined groups when comparing AUROCs ( p ’s>.05). In logistic regression models, SLS contributed significantly to predicting biomarker group beyond age, education and sex, including when limited to CU participants. Medium (A- vs A+) to large (A-T- vs A+T+) unadjusted effect sizes were observed for both SLS and AVLT. Learning and delay variables were similar in terms of ability to separate biomarker groups. Conclusions Remotely administered SLS performed similarly to in-person-administered AVLT in its ability to separate biomarker-defined groups, providing evidence of criterion validity. Results suggest the SLS may be sensitive to detecting subtle objective cognitive decline in preclinical AD.
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
Funders: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer's Association, Eli Lilly and Company, Biogen, University of Southern California, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, GHR Foundation, Elsie and Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation, Eisai, Siemens Healthineers, National Institutes of Health, Genentech, National Institute on Aging
Awards: Multimorbidity and Aging: Rochester Epidemiology Project, G1486313773, G3036763132, G3540304274, G3638781909, Alzheimers Disease Patient Registry, G3930010334, G4033473731, G4298864339, Stricker Learning Span: A Computer Adaptive Word List Memory Test Optimized for Remote Assessment, G4741916379, G5484535055, G5567988544, G5900136256, Reproductive risk factors for Alzheimer's disease dementia and pathology, G6875889451, Interdisciplinary Infrastructure for Aging Research: Rochester Epidemiology Project, G824560934, Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Biomarker Classification Using Amyloid PET, tau PET, and Neurodegeneration on MRI: Developing the ATN system, G8611190880, G9000005508, G9000183948, G9000338148, Disease pathways in the population determined by amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration imaging biomarkers, Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
OpenAlex ID: W4382515187