Correlational Analysis of 5 Commonly Used Measures of Cognitive Functioning and Mental Status

Abstract

There are numerous measures for detecting the presence of dementia and quantifying its severity and progression. We analyzed the relations between scores on 5 commonly used measures (Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Global Deterioration Scale) of 101 successive admissions to a memory clinic. Patients were included in the analysis only if they received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiological process or probable AD and if they received all measures. Regression analysis yielded 20 linear equations that allow for conversion between test scores on any 2 measures. Further, participants were grouped by MMSE scores with regard to level of disease severity, allowing for the creation of a quick reference table for estimating an approximate score range between measures. Results from this study provide a useful tool for clinicians when comparing between multiple different instruments that measure the mental status and functional ability of individuals with AD and MCI due to AD pathology.