C-39 Utility of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam III (Singapore-Chinese Version) for Cognitive Screening and Correlation with Standardized Neuropsychological Tests

Abstract

Abstract Objective Dementia is a public health priority worldwide. Early screening of cognitive impairment and locating of specific impaired areas are essential for timely intervention and prolonging independence. The commonly-used Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is inadequate. Alternatively, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam III (ACE-III) that assesses five domains (attention, memory, verbal fluency, language and visuospatial abilities) is recommended. Thus, we aim to examine the utility of Singapore-Chinese version (ACE-III-SG-C) for case finding of cognitive impairment, and its correlation with the respective standardized neuropsychological tests. Methods 22 participants were referred by neurologists for comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at public healthcare institution. Participants were categorized into three groups (No Cognitive Impairment, NCI: 6; Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI: 9; Dementia: 7). The ACE-III-SG-C and MMSE were administered. ACE-III-SG-C total and individual domain scores were computed. Results No significant difference in age and education across three groups. The MMSE scores (F(2,19) = 5.005, p = .018) and ACE-III-SG-C total scores (F(2,19) = 21.296, p < 0.001) were significantly different across three groups. Post hoc comparisons indicated that dementia (p < .001) and MCI (p = 0.046) groups had significantly lower ACE-III-SG-C total scores than NCI group. However, the MMSE scores of the MCI and NCI groups were comparable (p = 0.850). The Modified Boston Naming Test were significantly correlated with ACE-III-SG-C language domain scores (r = .605, p = .003), but not MMSE (r = .400, p = .065). Conclusions ACE-III-SG-C demonstrated its usefulness for early screening of MCI and dementia. Its correlation with language test suggested potential detection for disorders with language impairment. Further research is needed to unravel its utility of describing other specific impaired areas.