The diagnostic prediction of the Kaplan-Baycrest neurocognitive assessment for identification of mild dementia.

The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the diagnostic prediction of the global score of the Kaplan-Baycrest Neurocognitive Assessment and (2) determine which subtests discriminate individuals with mild dementia from individuals without dementia. A case-control study of 33 individuals, diagnosed with mild dementia, was matched with 33 individuals with no cognitive or memory complaints, on age, education, and gender. A global measure score correctly classified 94% of the total sample with a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.97. A measure composed of three subtest scores, representing verbal episodic memory, visual episodic memory, and semantic fluency, correctly classified 98% of the sample with a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.97. The results indicate that the Kaplan-Baycrest Neurocognitive Assessment is a valid tool for prediction of cognitive impairment associated with mild dementia.