Computerized Assessment Tool for Healthy Elderly Persons as a Predictor of Cognitive Function

Objective:Screening of healthy elderly persons for cognitive impairment is a worthwhile strategy for detecting cognitive impairment at the earliest possible stage. Simple,reliable tests are needed to evaluate cognitive function. We aimed to measure cognitive function with a new computerized assessment software program, the Higher Brain Functional Balancer (HBFB), in healthy elderly subjects. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of HBFB. Methods:A total of 48 healthy elderly subjects participated in this prospective study. In addition to the HBFB quotient,variables examined were age,length of education,and total scores of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results:Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis showed that the state of cognitive function, according to the total scores of the MMSE,were significantly correlated with scores of“Orientation,”the “modified Trail Making Test,”“Route 99,”and “Just Fit”of HBFB. The results of linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that “Orientation”and the“modified Trail Making Test”of HBFB were significant predictors of the total scores of the MMSE. Conclusions:This study provides evidence for the predictive value of the HBFB with regards to cognitive function in elderly persons. (Jikeikai Med J 2010;57:1 4)