A-020 Advancing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive Aging (ARMADA): Extension of the NIH Toolbox in Healthy Cognitive Aging 86 years and Beyond

Abstract

Background Early detection of cognitive decline in older individuals can be accomplished with brief, computerized measures in diverse settings. The goal of the ARMADA study is to validate the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIHTB) in the neurological aging spectrum from cognitively normal to dementia, and to extend the age range to allow for longitudinal assessment of the oldest individuals. Here, we present baseline data from general population individuals over 85 years of age without cognitive impairment compared with those 65 to 85. Method ARMADA is a multi-site study recruiting participants from established research cohorts. Participants included cognitively average-for-age individuals between the ages of 65–85 (n = 82) and another group 86 and older (n = 105). Baseline characteristics and preliminary data are presented for the Cognition, Emotion, Motor and Sensation modules of the NIHTB. Results Analysis of preliminary baseline data revealed that mean uncorrected standard scores of most cognitive, motor, and sensation measures differed among the groups in the expected direction, such that individuals 65–85 had better performance than individuals 86 and older. Conversely, group scores were similar on most emotion measures. Conclusions This analysis of preliminary baseline data from ARMADA provides initial evidence for the utility of the NIHTB in individuals over age 85 without cognitive impairment, who, as a group, scored lower than those from age 65–85. These results demonstrate the importance of establishing cohort-specific norms relevant to the oldest age group. Longitudinal follow-ups over two years will track cognitive, motor, emotion, and sensory functioning in this group.