Accuracy of the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease defined by cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and AT(N) classification: a case-control study

Abstract

Background: Validation of cognitive instruments for detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on correlation with diagnostic biomarkers allows more reliable identification of the disease. Objectives: To investigate the accuracy of the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB) in the differential diagnosis between AD, non-AD cognitive impairment (both defined by cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] biomarkers) and healthy cognition, and to correlate CSF biomarker results with cognitive performance. Methods: Overall, 117 individuals were evaluated: 45 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia within the AD continuum defined by the AT(N) classification [A+T+/-(N)+/]; 27 non-AD patients with MCI or mild dementia [A-T+/-(N)+/-]; and 45 cognitively healthy individuals without CSF biomarker results. All participants underwent evaluation using the BCSB. Results: The total BCSB and delayed recall (DR) scores of the BCSB memory test showed high diagnostic accuracy, as indicated by areas under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.89 and 0.87, respectively, for discrimination between AD and non-AD versus cognitively healthy controls. Similarly, total BCSB and DR displayed high accuracy (AUC-ROC curves of 0.89 and 0.91, respectively) for differentiation between AD and controls. BCSB tests displayed low accuracy for differentiation between AD and non-AD. The CSF levels of biomarkers correlated significantly, though weakly, with DR. Conclusions: Total BCSB and DR scores presented good accuracy for differentiation between patients with a biological AD diagnosis and cognitively healthy individuals, but low accuracy for differentiating AD from non-AD patients.

Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and management: Perspectives from around the world

“…In a recent study, the diagnostic accuracy of the BCSB was assessed in patients with MCI or mild dementia due to AD confirmed by CSF biomarkers. The BCSB total score discriminated AD cases from cognitively healthy controls with 80% sensitivity and 91% specificity, while the BCSB total score and the delayed recall of the figure memory test showed 80% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity, respectively 37 …”

“…The BCSB total score discriminated AD cases from cognitively healthy controls with 80% sensitivity and 91% specificity, while the BCSB total score and the delayed recall of the figure memory test showed 80% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity, respectively. 37 …”

“…The BCSB total score discriminated AD cases from cognitively healthy controls with 80% sensitivity and 91% specificity, while the BCSB total score and the delayed recall of the figure memory test showed 80% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity, respectively. 37 Validation of the BCSB and similar scales is essential to reach those who do not have access to specialty centers. Learning how to perform adjustments for education and how to use scales in patients who have very low education levels is also helpful.…”

A task force for diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease in Latin America

“…Thus, as a minimum, countries should have cognitive tests validated for their local context. The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) ( 35 ) and Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB) ( 36 , 37 ) could better adapt to the conditions of LAC populations. The Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ) and the Technology-Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (T-ADLQ) are recommended to evaluate ADL ( 38 ).…”