Development and validation of the NCGG‐FAT Chinese version for community‐dwelling older Taiwanese

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the reliability and validity of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology functional assessment tool (NCGG‐FAT) Chinese version among community‐dwelling older Taiwanese. Method In total, 40 community‐living older adults aged ≥65 years with intact global cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination ≥24) were enrolled and received a neuropsychological assessment twice using the computerized NCGG‐FAT Chinese version, with an interval of 30 days to examine test–retest reliability. Conventional neurocognitive assessments were performed for all study participants within a week after the first administration of the NCGG‐FAT Chinese version to determine validity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were employed to assess test–retest reliability, and the Pearson correlation coefficient evaluated the validity. Results In total, 40 participants aged 69.8 ± 3.9 years with a mean education of 11.1 ± 4.2 years and MMSE of 28.5 ± 1.8 were enrolled. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed moderate‐to‐high validity between the conventional neurocognitive assessments and the NCGG‐FAT Chinese version components (r = 0.509–0.606, P < 0.01 for all components). High reliability was also identified in the word recognition (immediate) score (ICC = 0.833, P < 0.001), Trail Making Tests part B (ICC = 0.709, P < 0.001) and Symbol Digit Substitution Task score (ICC = 0.850, P < 0.001), whereas word recall (delayed) score and Trail Making Tests part A showed moderate test–retest reliability. Conclusions The NCGG‐FAT Chinese version is a valid and reliable instrument to assess multiple dimensions of neurocognitive function of community‐living Taiwanese, which may facilitate better community‐based screening and intervention programs, particularly for international comparisons. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1171–1176.

Technology-based Neurocognitive Assessment of the Elderly: a Mini Review

“…⋄ National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology function assessment tool (NCGG-FAT): This includes eight tasks used to assess memory, attention, processing speed, visuospatial, and executive function. It has high test–retest reliability and high validity in comparison with conventional neurocognitive tests, suggesting that the NCGG-FACT may be useful in assessing cognition in population-based samples [ 16 ].…”