Gender differences in neurocognitive assessments: insights from a pilot study with the International Neurocognitive Test Profile (INCP) digital battery

Abstract

Summary Background The aging global population has led to an increase in the number of dementia diagnoses, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. This demographic change presents profound challenges for patients, their families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Consequently, the demand for reliable and user-friendly screening tools that can detect dementia at early stages and monitor its progression is more critical than ever. The International Neurocognitive Test Profile (INCP), developed at the Medical University of Vienna, aims to address this need by offering a digital test battery for the early detection of dementia. This study forms a part of the INCP’s ongoing development and evaluation, specifically investigating the influence of gender on test outcomes. Methods Seventy participants, recruited through flyers at the Vienna General Hospital, completed the INCP assessment using tablets as part of the study. The effect of gender on performance across various INCP subtests was analyzed using Mann–Whitney U tests. For further exploratory analysis, a correlation matrix was calculated encompassing demographic variables (age and education), screening data, and all INCP subtests. Results The analysis revealed significant gender differences in two INCP subtests related to executive functions. Males outperformed females on the Figure Fluency Test (r = 0.30, indicating a moderate effect) and the Dice 2‑n Back Test (r = 0.29, indicating a small effect). However, when correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant gender disparities were observed in the scores of the subtests. Conclusion The identification of possible gender differences in specific subtests underscores the importance of considering gender as a variable in the further development and evaluation of the INCP. These findings offer valuable insights for the design and planning of future studies involving the INCP.