Adaptation and norming of the Spanish version of the Attention, Memory and Frontal Abilities Test (AMFAST) for people aged 55 years and older.

Abstract

Introduction: Screening tests are useful to identify cognitive impairments during aging. However, they need to assess different cognitive abilities and be easily accessible to researchers and clinicians. The objective of this work is to develop normative data for the population 55 years of age or older for the Attention, Memory and Frontal Abilities Screening Test (AMFAST).

Method: One-hundred and fifty-five cognitively healthy participants between 55 and 82 years old were assessed both with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and the AMFAST. The ability of the AMFAST to identify objective cognitive impairment in the neuropsychological assessment was analyzed using binary logistic regression, and sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated. Normative data were developed using linear regression controlling for the effects of age, gender, and educational level.

Results: The AMFAST total score was statistically associated with age and education, but not with sex. Using 3 or more low scores as the criterion for objective cognitive impairment, the AMFAST total score was associated with the number of low scores on the neuropsychological battery (r=-.33, p < .001), as well as with objective cognitive impairment (OR = 0.95, 95%CI:0.92-0.98, p = .003). A total score lower than 74 was associated with Sen = 85.71%, Spe = 71.63%, PPV = 23.08%, and NPV = 98.06%.

Conclusions: As a simple and quick test, the AMFAST could help identify early objective cognitive impairment. Normative data of the Spanish adaptation of the AMFAST for its use in clinical and research are provided.