AQT cognitive screening criteria for middle- eastern speakers of Arabic

Abstract EN

To obtain normative processing-speed data for AQT from Middle-Eastern speakers of Arabic.

Patients and Methods 90 normally aging adults, ages 40 to 78 yrs.

Perceptual and cognitive speed were measured with the color-form (e-F) and color-number C-N)naming tasks.

Results Men and women performed similarly (p > .05), but highly educated speakers) (Grade 9+) used significantly shorter times than less educated peers (p < .0 I).

Age and naming time correlated moderately (p < .01).

C-F naming time increased about 7 sec.

per decade among adults educated past Grade 9 and about 10 sec.

among adults with elementary education.

Correlations between education (yrs.) and naming time were non-significant (p > .01) among all speakers.

Criterion cut-of times (sec.) for screening were developed separately for speakers with elementary.

(Grades 2-8) and secondary (Grade 9-'-) education for typical «+1 SD), slower-than-typical (+ 1 to +2 SO), and atypical (>+2 SD) performance, Conclusion AQT C-P and C-N screening tests are time efficient (3-5 minutes), objective, and reliable and can be administered to Arabic speakers in the Middle East, Europe or North America.

AQT screening can facilitate early referral for medical work-up of adults with mild to severe cognitive impairments.