Verbal fluency response times predict incident cognitive impairment

IntroductionIn recent decades, researchers have defined novel methods for scoring verbal fluency tasks. In this work, we evaluate novel scores based on speed of word responses. MethodsWe transcribed verbal fluency recordings from 641 cases of incident cognitive impairment (ICI) and matched controls, all participants in a large national epidemiological study. Timing measurements of utterances were used to calculate a speed score for each recording. Traditional raw and speed scores were entered into Cox proportional hazards (CPH) regression models predicting time to ICI. ResultsConcordance of the CPH model with speed scores was 0.599, an improvement of 3.4% over a model with only raw scores and demographics. Scores with significant effects included animals raw and speed scores, and letter F speed score. DiscussionNovel verbal fluency scores based on response times could enable use of remotely administered fluency tasks for early detection of cognitive decline. Highlights The current work evaluates prognostication with verbal fluency speed scores. These speed scores improve survival models predicting cognitive decline. Cases with progressive decline have some characteristics suggestive of Alzheimer's disease. The subset of acute decliners is probably pathologically heterogeneous.

Automated summary

This study evaluates novel scores based on response speed for verbal fluency tasks and finds that these speed scores improve the prediction of cognitive decline. Cases with acute decline may have diverse pathological characteristics.