Detection Test for Language Impairments in Adults and the Aged—A New Screening Test for Language Impairment Associated With Neurodegenerative Diseases: Validation and Normative Data

Abstract

To date, there is no quick screening test that could be used during routine office visits to accurately assess language disorders in neurodegenerative diseases. To fill this important gap, we developed the Detection Test for Language impairments in Adults and the Aged (DTLA), a quick, sensitive, standardized screening test designed to assess language disorders in adults and the elderly individuals. In Study 1, we describe the development of the DTLA. In Study 2, we report data on the DTLA's validity and reliability. Finally, in Study 3, we establish normative data for the test. The DTLA has good convergent and discriminant validity as well as good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Norms for the DTLA obtained from a sample of 545 healthy, community-dwelling, French-speaking adults from 4 French-speaking countries (Belgium, Canada (Quebec), France, and Switzerland) are provided. The development, validation, and standardization of the DTLA constitute a significant effort to meet the need for a language screening test adapted to neurodegenerative diseases.

Differential impairments in irony comprehension in brain-damaged individuals: Insight from contextual processing, theory of mind, and executive functions.

“…Two scores (automatic and inhibition scores), based on response accuracy and response latencies in each condition, were calculated according to Burgess and Shallice (1997). The verbal fluency (letters D (DTLA, Macoir et al, 2017) and F (MoCA, Nasreddine et al, 2005)) was also administered, with the total number of words for the two letters as an index of mental flexibility. Finally, working memory was assessed with the Digit Span subtest (forward and backward) from the WAIS-III (Wechsler, 1981) and the French version of the Reading Span Test (RST;Desmette et al, 1995).…”

Primary Progressive Aphasia: Use of Graphical Markers for an Early and Differential Diagnosis

“…Clinical data were reported retrospectively by the investigators and included: the etiological diagnosis of PPA, PPA variant according to Gorno-Tempini et al criteria [ 7 ], the etiological diagnosis of AD according to the DSM-5TM criteria [ 42 ], the results of the various paraclinical examinations (cerebral MRI, PET-Scan, DAT scan, lumbar puncture), the current treatments, including the use of anticholinesterases or Memantine, the global level of cognitive functioning with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the status of memory and language capabilities as well as their severity level.…”

“…The use of a digital tablet with a stylus makes it possible to objectify the kinematic parameters of writing (pressure, stroke, velocity, jerk, and writing task time); therefore, this would allow a low-cost dissemination of this technology, especially if included in existing screening batteries [ 42 ].…”

The Dépistage Cognitif de Québec: A New Clinician’s Tool for Early Recognition of Atypical Dementia

“…Other tests have been developed to assess specific domains such as the Sydney Language Battery [31] and the Detection Test for Language Impairments in Adults and the Aged [32], which were designed to assess language disorders in adults and elderly individuals. However, these tests were specifically developed for language variants of dementia and are therefore not appropriate to reveal all cognitive aspects of atypical dementias.…”