Validation of the Chinese version of the memory binding test for distinguishing amnestic mild cognitive impairment from cognitively normal elderly individuals

Abstract

Background:Episodic memory starts to decline very early in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Subtle impairments in memory binding may be detected in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the memory binding test (MBT).Methods:One hundred and sixty-four subjects (26 individuals with AD, 67 individuals with amnestic MCI (aMCI), 30 individuals with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI), and 41 cognitively normal elderly individuals (NC)) participated in the study. Twenty-two subjects repeated the assessment of the MBT within 6 weeks (± 2 weeks). Pearson correlation was used to calculate the convergent validity. The test––retest reliability was determined by the calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Discriminative validity was calculated to evaluate the receiver–operating characteristic curves. The optimal index was chosen by comparing the area under the curve for specificity and sensitivity ≥ 0.80. The optimal cutoff score of the index was chosen to maximize the sum of sensitivity and specificity.Results:The absolute value of the convergent validity of the direct indexes of MBT ranged from 0.443 to 0.684. The ICC for each of direct indexes was 0.887–0.958. Total delayed paired recall (TDPR) was the optimal index for discriminating aMCI from NC. The cutoff score for TDPR was ≤25 to distinguish aMCI from NC (sensitivity = 0.896, specificity = 0.707).Conclusion:The Chinese version of MBT is a valid and reliable instrument to detect MCI.

Process approach as a cognitive biomarker related to gray matter volume in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

“…Considerable variability in learning styles may have a significant impact on memory performance and the ability of a test to capture underlying cognitive deficits. Controlled learning paradigms in, for example, Loewenstein–Acevedo Scales of Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) [ 62 ] and Memory Binding Test (MBT) [ 63 , 64 ], provide a format which the to-be-learned information is organized, minimize the variability of learning strategies and allow the use of retrieval-specific cues to access memory [ 65 ]. Future studies can focus on the structured memory tests using controlled learning paradigms to detect the clustering in MCI and AD subjects.…”

Consensus statement on the neurocognitive outcomes for early detection of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer dementia from the Chinese Neuropsychological Normative (CN-NORM) Project

“…Therefore, the MBT may detect early presymptomatic memory impairment indicated by low binding. Moreover, the validation of the Chinese version of the MBT has been completed [56]. Thus, the inclusion of the MBT in the CNCB may be more promising to identify subtle memory impairment.…”

AMES: An Automated Self-Administered Scale to Detect Incipient Cognitive Decline in Primary Care Settings

“…Memory binding test is designed to detect memory impairment by providing cues and asking task takers to discriminate the second list of two coordinated lists of learned items. In addition, the controlled learning process in memory binding test introduces a fixed and organized process that would allow task takers to learn the information to be remembered in a specific way, thus reducing the implementation of individualized strategies (Loewenstein et al, 2018; Wang et al, 2019). Consequently, these memory tests are believed to provide a more sensitive assessment of cognitive impairment than traditional memory tests that rely on the recall of a single list, and would be more sensitive to the early pathological changes associated with preclinical AD (Buschke et al, 2017; Rentz et al, 2013).…”