3 Stricker Learning Span criterion validity: remote self-administration of a computer adaptive word list memory test shows similar ability to differentiate PET-defined biomarker groups as in-person Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test performance in cognitively unimpaired individuals on the Alzheimer’s continuum

• Published in: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 2023-11, Vol.29 (s1), p.407-408
• Main Authors: Stricker, Nikki H., Stricker, John L., Karstens, Aimee J., Patel, Jay S., Christianson, Teresa J., Fan, Winnie Z., Albertson, Sabrina M., Frank, Ryan D., Machulda, Mary M., Kremers, Walter K., Fields, Julie A., Graff-Radford, Jonathan, Jack, Clifford R., Knopman, David S., Mielke, Michelle M., Petersen, Ronald C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Alzheimer's disease; Auditory discrimination learning; Biomarkers; Cognitive ability; Dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease); Demography; Memory; Neurodegenerative diseases; Poster Session 04: Aging | MCI; Self-administration; Tau protein; Validity; Verbal learning
• ISSN: 1355-6177; 1469-7661
• DOI: 10.1017/S1355617723005416

Objective:The Stricker Learning Span (SLS) is a computer-adaptive word list memory test specifically designed for remote assessment and self-administration on a web-based multi-device platform (Mayo Test Drive). Given recent evidence suggesting the prominence of learning impairment in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the SLS places greater emphasis on learning than delayed memory compared to traditional word list memory tests (see Stricker et al., Neuropsychology in press for review and test details). The primary study aim was to establish criterion validity of the SLS by comparing the ability of the remotely-administered SLS and inperson administered Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) to differentiate biomarkerdefined groups in cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals on the Alzheimer’s continuum.Participants and Methods:Mayo Clinic Study of Aging CU participants (N=319; mean age=71, SD=11; mean education=16, SD=2; 47% female) completed a brief remote cognitive assessment (∼0.5 months from in-person visit). Brain amyloid and brain tau PET scans were available within 3 years. Overlapping groups were formed for 1) those on the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum (A+, n=110) or not (A-, n=209), and for 2) those with biological AD (A+T+, n=43) vs no evidence of AD pathology (A-T-, n=181). Primary neuropsychological outcome variables were sum of trials for both the SLS and AVLT. Secondary outcome variables examined comparability of learning (1-5 total) and delay performances. Linear model ANOVAs were used to investigate biomarker subgroup differences and Hedge’s G effect sizes were derived, with and without adjusting for demographic variables (age, education, sex).Results:Both SLS and AVLT performances were worse in the biomarker positive relative to biomarker negative groups (unadjusted p’s