Clock Drawing Test and Verbal Fluence: Diagnostic Contributions to the Alzheimer

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José Maria Montiel
Juliana Francisca Cecato
Daniel Bartholomeu
José Eduardo Martinelli

Abstract

The clock drawing (CDT) and verbal fluency tests (VF) is a simple application widely used in neuropsychological evaluations aimed to investigate dementia in elderly. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is clinical, but the cognitive tests are of great help during the anamnesis. The objective this study was to evaluate the correlation between the tests of verbal fluency and clock drawing test and other cognitive tests used in Alzheimer’s disease screening. Cross-sectional study with 130 elderly, evaluated by the instruments: Cambridge cognitive examination (Camcog), mini mental state exam (MMSE), VF and CDT. Alzheimer’s disease criteria were based on National Institute for Communicative Disorders and Stroke – Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association (Nincds-ADRDA). Normal control group was formed considering subjects did not fill the criteria for dementia syndrome. The results showed a significant and moderate correlation between the instruments used. It can be concluded that the tests may be used in combination showing a good correlation for this population.

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Psychological Assessment

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