55 Psychometric Properties of the Verbal Series Attention Test: Preliminary Findings

• DOI: 10.1017/s135561772300913x
• Publication Date: 2023-12-22T02:43:08Z
• Authors: Stephen R McCauley; Michele K York; Adriana M Strutt; Jennifer M Stinson; Samantha K Henry; Victoria A Windham; Victoria Armendariz; Melany Land; Kevin D Nguyen
• Keywords: Neurocognitive; Exploratory factor analysis

Objective: To investigate the latent factor structure and construct validity of Verbal Series Attention Test (VSAT) across clinical patient populations. Participants Methods: included a consecutive series patients presenting with primary memory complaint. Each underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment provided informed consent to allow their data be used for research. Groups formed 1) No Neurocognitive Disorder [NoND, N=262, mean age=68.8, education=16.2, MMSE=28.3], 2) Mild [MildND, N=337, age=72.3, education=15.4, MMSE=28.7], 3) Major [MajorND, N=524, age=76.5, education=14.5, MMSE=19.0] etiologies including suspected Alzheimer’s disease and/or vascular pathology. Latent factors were investigated using exploratory analysis (EFA). Results: EFA was conducted SAS 9.4 software promax (oblique) rotation reveal eight timed items VSAT in each three groups. The essentially identical all groups two consistently emerging identified as 1-Complex 2-Simple Attention. had four loading correlation range > 0.37 x < 0.92. internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) total score group excellent (NoND a=0.83, MildND a=0.81, MajorND a=0.84). validity, entered into measures attention executive function (i.e., Digit Span [forward, backward, sequence], Trail Making A & B, semantic fluency (animals), Controlled Oral Word Association [COWAT, FAS]). All combined (N=950) given VSAT’s consistent structure. Using same procedure before, main emerged Complex variables on general complex attention/working Trails fluency, subtests. Simple loaded A. COWAT did not load significantly either factor. Conclusions: populations group. similar identifying anticipated demonstrating wide spectrum cognitive impairment complaints ranging from NoND MajorND. This supports use neurocognitive severity. Future studies will further explore additional psychometric properties this instrument.