To adjust or not to adjust: Cut-off scores in performance validity testing in Portuguese older adults with dementia

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.989432
• Publication Date: 2022-08-11T14:48:55Z
• Authors: Sandra Fernandes; Inês Ferreira; Luís Querido; Julia C. Daugherty
• Keywords: Malingering; Memory test; Memory span

The rising demographic of older adults worldwide has led to an increase in dementia cases. In order ensure the proper allocation care and resources this clinical group, it is necessary correctly distinguish between simulated versus bona-fide cognitive deficits typical dementia. Performance Validity Tests (PVTs) are specifically designed assess a lack effort possible simulation impairment. Previous research demonstrates that PVTs may be sensitive dementia, thus inaccurately classifying real memory impairment as simulation. Here, we analyzed sensitivity discriminating using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Further, examined potential need for adjusting cut-off scores three stand-alone (Test Memory Malingering, Rey-15 Item Test, Coin Hand-Extended Version) one embedded (Reliable Digit Span) PVT Portuguese with results showed (1) all measures, except Hand- Extended version (CIH-EV), were or more sociodemographic and/or variables, (2) was adjust points measures. Additionally, Test did not demonstrate sufficient capacity These present important implications practice daily life patients, use incorrect could impede patients from getting they need.