Comparison of the memory performance index with standard neuropsychological measures of cognition.

The Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen (MCIS) is a computer-based cognitive assessment designed for clinical and research use in detecting amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Performance on the MCIS is reported as the Memory Performance Index (MPI). However, the comparability between the MPI and traditional neuropsychological tests in detecting aMCI, and in differentiating it from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging has not been examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the validity of the MPI relative to standard neuropsychological measures. Participants included 12 individuals diagnosed with aMCI, 49 with mild AD, and 25 healthy elderly. The MCIS significantly discriminated among aMCI, AD, and healthy elderly controls. The MCIS is effective in detecting aMCI, and in discriminating it from cognitive changes observed in AD and normal aging. The MCIS may be a valuable tool in the identification of elderly at high risk for dementia due to its ease-of-use and brief administration time.