Factor structure of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol neuropsychological battery in the Health and Retirement Study

TitleFactor structure of the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol neuropsychological battery in the Health and Retirement Study
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of PublicationForthcoming
AuthorsJones, RN, Manly, JJ, Langa, KM, Ryan, LH, Levine, DA, McCammon, RJ, Weir, DR
JournalNeuropsychology
KeywordsCognitive Ability, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, HCAP, Older Adults
Abstract

Objectives: The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) describes an assessment battery and a family of population-representative studies measuring neuropsychological performance. We describe the factorial structure of the HCAP battery in the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS).Method: The HCAP battery was compiled from existing measures by a cross-disciplinary and international panel of researchers. The HCAP battery used in the 2016 wave of the HRS. We used factor analysis methods to assess and refine a theoretically-driven single and multiple domain factor structure for tests included in the HCAP battery among 3,347 participants with evaluable performance data. Results: For the eight domains of cognitive functioning identified theoretically (orientation, memory [immediate, delayed, & recognition], set shifting, attention/speed, language/fluency, andvisuospatial), all single factor models fit reasonably well, although four of these domains had either 2 or 3 indicators where good fit is axiomatic. Multidimensional models suggested the eight-domain model was overly complex. A five-domain model (orientation, memory delayed and recognition, executive functioning, language/fluency, visuospatial) was identified as a reasonable model for summarizing performance in this sample (standardized root mean square residual = 0.05, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, confirmatory fit index = 0.94). Discussion: The HCAP battery conforms adequately to a multidimensional structure of neuropsychological performance. The derived measurement models can be used as anchors for calibrating cross-national studies of cognitive performance, and to identify persons performing atthe low end as part of an algorithmic classification of probable dementia

DOI10.31234/osf.io/rvmhj
Citation Key11156
PubMed ID32744838