Reference
Huang, L., Mei, Z., Ye, J., & Guo, Q. (2023). AMES: An Automated Self-Administered Scale to Detect Incipient Cognitive Decline in Primary Care Settings. Assessment, 30(7), 2247-2257. https://doi.org/10.1177/10731911221144774
Review
Huang, Mei, Ye, and Guo (2023) unveiled Automated Memory and Executive Screening (AMES), a self-delivered cognitive screening tool that aims to detect early signs of cognitive decline in community-based settings. This tool was designed to evaluate cognitive realms, including memory, language, and executive function. Across a cohort of 189 participants, ranging from those with diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to normal controls, the research gauged AMES's utility and accuracy.
The tool demonstrated a commendable convergent validity with established scales. Particularly noteworthy was its proficiency in distinguishing patients with MCI from normal controls, boasting an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88, coupled with 86% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Similarly, for obj-SCD, the AUC was 0.78, with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 63%. These figures underscore the tool's promise for early identification of cognitive impairment.
The AMES tool, as presented by Huang et al. (2023), is a constructive stride in the pursuit of timely intervention for cognitive decline. Its self-administered nature could make it a more accessible and less intimidating option for individuals. However, while its efficacy in discerning MCI is applaudable, the relatively lower specificity for obj-SCD suggests a potential for false positives. As with all screening tools, ensuring a balance between sensitivity and specificity is imperative. Future iterations and validations of AMES might further refine its accuracy and reduce potential misclassifications.
