The Trail Making Test

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is used as an indicator of visual scanning, graphomotor speed, and executive function. The aim of this study was to examine the TMT relationships with several neuropsychological measures and to provide normative data in community-dwelling participants of 55 years and older. A population-based Spanish-speaking sample of 2,564 participants was used. The TMT, Symbol Digit Test, Stroop Color–Word Test, Digit Span Test, Verbal Fluency tests, and the MacQuarrie Test for Mechanical Ability tapping subtest were administered. Exploratory factor analyses and regression lineal models were used. Normative data for the TMT scores were obtained. A total of 1,923 participants (76.3%) participated, 52.4% were women, and the mean age was 66.5 years (Digit Span = 8.0). The Symbol Digit Test, MacQuarrie Test for Mechanical Ability tapping subtest, Stroop Color–Word Test, and Digit Span Test scores were associated in the performance of most TMT scores, but the contribution of each measure was different depending on the TMT score. Normative tables according to significant factors such as age, education level, and sex were created. Measures of visual scanning, graphomotor speed, and visuomotor processing speed were more related to the performance of the TMT-A score, while working memory and inhibition control were mainly associated with the TMT-B and derived TMT scores.

Neuropsychologic assessment

In this chapter, we review the use of neuropsychologic assessment in epidemiologic studies. First, we provide a brief introduction to the history of clinical neuropsychology and neuropsychologic assessment. We expand on the principal components of a neuropsychologic assessment and cognitive domains most commonly examined. This chapter also seeks to highlight specific domains and tests with validated psychometric properties that are widely accepted in clinical practice, as well as how data from a neuropsychologic test should be interpreted. Additionally, the important roles that neuropsychologic assessments play in tracking normative changes, patient diagnoses, care, and research will be discussed. Factors to consider when deciding on the inclusion of test instruments for a research study will also be reviewed. Lastly, we shed light on the contributions that neuropsychology has played in epidemiologic studies, as well as some challenges frequently faced when participating in this field of research.