Test-retest stability on the WRAT-3 reading subtest in geriatric cognitive evaluations

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2009 Jul;31(5):605-10. doi: 10.1080/13803390802375557. Epub 2008 Sep 27.

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to establish the stability of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-3) Reading score across two annual assessments of aging individuals. Participants were classified as controls (n = 200), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 137), or possible or probable Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 41). Test-retest stability was acceptable to high for all diagnostic groups. The descriptive classification (e.g., "average") remained consistent for only 74% of participants. Results indicated that WRAT-3 Reading scores are appropriate for use with older adults, though the use of categorical descriptors to describe premorbid ability based on these scores is not supported.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Reading*
  • Reproducibility of Results