Telephone assessment of cognitive function in adulthood: the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone

1Volen National Center for Complex Systems, MS 013, 2Department of Psychology, MS 062, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA SIR—Increased understanding of cognitive function in normal ageing is of major importance for both theoretical advancement and practical public health reasons. Cognitive function plays a critical role in an individual’s ability to function independently across the lifespan, with substantial documented links to quality of life, morbidity [1], mortality [2] and dementia [3]. The Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) addresses the need for a brief test that is sensitive to cognitive differences in normal ageing, including episodic verbal memory, working memory span and executive function [4], reasoning and speed of processing [5]. It includes tasks based on laboratory research as well as modified versions of well-documented psychometric tests that have been adapted for telephone administration with non-demented adults. Although in-person testing is often the preferred mode, it is not always feasible; telephone testing offers advantages such as convenience, low expense and the opportunity to test a greater number of individuals, including those who cannot be tested in person. This method can reach a wide range of respondents who vary in physical mobility, health status and educational level.