We noted several limitations to the traditional battery approach. The battery is lengthy, and each test provides measures that are difficult to link with current, knowledge on brain systems regulating behavior. Furthermore, tests comprising such batteries are not readily applied in functional imaging studies, and few alternative forms are available for repeated testing. To address these limitations, we have developed a set. of computerized neurobehavioral measures aiming specifically at. integration with structural and functional neuroimaging studies. Our general approach to task development and validation process

was detailed in Gur et al.22 Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical Advantages of the computerized battery include: (i) each measure is designed to probe a narrow and well-defined neurobehavioral domain; (ii) more uniform presentation of test stimuli; (iii) errorless data entry and scoring; (iv) availability of reaction time data; Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical (v) shorter time for administration; and (vi) alternative forms can be readily generated using set algorithms. The main disadvantages of computerized testing are: (i) it. is more “impersonal”;

(ii) some participants, particularly the elderly, dislike computers or require training; and (iii) tests are not. yet available for some well-validated indices of language functioning, particularly those involving verbal output (eg, vocabulary, verbal fluency). However, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical our experience with computerized testing indicates that the first two disadvantages can be overcome, and the third can be addressed

with available technology. Most older adults respond well Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical to computerized testing, if approached properly, and we have developed a short module that trains participants in the use of the mouse to the level required for testing. The advantages of computerized testing have been clearly manifested.23 The normative data have shown very favorable psychometric Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical characteristics such as high inter-item consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), test-retest reliability, and comparable levels of difficulty (at 70% to 80% correct for the normative sample) and true-score variance. Our efforts to despite generate the kind of sensitivity that, will permit, differentiation within healthy people have also been successful. As can be seen in Figure 5, the summary scores show sex differences in young adults. Entinostat The pattern of sex differences duplicates that obtained with traditional batteries, but adds the finding that women do better in facial memory, not available in the traditional battery. Measures of reaction and testing time provide an efficiency (accuracy/time) index, used to calculate comparable z scores across tests. Algorithms can generate multiple forms for repeated administration, and error analysis is performed for items and parameters to examine strategy and persistence.24,25 Figure 3. Correlations of neurocognitive domains with age in healthy controls (aged 18-45 years) for men and women.