SBIR-STTR Award

Data from original and archival sources will be used to compile normative values for both single and repeated administrations of selected ANAM test batteries. These norms will then be used to develop and evaluate strategies for creating cognitive status reports (CSRs) for use by clinicians, field commanders, and other decision makers. Predictive subsets of the data generated by the test batteries will be identified, and criteria for developing composite scores and reports from these data will be developed. Screening applications will require population norms for comparison, while therapeutic and operational applications (i.e., fitness for duty) may require comparison of a subject's current performance with past performance. Both types of applications will be addressed. Preliminary software for CSR creation will be developed. Testing systems providing point-of-use feedback on cognitive status will be available to clinicians, managers, and researchers. These systems will provide objective, data-based information to guide diagnostic, therapeutic, and operational decisions. Benefits of this system will include reduced health care costs and improved safety in the workplace

In Phase I we determined that available ANAM data, while extensive, was inadequate for normative purposes because of wide variations in testing conditions, test battery configuration, and subject demographics. In Phase II, we will complete our survey of existing data to define a general purpose ANAM test battery (ANAMgp). We will then collect normative data on the ANAMgp battery from 60 demographic groups (2 genders X 5 education levels X 6 age ranges) of at least 30 subjects each. Normative data for each group will be incorporated into a Cognitive Status Report (CSR) program that can be appended to a standard ANAM battery configuration file to provide point-of-use, norm-based cognitive status information at multiple levels of complexity ranging from a single score impairment index, T-score comparisons to norms, to detailed session-by-session graphs and tables. The CSR program will also serve as a stand-alone tool for data exploration.

Benefits:
Development of demographically appropriate reference data for rapid determination of cognitive status will have broad application in military and civilian medical and operational settings. ANAM-based assessment of cognitive status will be objective, rapid, and cost-effective. Recovery from injury or illness and fitness for duty assessment will be similarly enhanced, resulting in greater efficiency and precision of therapeutic and operational decision making.

Keywords:
ANAM, Norms, Cognitive assessment, Diagnosis, Fitness for duty, Neuropsychology, Psychology, Computerized testing