Preliminary psychometric testing of a novel cognitive decline risk screening tool for middle-aged adults of 40 to 60 years: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: The cognitive decline risk screening tool (CDRST) was developed using the modified Delphi technique for adults aged 40 to 60 years to identify cognitive decline risk. This pilot study assessed the tool's internal consistency and developed preliminary cut-off scores. Methods: Community-dwelling adults aged 40 to 60 years who attended the outpatient clinic were included through convenience sampling. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, an inter-item correlation matrix with Spearman's rank correlation, and scale cutoff scores identified using the standard deviation method (Mean±SD). Results: 103 individuals participated, with a mean age of 50.1±6.55 years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.81, and the inter-item correlation matrix ranged from -0.02 to 0.62, indicating low to moderate correlations. A cut-off score of ≥43.64 (≥Mean+1SD) was noted, with 14.56% as high risk. Conclusions: The CDRST showed good reliability, with all items contributing to the tool's overall construct, and exploratory score cutoffs provided a preliminary risk-stratification framework.