Texas Card Sorting Test: a Brief Test of Executive Functioning with Age-Adjusted Norms and External Validation.

TCST Logical Sorts were significantly correlated with age, education, and other executive function measures.

• Correlations with age and education were statistically significant for TCST Logical Sorts (correct card sorts)
• Convergent validity was supported through significant correlations with other executive function measures
• Lower but significant correlations were also observed with attention and memory measures
• Data were derived from 164 normal control participants with mean age 69.60 (SD = 8.6) and mean education 15.46 years (SD = 2.83)

TCST performance on both Logical Sorts and total errors significantly differed between normal controls and Alzheimer's disease clinical syndrome participants.

• Logical Sorts group difference: F(1,249) = 142, p < .001
• Total errors group difference: F(1,248) = 26.5, p < .001
• Normal control sample: n = 164, mean age = 69.60 (SD = 8.6)
• Alzheimer's disease clinical syndrome sample: n = 92, mean age = 77.73 (SD = 7.55), mean education = 13.65 years (SD = 3.53)
• Data were collected as part of a larger neuropsychological battery at Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium (TARCC) sites

Receiver operating characteristics analysis demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracy of the TCST in discriminating normal controls from Alzheimer's disease clinical syndrome participants.

• Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.912
• Sensitivity = 75%
• Specificity = 73%
• Overall classification accuracy = 84% for NC versus ADCS
• Optimal T score cut-offs, regression-based norms, and a T score calculator were provided

Age-adjusted normative data for the TCST were generated from a healthy aging normal control sample.

• Normative sample consisted of 164 normal control participants
• Mean age was 69.60 years (SD = 8.6) and mean education was 15.46 years (SD = 2.83)
• Regression-based norms and a T score calculator were derived and provided
• Norms were intended to enhance interpretation of TCST scores in clinical settings

The TCST is characterized as a brief executive function measure with minimal language demands that excludes negative feedback.

• The test involves sorting cards into groups based on like dimensions
• The TCST is described as shorter than most available executive function measures
• The test requires minimal language demands
• Unlike some other card sorting tests, the TCST excludes negative feedback as part of its design