C-34 An Investigation into the Multicultural Properties of the Clock Drawing Test: Findings from a Russian-speaking Sample

Objective The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a screening instrument for cognitive impairment known for its quick and easy administration style. Studies have examined if different qualitative errors on the CDT discriminate cognitive impairment from normal aging. Moreover, current research has investigated qualitative errors on the CDT in various populations (i.e. Brazil, Japan, Korea). To the best of the authors’ knowledge however, there has been no previous research on qualitative errors seen on the CDT within Russian-speaking populations. To address this gap, the present study examined qualitative errors committed on the CDT by native Russian-speakers compared to English-speaking counterparts. Method Data was retrospectively collected from a sample comprised of 13 Russian-speaking immigrants and 29 English-speakers. All participants were seen for neuropsychological testing at an outpatient clinic in eastern Massachusetts and diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder. Results Contingency analysis revealed no significant differences in qualitative errors when comparing Russian-speakers with major neurocognitive disorder to English-speakers diagnosed with the same. Conclusions Due to similar frequencies of qualitative errors between these groups, these results suggest that the CDT may have broad utility for assessing gross cognitive functioning regardless of a patient’s native language or cultural background.