Effectiveness of the clock drawing test in differentiating various types of dementia

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of clock-drawing test (CDT) in differentiating dementia types. Materials and Methods: 48 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 68 vascular dementia (VaD) and 13 frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients were included in the study. Clock drawing test (CDT), mini mental state examination (MMSE) and other neurophysiological tests (back and forward numerical range, calculation test, abstraction test, word memory tests, boston naming test, word list recall and recognition tests) were applied to all patients. The scores of CDT and other neurophysiological tests were compared between the AH, VaD and FTD groups. The relationship between CDT and other neurophysiological tests was evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in CDT between the dementia groups. MMSE and back numerical range scores were statistically significant among dementia groups. An positive correlation was found especially in AD and VaD patients when MMSE and CDT tests were used together. In addition, a positive correlation was found between CDT and boston naming test for FTD type. Conclusion: CDT is not a unique predictor to determine primary dementia type. However among the neurophysiological test batteries we used in the study, especially the combined use of MMSE and CDT and combined use of CDT with other tests have an important place in dementia differentiation.