Correlation between the Bicycle Drawing Task and neuropsychological variables in patients referred for a dementia evaluation.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the Bicycle Drawing Task and a number of neuropsychological variables, including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, in a heterogeneous group of older adults referred for a dementia evaluation. The sample consisted of 91 participants with a mean age of 77.0 yr. (SD = 6.4). The correlations between scores on the Bicycle Drawing Task and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and supplemental cognitive measures were generally in the moderate range. The Bicycle Drawing Task was not significantly related to premorbid IQ or education. As a neuropsychological measure, the task is brief, easily explained, easily scored, and well-tolerated by patients. Results suggest the Bicycle Drawing Task may be a useful screening procedure for cognitive impairment that is not significantly related to education or premorbid ability.