The Chinese version of the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT)–psychometric criteria and cross-validation

Arnold M, Cui L, Stemmler M, Guo QH (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology Taylor & Francis (Psychology Press): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles / Taylor & Francis (Psychology Press)

Book Volume: 48

Pages Range: 439-450

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2025.2599256

Abstract

The new Chinese version of the SKT (Syndrom-Kurz-Test) Short Cognitive Performance Test aims to detect early cognitive impairment and is a promising addition to neuropsychological test batteries in China and suitable for Chinese speaking patients. This study has three aims: 1. to assess whether the SKT’s diagnostic accuracy is comparable to established cognitive impairment tests (e.g. Addenbrooke´s cognitive examination-III (ACE-III) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B)); 2. to examine whether the three tests show intra-individual differences according to different types of mild cognitive impairment (single-domain amnestic MCI, semantic MCI and multiple-domain amnestic MCI); 3. to determine whether these tests distinguish between individuals with no cognitive impairment and those with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The validation sample included 1038 older adults (mean age = 70.04, SD = 6.05) from the Chinese Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease Study (C-PAS). Participants underwent cognitive testing and received consensus diagnoses of normal cognition, MCI, or dementia. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each test. ANOVAs examined differences between MCI subtypes, and t-tests assessed group differences between normal cognition and SCD. Results: The SKT showed the highest discrimination between normal cognition and cognitive impairment (MCI or dementia), with a sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 69.8%. All three tests demonstrated significant score differences across MCI subtypes. Additionally, all tests significantly distinguished individuals with SCD from those without cognitive impairment (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The new Chinese produced weaker results than the established tests. However, given its strengths, it could be a useful tool for identifying cognitive impairment in certain situations.

Authors with CRIS profile

Melina Arnold Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Mark Stemmler Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie

Involved external institutions

Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital / 上海市第六人民医院 CN China (CN)

How to cite

APA:

Arnold, M., Cui, L., Stemmler, M., & Guo, Q.H. (2026). The Chinese version of the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT)–psychometric criteria and cross-validation. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 48(5), 439-450. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2025.2599256

MLA:

Arnold, Melina, et al. "The Chinese version of the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT)–psychometric criteria and cross-validation." Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology 48.5 (2026): 439-450.

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