Evaluation of Normative Data of a Widely Used Computerized Neuropsychological Battery: Applicability and Effects of Sociodemographic Variables in a Dutch Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) is a computerized neuropsychological battery that is translated into many languages. However, published CNS VS' normative data were established over a decade ago, are solely age-corrected, and collected in an American population only.

METHOD: Mean performance of healthy Dutch participants on CNS VS was compared with the original CNS VS norms ( N = 1,069), and effects of sociodemographic variables were examined.

RESULTS: z tests demonstrated no significant differences in performance on four out of seven cognitive domains; however, Dutch participants ( N = 158) showed higher scores on processing and psychomotor speed, as well as on cognitive flexibility. Although the original CNS VS norms are solely age-corrected, effects of education and sex on CNS VS performance were also identified in the Dutch sample.

DISCUSSION: Users should be cautious when interpreting CNS VS performance based on the original American norms, and sociodemographic factors must also be considered.