Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42069638›Full record

ArticleBMC research notes2026

Methodological adaptations for applying the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol diagnostic algorithm in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA-HCAP).

Nicola Ann Ward, Calum Marr, Stanley Simoes, Leeanne O'Hara, Michael McAlinden, Charlotte Sterling, Claire Potter, Frank Kee, Peter Passmore, Angie Scott and 2 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC research notes, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Nicola Ann Ward *Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Calum Marr *Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Stanley SimoesCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Leeanne O'HaraCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Michael McAlindenCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Charlotte SterlingCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Claire PotterCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Frank KeeCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Peter PassmoreCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Angie ScottCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
David R WeirUniversity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Bernadette McGuinnessCentre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK. B.McGuinness@qub.ac.uk.

Funding

Atlantic Philanthropies 18107NIA NIH HHS SUBK00010180the UKCRC Centre for Excellence for Public Health Northern Ireland and Social Care Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency STL/4717/12Wellcome Trust/Health Research Board Ireland's Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellowship 203930/B/16/Z
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveNationally representative data are essential for understanding the causes, consequences, and costs of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and for informing policy and care planning. This study aimed to describe methodological considerations in applying the Health and Retirement Study Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HRS-HCAP) cognitive domain structure and diagnostic algorithm to the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA-HCAP), and to generate harmonised estimates of the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a nationally representative sample.

resultsA total of 1,037 participants aged ≥ 65 years completed NICOLA-HCAP. Five cognitive domains were identified, all loading onto a second-order general cognitive performance factor: orientation (0.903), memory (0.855), executive function (0.893), language-fluency (0.962), and visuospatial ability (0.812). Model fit was acceptable (SRMR = 0.065; RMSEA = 0.047; CFI = 0.916; TLI = 0.906). Following classification, 6.2% of participants were classified with dementia and 15.8% as MCI. Methodological modifications addressed software differences, normative sample derivation, and cohort-specific adjustments. These findings provide preliminary support for HCAP as a framework for producing harmonised estimates of cognitive status. NICOLA-HCAP will facilitate future investigation of modifiable risk factors for dementia in community-dwelling older adults. Validation studies are required to determine whether resulting classifications are fit for purpose.

Indexed as

AgingAlgorithmsCognitionCognitive DysfunctionDementiaNeuropsychological TestsAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansLongitudinal StudiesMaleNorthern IrelandPrevalenceClassification algorithmCross-national harmonizationDementiaFactor analysisHarmonised Cognitive Assessment ProtocolMild cognitive impairmentNICOLANormative samplePopulation ageingPrevalence

Identifiers

PMID42069638
PMCPMC13281591

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.