A clinical and neuropsychological assessment was conducted
to support the research diagnosis, exclude dementia and characterize
the participants. Participants with MCI received a complete
clinical examination (e.g., CT-scan, blood analysis) to rule out
major medical causes for their cognitive complaints. All participants
completed the Hachinski scale, the Geriatric Depression
scale [33, 34] , the MMSE [35] , the Mattis dementia rating scale
(MDRS) [36, 37] and a test of episodic memory (BEM story immediate
and delayed recall) [38] . Additional neuropsychological
measures of language (DO-80 naming test) [39] , executive functions
(Stroop-Victoria) [40] , and visuo-constructional praxia
(Copy of the Rey Figure) [41] were used in persons suspected of
having MCI. A test that had been completed in the patients’ routine
clinical investigation no more than 6 months prior to referral
was not conducted again. In this case, the results contained in the
clinical file were used. Testing was conducted by a senior research
assistant trained in neuropsychology.