Psychometric properties of the Survey of Health Aging and Retirement in Europe, Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (SHARE-HCAP)

Objectives: Dementia is a global public health concern. However, standardized, cross-national assessments of cognitive functioning are currently scarce. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe, Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (SHARE-HCAP), a newly developed instrument for assessing cognitive functioning in Europe. Method: 2685 respondents aged 65 years and older in Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany and Italy were included in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the construct validity of SHARE-HCAP’s cognitive test battery. Based on theory and prior empirical work, unidimensional models representing the cognitive domains of memory, executive functioning, visuospatial skills, language and fluency, and orientation were tested. Additionally, we examined a correlated factor model and a second-order factor model that included a latent factor representing general cognitive performance. Criterion validity was established by examining the association between the single factor scores and level of educational attainment and age. Results: A second-order factor structure showed adequate model fit, suggesting five domains of cognition and a general cognitive performance latent factor. Greater single factor scores were associated with higher educational attainment and younger age. Approximate measurement invariance across the five countries was supported. Conclusions: Results suggest that the SHARE-HCAP is a psychometrically sound neuropsychological test battery and is a valuable tool for cross-national comparisons of cognitive health.