Applicability of the CANTAB-PAL computerized memory test in identifying amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Aim: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of a computerized test, the CANTAB paired associate learning (PAL) to that of an established and validated noncomputerized test, the CERAD Wordlist Learning task in differentiating between normal aging, aMCI and AD in a cross-sectional design.

Methods: 58 participants were assessed (19 with mild probable AD, 17 aMCI, 22 healthy controls).

Results: The variables found to best discriminate between the three groups were the CANTAB PAL total errors adjusted (p < 0.