Covariance structure analyses of a core neuropsychological test
battery consisting of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised,
Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised, and Auditory Verbal Learning Test
have previously identified a 5-factor model in a sample of cognitively
normal White volunteers from Mayo's Older Americans Normative Studies
(MOANS). The present study sought to replicate this factor structure in a
sample of 289 cognitively normal, community-dwelling African American
elders from Mayo's Older African Americans Normative Studies
(MOAANS). The original 5-factor model was tested against 2 alternative
4-factor models and a 6-factor model generated on a substantive basis.
Confirmatory factor analysis supported the construct validity of this core
battery in older African Americans by replicating the original 5-factor
model of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization,
Attention/Concentration, Learning, and Retention as viable in the
present sample. (JINS, 2005, 11, 184–191.)