Reporting standards for studies of diagnostic test accuracy in dementia: The STARDdem Initiative

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance on standards for reporting studies of diagnostic
test accuracy for dementia disorders.METHODS: An international consensus process
on reporting standards in dementia and cognitive impairment (STARDdem) was
established, focusing on studies presenting data from which sensitivity and
specificity were reported or could be derived. A working group led the initiative
through 4 rounds of consensus work, using a modified Delphi process and
culminating in a face-to-face consensus meeting in October 2012. The aim of this
process was to agree on how best to supplement the generic standards of the STARD
statement to enhance their utility and encourage their use in dementia
research.RESULTS: More than 200 comments were received during the wider
consultation rounds. The areas at most risk of inadequate reporting were
identified and a set of dementia-specific recommendations to supplement the STARD
guidance were developed, including better reporting of patient selection, the
reference standard used, avoidance of circularity, and reporting of test-retest
reliability.CONCLUSION: STARDdem is an implementation of the STARD statement in
which the original checklist is elaborated and supplemented with guidance
pertinent to studies of cognitive disorders. Its adoption is expected to increase
transparency, enable more effective evaluation of diagnostic tests in Alzheimer
disease and dementia, contribute to greater adherence to methodologic standards,
and advance the development of Alzheimer biomarkers.