Response time measurements in the iOS app-based Token Test, the Brief Token Test in the elderly

Aim A pen and paper Token Test utilizing binary scoring of accuracy–inaccuracy in responses evaluates linguistic functions including verbal comprehension. However, the test might not be sensitive enough to detect the aging effect on performance in normal older adults unless the test utilizes a multidimensional scoring system. We hypothesized that the measurement of response time (RT) instead of accuracy would be a feasible way to measure deterioration of verbal comprehension as a function of age in this linguistically vulnerable population. Methods Data were acquired from 174 community‐dwelling normal older adults (147 females and 27 males, mean age 75.9 ± 6.13 years, range 65–94 years). In order to automatically quantify accuracies and RT, we developed an iOS app‐based Token Test, comprising of four subtests (24 items, 6 items in each subtest), and administered it to each participant. Results RT of the second, third and fourth subtests (P