SHARE-HCAP validates across five European countries
In 2,685 adults aged 65 and older across five nations, the protocol supported five distinct cognitive domains and a general performance factor associated with age.
Neuropsychology
The study evaluated 2,685 adults aged 65 and older from the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, and Italy to examine the psychometric properties of the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (SHARE-HCAP). Researchers tested unidimensional models for five domains—memory, executive functioning, visuospatial skills, language and fluency, and orientation—alongside correlated and second-order factor models using confirmatory factor analyses.
A second-order factor structure showed adequate fit, supporting five domain factors alongside one general cognitive performance factor. Factor scores were positively associated with education and negatively associated with age. Furthermore, the analysis supported approximate measurement invariance of the five domain scores across all five countries.
Why it matters
Harmonized cognitive testing across borders is essential for tracking brain aging and standardizing dementia research globally.
Caveats
The observational dataset included only five European nations, so the protocol's measurement invariance remains untested in other languages and geographic regions.
The paper
Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy
Neuropsychology · 28 Sep 2026