The 20-item Noise Pareidolia Task: normative data and performance in MCI-LB and DLB

INTRODUCTION: Visual perceptual difficulties occur in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Normative data and cut scores for DLB and mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) are needed for the 20-item Noise Pareidolia Task. METHODS: Participants included 344 cognitively unimpaired (CU), 112 DLB, and 105 MCI-LB. Cumulative percentile ranking was used for normative classification. Receiver operating characteristic analyses, convergent validity, and associations with visual hallucinations (VH) were assessed. RESULTS: In CU participants, a perfect score was average, one error was low average, and two or more errors fell below average. A cut score of one or more errors optimally distinguished CU participants from DLB (Total score area under the curve [AUC]: 0.82, Noise score AUC: 0.77) and MCI-LB (Total score AUC: 0.75, Noise score AUC: 0.74). A cut score of two or more errors lowered sensitivity but increased specificity to 94%. Performance was associated with VH in DLB, but not MCI-LB. DISCUSSION: Results establish normative data for the 20-item Noise Pareidolia Task and support its use in DLB and MCI-LB.