Abstract
BackgroundEarly diagnosis of cognitive disorders is becoming increasingly important. Limited resources for specialist assessment and an increasing demographical challenge warrants the need for efficient methods of evaluation. In response, CoGNIT, a tablet app for automatic, standardized, and efficient assessment of cognitive function, was developed. Included tests span the cognitive domains regarded as important for assessment in a general memory clinic (memory, language, psychomotor speed, executive function, attention, visuospatial ability, manual dexterity, and symptoms of depression).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of automatic cognitive testing with CoGNIT in older patients with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsPatients older than 55 years with symptoms of MCI (n=36) were recruited at the research clinic at the Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Karlskrona, Sweden. A research nurse administered the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the CoGNIT app on a tablet computer. Technical and testing issues were documented.ResultsThe test battery was completed by all 36 patients. One test, the four-finger–tapping test, was performed incorrectly by 42% of the patients. Issues regarding clarity of instructions were found in 2 tests (block design test and the one finger-tapping test). Minor software bugs were identified.ConclusionsThe overall feasibility of automatic cognitive testing with the CoGNIT app in patients with symptoms of MCI was good. The study highlighted tests that did not function optimally. The four-finger–tapping test will be discarded, and minor improvements to the software will be added before further studies and deployment in the clinic.
Highlights
The global burden of dementia is estimated to increase from 43-47 million in 2016 to over 100 million patients by 2050 [1]
This is highlighted by the development of criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which diagnostic criteria exist today for predementia stages of Alzheimer disease, dementia in Parkinson disease, and vascular cognitive impairment
Longitudinal assessments of patients with MCI are even more important, as approximately 50% might have a cognitive disease with progressive cognitive decline, and many patients revert to normal cognitive functioning [3,4]
Summary
The global burden of dementia is estimated to increase from 43-47 million in 2016 to over 100 million patients by 2050 [1]. Diagnosis of cognitive diseases is of increasing importance to assure optimal and early care, prognostics, and treatment. This is highlighted by the development of criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in which diagnostic criteria exist today for predementia stages of Alzheimer disease, dementia in Parkinson disease, and vascular cognitive impairment. Longitudinal assessments of patients with MCI are even more important, as approximately 50% might have a cognitive disease with progressive cognitive decline, and many patients revert to normal cognitive functioning [3,4]. This predicts an increasing demand for cognitive testing. Included tests span the cognitive domains regarded as important for assessment in a general memory clinic (memory, language, psychomotor speed, executive function, attention, visuospatial ability, manual dexterity, and symptoms of depression)
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