Preferences of NIA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center participants regarding remote assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person research study visits were moved to an online format using a variety of communication platforms (e.g., Webex and Zoom). Increased technology use among older adults allowed for greater insight regarding the remote research study visit format. A survey developed by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) was distributed among 12 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). The COVID-19 Technology Accessibility Survey aimed to understand preferences of older adults regarding their research study visits and how they accessed the internet. Among 12 ADRCs, 2070 responses were received (mean age: 72.8 years [standard deviation (SD)=10.4], mean education: 16.6 years [SD=2.6], race/ethnicity: 85% White/non-Hispanic). Among respondents, those with some form of cognitive impairment were more likely to prefer remote research study visits (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] vs. normal [odds ratio (OR)=1.40, P=0.02] and dementia vs. normal [OR=1.48, P<0.01]). Respondents with cognitive impairment were also less likely to have interest in smartphone use during at-home study visits (MCI vs. normal [OR=0.71, P=0.02] and dementia vs. normal [OR=0.63, P<0.001]). Results were similar regarding tablet use (MCI vs. normal [OR=0.73, P=0.04] and dementia vs. normal [OR=0.72, P=0.01]). Geographical location was analyzed in terms of the percentage of respondents in each region who preferred remote research study visits: West, 51%; Midwest, 34%; South, 41%; and Northeast, 57% (P<0.0001). Results from the study suggest that there is a growing interest in the remote research study visit format. Further studies will allow for greater understanding and development of this research format.