Validation of a Video Adaptation of the UDSv3 Cognitive Battery (VCog): Study Design and Preliminary Participant Satisfaction Results

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe Uniform Data Set Neuropsychological Battery, Version 3 (UDSv3) was designed for face‐to‐face assessment of cognition within Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) in the USA. However, there are many reasons research participants may be unable to meet face‐to‐face for assessments. This inter‐ADRC, multi‐site study will validate a video‐administered adaptation of the UDSv3 battery in a diverse sample of ADRC participants. Here, we present study methods and summarize preliminary participant satisfaction ratings with VCog procedures.MethodRemote video cognitive assessments (Vcog) are being administered 4‐8 weeks before or after annual in‐person UDSv3 cognitive assessments, in counterbalanced order, to 500 participants from 12 ADRCs. Participants were previously classified as having normal cognition (NC), MCI, and mild dementia. Participant ratings of satisfaction, acceptability, and preference for test modality are being obtained, and psychometric characteristics of the video battery relative to face‐to‐face administration evaluated. Concordance between adjudicated outcomes (NC, MCI, dementia) between modalities is also being examined.ResultOf currently enrolled participants from four sites (N = 29 (NC = 14, MCI = 13 and dementia = 2); age: 72.9 (8.9) years; education: 16.2 (2.5) years; 62.1% female; 82.8% non‐Hispanic white), 85% report using video‐conferencing platforms more frequently because of COVID‐19 and 83% of that group anticipate continued use in the future. Participants reported (1 = very easy/likely to agree; 5 = very difficult/likely to disagree) that the testing was convenient (M = 1.14 (.44)), visits were very easy to initiate (M = 1.34 (.72)), technology was very easy to use (M = 1.00 (.00)), and task instructions were easily understood (M = 1.28 (.80)). Seventy‐six percent found video testing to be more convenient than in‐person testing and 24% found it equally convenient. Forty‐eight percent said they would choose video sessions in the future, 21% chose either video or in‐person, and 31% chose in person.ConclusionVideo‐based remote neuropsychological assessments have the potential to greatly benefit research and reduce participant burden. Initial findings from this large validation study of the UDSv3 suggest that older adults of varying cognitive statuses find the video‐adapted UDSv3 cognitive battery to be convenient and easy to use. Additional available data regarding participant satisfaction data will be reviewed.