Virtual Cognitive Testing‐ Neuropsychology, MyCogHealth and Cogniciti

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIt is increasingly possible to mobilize technology to more readily evaluate effects of lifestyle interventions. Past research has found virtual administration of neuropsychological testing yields comparable results to in‐person assessments. Self‐administered paradigms using app‐and web‐based assessments have likewise shown promise for measuring cognition longitudinally. The Brain Health Support Program (BHSP) investigates three highly scalable cognitive assessment approaches for use in dementia prevention trials.MethodThe BHSP includes 60‐minute traditional neuropsychological assessments administered remotely via videoconferencing by a study coordinator (baseline & 12‐mos.), 20‐minute self‐administered web‐based cognitive screening assessments with Cogniciti (baseline, 6, and 12‐mos.), and self‐administered ecological momentary assessments using the MyCogHealth app. An intensive measurement protocol is implemented with MyCogHealth whereby participants completed five assessment “bursts” in three‐month intervals. Each “burst” involved five‐minute cognitive testing sessions completed twice daily across seven days. Remote neuropsychological assessments and Cogniciti were completed at home on personal devices. Study phones were provided to those without a smartphone capable of operating MyCogHealth. A three‐month feasibility pilot was completed in early 2022.ResultThe BHSP Pilot found 100% compliance with remote neuropsychological assessments. Participants averaged 85% compliance with the MyCogHealth burst testing schedule. Self‐reported satisfaction with MyCogHealth ranged from 85% (comfort using the app) to 95% (satisfaction with burst testing schedule). During the BHSP Baseline, all participants successfully completed the remote neuropsychological assessment, Cogniciti, and MyCogHealth. 82% had a personal mobile device for operating MyCogHealth and the remainder were provided study phones. Mixed linear regression analyses modeling cognitive trajectories over the first six months of the BHSP in relation to modifiable dementia risk factors and change in health behaviours will be presented. Marginal and conditional R‐Squared values will characterize the relative sensitivity of the three virtual testing paradigms for measuring change.ConclusionAll three approaches to virtual cognitive testing were feasible for use with the BHSP cohort. Longitudinal results provide an evidence base to inform future applications of virtual testing in dementia prevention trials. Virtual cognitive testing could be stage‐setting by saving clinic visits and lowering trial costs that would in turn expand geographic diversity of participants and enable more interventions to be evaluated.