Background: Cognitive assessments are essential for detecting and monitoring cognitive changes in neurological populations. Compared to standard pen-and-paper tests, online cognitive tasks offer a more accessible, scalable, repeatable and cost-effective approach to assessment. Cognitron is an online cognitive assessment platform with previously demonstrated validity and reliability (1). This study aims to derive meaningful insights into the application of online and computerized assessments in older age cohorts by examine the usability of Cognitron tasks with the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; the 1946 British birth cohort).

Method: 1753 members of the NSHD cohort (all aged 77) were invited to complete a battery comprising 13 Cognitron tasks, spanning multiple cognitive domains, on their home devices. Each task generated measures of accuracy and reaction time. We examined data quality, completion rates, and levels of engagement and compliance. Qualitative data from email (N = 200) and telephone (N = 78) queries were analysed to determine insights into participant experiences.

Result: 990 members (56.47%) consented to participate in the study, of whom 813 attempted the battery (46.34%). 739/813 (90.89%) completed all cognitive tests (average completion time = 40 minutes). 8 tasks (61.53%) were completed by all participants. 4 tasks had <2% of participants incompletely engaging. One task (Choice Reaction Time) had 9% of data with signs of non-compliance and was dropped from further analysis (Figure 1). The most common signs of non-compliance were repetitive clicking in the same screen location, switching of browser page, accuracy scores below minimum expected (e.g. failing the simplest trials) and non-engagement with >90% of trials (Table 1). The qualitative analysis of the reasons participants contacted the study by email or telephone identified five key themes: (1) technical issues (N = 137), (2) general queries (N = 88), (3) reasons for withdrawing (N = 72), (4) providing feedback (N = 43) and (5) subjective reports (N = 28) (Figure 2).

Conclusion: Cognitron assessment was characterised by high completion, engagement and compliance rates in the NSHD cohort, suggesting that online cognitive assessments have potential to monitor cognitive changes in older age cohorts, including those at risk of developing dementia. Reference (1) Del Giovane, Martina, et al. (2023) EClinicalMedicine 59 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101980.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.091632DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

online cognitive
12
cognitive
8
cognitive assessments
8
cognitive changes
8
older age
8
age cohorts
8
cognitron tasks
8
nshd cohort
8
engagement compliance
8
tasks
5

Similar Publications

Introduction: Mental health problems are the most significant cause of disability and have high annual economic costs; hence, they are a priority for the government, service providers and policymakers. Consisting of largely coastal and rural communities, the populations of Norfolk and Suffolk, UK, have elevated burdens of mental health problems, areas with high levels of deprivation and an increasing migrant population. However, these communities are underserved by research and areas with the greatest mental health needs are not represented or engaged in research.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Cancer requires interdisciplinary intersectoral care. The Care Coordination Instrument (CCI) captures patients' perspectives on cancer care coordination. We aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the CCI for Germany (CCI German version).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an ACT and compassion-based intervention for women with breast cancer: study protocol of two randomised controlled trials {1}.

Trials

January 2025

Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and carries a considerable psychosocial burden. Interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-based approaches show promise in improving adjustment and quality of life in people with cancer. The Mind programme is an integrative ACT and compassion-based intervention tailored for women with breast cancer, which aims to prepare women for survivorship by promoting psychological flexibility and self-compassion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Delirium is a condition characterized by an acute and transient disturbance in attention, cognition, and consciousness. It is increasingly prevalent at the end of life in patients with cancer. While non-pharmacological nursing interventions are essential for delirium prevention, their effectiveness in terminally ill patients with cancer remains unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Psychotherapy is central to the treatment of mental disorders, highlighting the importance of medical students and residents developing competencies in this area. Chinese medical residents have expressed a strong need for psychotherapy training, yet they are generally dissatisfied with the current offerings. This paper presents the protocol for an evidence-based, well-structured psychotherapy teaching program aimed at medical students and residents.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!