CoGNIT Automated Tablet Computer Cognitive Testing in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Early diagnosis of cognitive disorders is crucial due to increasing demand and limited specialist resources.
• The CoGNIT tablet application was developed for efficient, standardized, and automatic cognitive function assessment.
• CoGNIT covers key cognitive domains including memory, language, executive function, and attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using the CoGNIT app for automatic cognitive testing in elderly patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• Assess the practicality and effectiveness of digital cognitive assessment tools in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six patients over 55 years old with MCI symptoms were enrolled at a research clinic.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the CoGNIT app on a tablet, alongside the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE).
• Technical issues and testing challenges encountered during the assessment were systematically documented.

Main Results:

• All 36 participants successfully completed the CoGNIT test battery.
• The four-finger-tapping test showed a high error rate (42%), indicating potential issues.
• Instruction clarity problems were noted for the block design and one-finger-tapping tests; minor software bugs were also identified.

Conclusions:

• The CoGNIT app demonstrates good overall feasibility for automatic cognitive testing in patients with MCI symptoms.
• Specific tests (e.g., four-finger-tapping) require modification or removal.
• Software improvements are planned before wider clinical deployment and further research.