Web-based cognitive assessment in older adults: Where do we stand?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Digital Health

Background:

• Remote cognitive measurement for older adults is gaining traction due to accessibility and scalability.
• Digital tools present unique challenges regarding psychometric properties, feasibility, and acceptability.
• Web-based cognitive assessments are crucial for characterizing cognition and diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases in aging populations.

Approach:

• This narrative review examines recent literature on web-based cognitive assessments for older adults.
• Three types of assessments are discussed: videoconferenced conventional tests, unsupervised computer-based tests, and unsupervised smartphone-based tests.
• The review analyzes the properties, strengths, and limitations of these digital tools.

Key Points:

• Significant progress has been made in documenting the properties of web-based cognitive assessments.
• Findings indicate a promising potential for these tools in assessing older adults.
• Areas needing further documentation include construct validity and the development of robust norms.

Conclusions:

• Web-based cognitive assessments show considerable potential for older adults, aiding in cognitive characterization and disease diagnosis.
• Despite documented progress, further research is needed to fully establish construct validity and normative data.
• The current validation and feasibility data support the application of these digital tools in gerontological research and clinical practice.