Psychometric Properties of MyCog 2.0: A Human-Centered Cognitive Screening Tool for Older Adults

Self-administered, user-friendly apps that can detect initial symptoms of cognitive impairment have enormous potential to improve early detection of cognitive decline. We examine the psychometric properties of the redesigned version of MyCog, MyCog 2.0, an app-based tool for older adults that assesses executive function and episodic memory. MyCog 2.0 aims to improve usability while maintaining the psychometric validity demonstrated in the original version.

Feedback from clinicians and patients on MyCog was gathered to inform the human-centered design improvements of MyCog 2.0. To assess the psychometric properties of the improved tool, data from a community sample (n = 200; mean age = 73 years) who had completed MyCog 2.0 were compared to an age-matched sample who had completed the original MyCog. Internal consistency and construct validity were evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis. Bayesian differential item functioning was employed to evaluate the evidence for equivalence of MyCog and MyCog 2.0.

Internal consistency was high for executive function and episodic memory tests (ω_t = 0.84). A two-factor model showed excellent fit, demonstrating that tests measured two related yet distinct constructs, episodic memory and executive functioning, as expected. Differential item functioning between the two test versions was not observed for episodic memory performance or executive functioning accuracy; however, response time on five executive function items was found to differ across versions.

Findings support MyCog 2.0 as the first reliable self-administered cognitive screener designed specifically for ease of use among older adults. Findings support the internal consistency and construct validity of MyCog 2.0 and provide a foundation for the forthcoming clinical validation studies.