Characteristics of publicly available digital dementia risk screening tools: A scoping review

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have long prodromal phases during which addressing modifiable lifestyle factors may help delay onset. Digital dementia risk screening tools are emerging as an accessible method to convey risk information and promote preventive strategies. However, little is known about the characteristics, intended users, and risk factor coverage of these tools.

To identify and summarize publicly available digital dementia risk screening tools, including their components (risk factors), administration methods, target populations, and implementation settings.

A two-phase systematic search was conducted. Phase 1 involved searching Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for digital dementia screening tools. To be included in this review, tools needed to be publicly available, focused on dementia, containing at least one modifiable risk factor, targeted at adults, and published in English. Phase 2 examined the psychometric properties of the identified tools (when administered to older adults).

Eleven tools met inclusion criteria: CogDrisk, ANU-ADRI, BDSI, DemPort, UKBDRS, CAIDE, LIBRA, Alzhe Alert, DRA, UKB-DRP, and the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Risk Calculator. Tools were web- or app-based and designed for use by individuals, clinicians, or researchers. While the most recent Lancet Commission outlines 14 modifiable risk factors, only 11 were covered across these tools. Only one tool had reported psychometric properties.

Several digital tools for dementia risk screening are publicly available, but most remain in early development and require further validation in real-world adult populations. Future research should evaluate their reliability and effectiveness to support early identification and behavior change.