TNmindtest: Development and evaluation of a web-based cognitive screening tool for mild cognitive impairment in...

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal cognition and dementia, offering a critical window for early detection and intervention. Although a wide range of digital cognitive assessments have been developed, few have been adapted or validated for use in Vietnamese populations. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the TNmindtest, a web-based screening tool designed to detect MCI in Vietnamese adults.

The study was conducted in three phases: development of the TNmindtest based on episodic memory and attention cognitive domain, test-retest reliability assessment among 35 participants aged 30-50 years with subjective memory complaints, and validity evaluation in a separate sample of 80 participants, classified as MCI or non-MCI based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores.

The TNmindtest demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.88) over a mean interval of 8.9 days, with a modest learning effect of approximately 7%. Discriminative validity was supported by significantly lower TNmindtest scores in the MCI group (74.0 [60.0-80.0]) compared to the non-MCI group (80.0 [74.0-87.0], p = 0.003). ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70, with a sensitivity of 62.9% and a specificity of 66.7% at the optimal cut-off of 75%. TNmindtest scores were modestly correlated with MoCA total scores (r = 0.31, p = 0.0051), and showed significant associations with delayed recall and the combined memory-plus-attention subtotal.

The TNmindtest demonstrates acceptable performance as a culturally adapted, self-administered digital tool for MCI screening among Vietnamese adults. Its brief testing time, automated scoring, and potential for remote use support its feasibility for broader application, although further refinement and validation are warranted.