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Remote, self-administered, smartphone cognitive testing in a registry-based cohort: Feasibility, reliability, and
Sreya Dhanam1, Mark Sanderson-Cimino1, Jack Carson Taylor1
1Department of Neurology, Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
Background:
Remote, smartphone-based cognitive testing may improve access to cognitive assessments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We evaluated the feasibility, reliability, and validity of unsupervised smartphone-based cognitive tests in a registry-based cohort.
Methods:
Adults without a record of cognitive impairment (N = 1815; ages 18-92) were recruited from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Brain Health Registry to complete three unsupervised smartphone cognitive testing sessions within 2 weeks. Reliability was assessed with correlations between sessions. Linear regression models tested associations of smartphone tasks with demographics, self- and informant-rated cognitive concerns, and web-based cognitive testing (Cogstate Brief Battery).
Results:
Adherence was high (82.2%) and usability favorable. Test-retest reliability was moderate to strong (ρ's = 0.61-0.85, all p's < 0.001). Lower smartphone scores were associated with older age, lower education, cognitive concerns, and worse Cogstate performance.
Discussion:
Findings support the feasibility, reliability, and validity of remote digital assessments in adults without a record of cognitive impairment.
