Validity of the Web-Based, Self-Directed, NeuroCognitive Performance Test in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

BACKGROUND: Digital cognitive tests offer several potential advantages over established paper-pencil tests but have not yet been fully evaluated for the clinical evaluation of mild cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: The NeuroCognitive Performance Test (NCPT) is a web-based, self-directed, modular battery intended for repeated assessments of multiple cognitive domains. Our objective was to examine its relationship with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition Subscale (ADAS-Cog) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as well as with established paper-pencil tests of cognition and daily functioning in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: We used Spearman correlations, regressions and principal components analysis followed by a factor analysis (varimax rotated) to examine our objectives. RESULTS: In MCI subjects, the NCPT composite is significantly correlated with both a composite measure of established tests (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001) as well as with the ADAS-Cog (r = -0.55, p < 0.0001). Both NCPT and paper-pencil test batteries had a similar factor structure that included a large "g" component with a high eigenvalue. The correlation for the analogous tests (e.g., Trails A and B, learning memory tests) were significant (p < 0.0001). Further, both the NCPT and established tests significantly (p < 0.0001) predicted the University of California San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment and Functional Activities Questionnaire, measures of daily functioning. CONCLUSION: The NCPT, a web-based, self-directed, computerized test, shows high concurrent validity with established tests and hence offers promise for use as a research or clinical tool in MCI. Despite limitations such as a relatively small sample, absence of control group and cross-sectional nature, these findings are consistent with the growing literature on the promise of self-directed, web-based cognitive assessments for MCI.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Doraiswamy, PM; Goldberg, TE; Qian, M; Linares, AR; Nwosu, A; Nino, I; D'Antonio, J; Phillips, J; Ndouli, C; Hellegers, C; Michael, AM; Petrella, JR; Andrews, H; Sneed, J; Devanand, DP

Published Date

  • 2022

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 86 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 1131 - 1136

PubMed ID

  • 35180109

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1875-8908

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.3233/JAD-220015

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Netherlands