Validity of the Web-Based, Self-Directed, NeuroCognitive Performance Test in Mild Cognitive Impairment.
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.
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Related Subject Headings
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Internet
- Humans
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Alzheimer Disease
- 5202 Biological psychology
- 3209 Neurosciences
- 3202 Clinical sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Internet
- Humans
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Alzheimer Disease
- 5202 Biological psychology
- 3209 Neurosciences
- 3202 Clinical sciences