David Berron, et al. – Lund University.
Background: Existing cognitive assessments require patient-provider interaction, significantly limiting their use.
This Study: Berron and colleagues created a novel cognitive assessment accessible by smartphone app.
- This assessment, involving object-based recall in virtual scenes, was designed to test specific memory processes and circuits involved in cognitive decline.
- Participants found engaging with the app sufficiently simple, indicating that older subjects can be readily tested with smartphone-based approaches.
- Scores on this assessment correlated well with existing clinic-based metrics such as the Symbol Digit Modalities test and Mini-Mental State Exam.
Bottom Line: This cognitive assessment could facilitate routine monitoring of cognitive health, both for patients and those at risk of developing AD.
Open Question: How well will this test perform outside of the setting of a clinical trial?
