Computerized Neuropsychological Assessments

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (S16) ◽  
pp. 14-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Woo
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Precise Measurement ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Computerized Assessments ◽  
Assessment Time ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessments ◽  
Standard Paper ◽  
Scoring Error

Computer-based measures to evaluate cognition have been used with growing frequency in recent years. These batteries are shown to be useful for identifying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. There are few requirements to administer these tests. All that is typically needed is a computer, a response pad for patients to input their answers, and an examiner. In many cases, the examiner does not need to be a trained neuropsychologist. These computer-based assessments should yield a score report detailing the patient’s cognitive profile.An important advantage of computerized assessments over standard paper-and-pencil testing is that they can provide precise measurement at the millisecond level. This can be a more sensitive measure of cognitive impairment, especially in high-functioning older adults and in patients with milder levels of cognitive deficit. Computer tests also have a shorter assessment time. Many batteries take <1 hour to administer, whereas many standard neuropsychological batteries require >4 hours to complete. The presentation of items in some batteries can be adapted to patients’ performance levels to avoid floor effects (the test restricts how low a patients’ scores can be) and ceiling effects (the test restricts how high scores can be). Computer tests have increased standardization; they are administered the same way every time. Scoring is automatic, meaning the results are available immediately and human scoring error is reduced. Examiner effects are reduced, which is an important advantage because clinicians may differ in how they administer standard tests, which may impact patients’ responses. In addition, the batteries are easily transported, and multiple tasks can be made available on a single computer.

scholarly journals Improving the Methodology for Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment in Intellectually High-Functioning Adults Using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant L. Iverson ◽  
Justin E. Karr
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Base Rate ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
Intellectual Abilities

Objective: Low scores on neuropsychological tests are considered objective evidence of mild cognitive impairment. In clinical practice and research, it can be challenging to identify a cognitive deficit or mild cognitive impairment in high-functioning people because they are much less likely to obtain low test scores. This study was designed to improve the methodology for identifying mild cognitive impairment in adults who have above average or superior intellectual abilities.Method: Participants completed the National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). The sample included 384 adults between the ages of 20 and 85 who had completed either a 4-year college degree or who scored in the above average, superior, or very superior range on a measure of intellectual functioning, the Crystallized Composite score. Algorithms were developed, based on the absence of high scores and the presence of low scores, for identifying mild cognitive impairment.Results: Base rate tables for the presence of low scores and the absence of high scores are provided. The base rate for people with high average crystalized ability obtaining any one of the following, 5 scores &lt;63rd percentile, or 4+ scores &lt;50th percentile, or 3+ scores ≤ 25th percentile, or 2+ scores ≤ 16th percentile, is 15.5%.Conclusions: Algorithms were developed for identifying cognitive weakness or impairment in high-functioning people. Research is needed to test them in clinical groups, and to assess their association with clinical risk factors for cognitive decline and biomarkers of acquired neurological or neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Using a Digital Neuro Signature to measure longitudinal individual-level change in Alzheimer’s disease: the Altoida large cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene B. Meier ◽  
Max Buegler ◽  
Robbert Harms ◽  
Azizi Seixas ◽  
Arzu Çöltekin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Intraindividual Variability ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Level Change ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessments

AbstractConventional neuropsychological assessments for Alzheimer’s disease are burdensome and inaccurate at detecting mild cognitive impairment and predicting Alzheimer’s disease risk. Altoida’s Digital Neuro Signature (DNS), a longitudinal cognitive test consisting of two active digital biomarker metrics, alleviates these limitations. By comparison to conventional neuropsychological assessments, DNS results in faster evaluations (10 min vs 45–120 min), and generates higher test-retest in intraindividual assessment, as well as higher accuracy at detecting abnormal cognition. This study comparatively evaluates the performance of Altoida’s DNS and conventional neuropsychological assessments in intraindividual assessments of cognition and function by means of two semi-naturalistic observational experiments with 525 participants in laboratory and clinical settings. The results show that DNS is consistently more sensitive than conventional neuropsychological assessments at capturing longitudinal individual-level change, both with respect to intraindividual variability and dispersion (intraindividual variability across multiple tests), across three participant groups: healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dispersion differences between DNS and conventional neuropsychological assessments were more pronounced with more advanced disease stages, and DNS-intraindividual variability was able to predict conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings are instrumental for patient monitoring and management, remote clinical trial assessment, and timely interventions, and will hopefully contribute to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals A High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Higher Risk of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: Development and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Model

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Zha ◽  
Jingjing Zhao ◽  
Cheng Chen ◽  
Xiaoqi Ji ◽  
Meng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Prognostic Information ◽  
Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessments ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
State Examination

ObjectivePoststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a serious complication of stroke. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of peripheral inflammation. The relationship between the NLR and PSCI is far from well studied, and the thesis of this study was to assess the predictive value of the NLR in patients with PSCI, and establish and verify the corresponding prediction model based on this relationship.MethodsA total of 367 stroke patients were included in this study. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLRs were measured at baseline, and clinical and neuropsychological assessments were conducted 3 months after stroke. The National Institutes of Health Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the severity of stroke. A Chinese version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function.ResultsAfter three months of follow-up, 87 (23.7%) patients were diagnosed with PSCI. The NLR was significantly higher in PSCI patients than in non-PSCI patients (P &lt; 0.001). Patient age, sex, body mass index, NIHSS scores, and high-density lipoprotein levels also differed in the univariate analysis. In the logistic regression analysis, the NLR was an independent risk factor associated with the patients with PSCI after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.21–2.29, P = 0.002). The nomogram based on patient sex, age, NIHSS score, and NLR had good predictive power with an AUC of 0.807. In the validation group, the AUC was 0.816.ConclusionAn increased NLR at admission is associated with PSCI, and the model built with NLR as one of the predictors can increase prognostic information for the early detection of PSCI.

A-151 Cognitive Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1205-1205
Author(s):  
Etiane Navarro ◽  
Charles J Golden
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Sporadic Als ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessments ◽  
Familial Als ◽  
Als Patients ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract Objective Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by degeneration of the upper and lower motor neurons. This literature review examines the recurring etiology of cognitive impairments in ALS through empirical literature. The current study explores ALS across different subtypes and potential cognitive impairments. Two classifications are primarily examined ALS, and ALS with frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). Involving three categories: familial inheritance pattern, genetic mutation, or sporadic. Neuropsychological studies affirm cognitive impairments in individuals diagnosed with ALS and ALS-FTD. Data Selection Data was culled from the American Psychological Association (PsycInfo), PubMed, Google Scholar. Terms used in this literature review include cognitive impairment in ALS and ALS-FTD, executive function deficiencies in ALS, neuropsychology in ALS, neuropsychological deficits in ALS, neuropsychological assessments for ALS, cognitive impairments in familial ALS, genetic ALS, and sporadic ALS, familial ALS, sporadic ALS, genetic mutations involved in ALS. Search dates December 20–23 of 2020 and March 3–4 of 2021. A total of 40 studies were examined. Data Synthesis ALS-patients demonstrate a significant cognitive impairment. However, influencing comorbidities accompanying the disease may be contributing to these impairments. Researchers employed neuroimaging and neuropsychological batteries to further understand influencing factors involved in ALS and cognition. Conclusions Researchers now understand ALS as a multi-symptomatic disorder and acknowledge the presence of cognitive impairments at various encased levels. There are limitations in neuropsychological batteries that accommodate for executive dysfunctions observed in ALS patients. Future studies should explore neuropsychological assessments that accommodate for motor deficits and dysarthria when assessing cognitive impairment in ALS patients.

Delivering Computerized Assessments Safely and Securely

2005 ◽  
pp. 263-279
Author(s):  
Eric Shepherd ◽  
John Kleeman ◽  
Joan Phaup
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Security Requirements ◽  
Technological Innovations ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Computerized Assessments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Online Tests

The use of computers to assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes is now universal. Today, distinguishing between the various delivery and security requirements for each style of assessment is becoming increasingly important. It is essential to differentiate between the different styles of computerized assessments in order to deploy assessments safely, securely, and cost effectively. This chapter provides a methodology for assessing the security requirements for delivering computer-based assessments and discusses appropriate security measures based on the purpose and nature of those assessments. It is designed to help readers understand the issues that need to be addressed in order to balance the need for security with the need for cost effectiveness. The authors hope to give readers a working knowledge of the technological innovations that are making it easier to ensure the safety and security of a wide range of computerized assessments including online tests, quizzes, and surveys.

Neuroprotective effects of soy isoflavones on chronic ethanol-induced dementia in male ICR mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 10011-10021
Author(s):  
Cong Lu ◽  
Rongjing Gao ◽  
Jingwei Lv ◽  
Ying Chen ◽  
Shuying Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Soy Isoflavones ◽  
Chronic Ethanol ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Cholinergic Function ◽  
Chronic Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Neuron Apoptosis

Chronic ethanol intake can lead to cognitive deficit by reducing cholinergic function, inhibiting synaptic plasticity and causing neuron apoptosis. Soy isoflavones effectively improved the cognitive impairment induced by chronic ethanol exposure.

scholarly journals Spatial Navigation Impairment Is Associated with Alterations in Subcortical Intrinsic Activity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Resting-State fMRI Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Qing ◽  
Weiping Li ◽  
Zuzana Nedelska ◽  
Wenbo Wu ◽  
Fangfang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Spatial Navigation ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Intrinsic Activity ◽  
Fmri Study ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Subcortical Regions ◽  
The Right ◽  
Brain Behavior

Impairment of spatial navigation (SN) skills is one of the features of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) already at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We used a computer-based battery of spatial navigation tests to measure the SN performance in 22 MCI patients as well as 21 normal controls (NC). In order to evaluate intrinsic activity in the subcortical regions that may play a role in SN, we measured ALFF, fALFF, and ReHo derived within 14 subcortical regions. We observed reductions of intrinsic activity in MCI patients. We also demonstrated that the MCI versus NC group difference can modulate activity-behavior relationship, that is, the correlation slopes between ReHo and allocentric SN task total errors were significantly different between NC and MCI groups in the right hippocampus (interaction F=4.44, p=0.05), pallidum (F=8.97, p=0.005), and thalamus (F=5.95, p=0.02), which were negative in NC (right hippocampus, r=−0.49; right pallidum, r=−0.50; right thalamus, r=−0.45; all p<0.05) but absent in MCI (right hippocampus, r=0.21; right pallidum, r=0.32; right thalamus r=0.28; all p>0.2). These findings may provide a novel insight of the brain mechanism associated with SN impairment in MCI and indicated a stage specificity of brain-behavior correlation in dementia. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-BRC-17011316.

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