Nosheny, Rachel L; Camacho, Monica R; Jin, Chengshi; Neuhaus, John; Truran, Diana; Flenniken, Derek; Ashford, Miriam; Carrillo, Maria C; Fargo, Keith N; Hendrix, James; Hanna, Lucy; Rabinovici, Gil; Maruff, Paul; Mackin, R Scott; Weiner, Michael W

doi:10.1002/alz.12138

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Validation of online functional measures in cognitively impaired older adults

2020

Published Web Location

https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12138

Abstract

Introduction

Assessment of functional status is associated with risk of cognitive decline and diagnosis of dementia, and can be assessed by participants and study partners (SPs).

Methods

In 770 older adults enrolled in the Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) study and the online Brain Health Registry (BHR), we estimated associations between online assessments and clinical variables related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.

Results

Worse online learning scores and SP-reported functional decline were associated with higher probability of AD dementia diagnosis and poor in-clinic cognitive assessment, and with higher odds of amyloid beta (Aβ) positivity when combined with participants' report of less decline. SP report of functional decline conferred predictive value independent of online cognitive assessments. Participants underreported decline compared to SPs.

Discussion

The results support the validity of online assessments and their greater utilization in healthcare and research settings. Online SP-reported functional decline is an indicator of dementia and AD risk.

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