Evaluation of In-person versus Remote Cognitive Assessment in Cognitively Unimpaired Older Adults via Regression-Based Change Analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Compare the changes in neuropsychological test scores between remote and in-person follow-up assessment over a 1-year period using standardized regression-based (SRB) change indices.

METHOD

Participants were from the Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC; N = 230) [mean age: 68.6 (7.8) years; education: 16.3 (2.3) years; 71% female; 86% White] and cognitively normal (as defined by a CDR of 0) at baseline and follow-up [mean days: 420.03 (48.53)]. Follow-up testing with the Uniform Data Set v3 Cognitive Battery was completed in person (n = 121) or remotely (n = 109) via phone (n = 61) or video (n = 48). SRB change scores were calculated using published formulas. Chi-square analysis compared the frequency of scores falling outside of an SRB cut-point +/-1.645 for follow-up assessments and mean SRB change scores were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the frequency of SRB change scores for in-person versus remote follow-up assessments at the SRB cut-point. Similarly, one-way ANOVAs comparing mean SRB change scores revealed no significant differences between in-person, telephone, and video follow-up means for any of the tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Telephone and video cognitive assessments performed similarly to in-person assessment and offer a valuable tool for research and clinical applications.