Diagnostic performance of digital cognitive tests for the identification of MCI and dementia: A systematic review

Background: The use of digital cognitive tests is getting common nowadays. Older adults or their family members may use online tests for self-screening of dementia. However, the diagnostic performance across different digital tests is still to clarify. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of digital cognitive tests for MCI and dementia in older adults. Methods: Literature searches were systematically performed in the OVID databases. Validation studies that reported the diagnostic performance of a digital cognitive test for MCI or dementia were included. The main outcome was the diagnostic performance of the digital test for the detection of MCI or dementia. Results: A total of 56 studies with 46 digital cognitive tests were included in this study. Most of the digital cognitive tests were shown to have comparable diagnostic performances with the paper-and-pencil tests. Twentytwo digital cognitive tests showed a good diagnostic performance for dementia, with a sensitivity and a specificity over 0.80, such as the Computerized Visuo-Spatial Memory test and Self-Administered Tasks Uncovering Risk of Neurodegeneration. Eleven digital cognitive tests showed a good diagnostic performance for MCI such as the Brain Health Assessment. However, all the digital tests only had a few validation studies to verify their performance. Conclusions: Digital cognitive tests showed good performances for MCI and dementia. The digital test can collect digital data that is far beyond the traditional ways of cognitive tests. Future research is suggested on these new forms of cognitive data for the early detection of MCI and dementia.

Automated summary

Digital cognitive tests showed good diagnostic performances for MCI and dementia in older adults, with most tests having comparable performances to traditional paper-and-pencil tests and some tests demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. However, there are limited validation studies for digital tests, indicating a need for further research on these new forms of cognitive data for the early detection of MCI and dementia.