Performance of the CogState computerized battery in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging

Abstract

Introduction: The feasibility and validity of brief computerized cognitive batteries at the population-level are unknown.

Methods: Nondemented participants (n = 1660, age 50-97 years) in the Mayo Clinic Study on Aging completed the computerized CogState battery and standard neuropsychological battery. The correlation between tests was examined and comparisons between CogState performance on the personal computer (PC) and iPad (n = 331), and in the clinic vs. at home (n = 194), were assessed.

Results: We obtained valid data on greater than 97% of participants on each test. Correlations between the CogState and neuropsychological tests ranged from -0.462 to 0.531. Although absolute differences between the PC and iPad were small and participants preferred the iPad, performance on the PC was faster. Participants performed faster on Detection, One Card Learning, and One Back at home compared with the clinic.

Discussion: The computerized CogState battery, especially the iPad, was feasible, acceptable, and valid in the population.

Keywords: Cognitively normal; Computerized cognitive battery; Epidemiology; Mild cognitive impairment; Neuropsychology; Population-based cohort study.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosures

Dr. Mielke served as a consultant to Eli Lilly and AbbVie, and receives research support from the NIH/NIA, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Dr. Machulda, Mr. Hagen, Ms. Edwards, Dr. Roberts, and Dr. Pankratz report no disclosures. Dr. Knopman serves as Deputy Editor for Neurology®; served on a Data Safety Monitoring Board for Lilly Pharmaceuticals; served as a consultant to TauRx Pharmaceuticals; was an investigator in clinical trials sponsored by Baxter, Elan Pharmaceuticals, and Forest Pharmaceuticals in the past 2 years; and receives research support from the NIH. Dr. Jack provides consulting services for Janssen Research & Development, LLC. He receives research funding from the National Institutes of Health, and the Alexander Family Alzheimer’s Disease Research Professorship of the Mayo Foundation. Dr. Petersen serves on scientific advisory boards for Pfizer, Inc., Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy, Roche, Inc., Merck, Inc., and Genentech, Inc.; receives royalties from the publication of Mild Cognitive Impairment (Oxford University Press, 2003); and receives research support from the NIH/NIA.

Copyright © 2015 The Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.