A survey of smartphone and interactive video technology use by participants in Alzheimer's disease research: Implications for remote cognitive assessment

Introduction: Participants from a longitudinal cohort study were surveyed to evaluate the practical feasibility of remote cognitive assessment.

Methods: All active participants/informants at the University of California San Diego Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were invited to complete a nine-question survey assessing technology access/use and willingness to do cognitive testing remotely.

Results: Three hundred sixty-nine of 450 potential participants/informants (82%) completed the survey. Overall, internet access (88%), device ownership (77%), and willingness to do cognitive testing remotely (72%) were high. Device access was higher among those with normal cognition (85%) or cognitive impairment (85%) than those with dementia (52%), as was willingness to do remote cognitive testing (84%, 74%, 39%, respectively). Latinos were less likely than non-Latinos to have internet or device access but were comparable in willingness to do remote testing.

Discussion: Remote cognitive assessment using interactive video technology is a practicable option for nondemented participants in longitudinal studies; however, additional resources will be required to ensure representative participation of Latinos.