Correlation analysis between subtest scores of CERAD-K and a newly developed tablet computer-based digital cognitive test (Inbrain CST)

Seunghee Na; Sang Won Seo; Young Ju Kim; Heejin Yoo; Eek-Sung Lee

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1178324

Correlation analysis between subtest scores of CERAD-K and a newly developed tablet computer-based digital cognitive test (Inbrain CST)

Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 Jun 29:15:1178324. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1178324. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Seunghee Na¹, Sang Won Seo², Young Ju Kim², Heejin Yoo², Eek-Sung Lee³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
² Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
³ Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias is increasing; therefore, identifying individuals at risk for dementia is crucial. Traditional neuropsychological assessments are expensive and time-consuming; however, computerized cognitive testing is becoming popular in clinical and research settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the computerized cognitive test, Inbrain cognitive screening test (CST), and the traditional neuropsychological battery, the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease assessment packet (CERAD-K).

Methods: We enrolled 166 participants from five districts in Republic of Korea, including cognitively unimpaired individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed by experienced neurologists. We used the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K to evaluate the cognitive function of the participants, and the scores of each subtest of the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K were compared.

Results: A significant correlation was found between the Inbrain CST and CERAD-K subtests. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between the Inbrain CST and the CERAD-K test pairs after adjusting for age, educational level, and sex.

Discussion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the Inbrain CST is a reliable tool for detecting cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired individuals and patients with MCI, because it has a high correlation and agreement with CERAD-K. Therefore, the Inbrain CST can be a useful, time-efficient, and cost-effective computer-based cognitive test for individuals at risk for cognitive impairment.

Keywords: CERAD-K; cognitive impairment; computerized cognitive test; correlation study; mild cognitive impairment; neuropsychological test.

Grants and funding

This research was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (HI19C1132) and Soonchunhyang University Research Fund. This research was also supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Ministry of science and ICT, Republic of Korea (grant number: HU20C0111).