Computerized cognitive performance assessments in the Brooklyn Cognitive Impairments in Health Disparities Pilot Study

Kerry Adler; Samuel Apple; Alison Friedlander; Frank Cheng; Carl Cohen; Steven R Levine; Michael Lucchesi; Paul Maruff; Michael Reinhardt; Margaret Salmieri; David Stevens; Sarah Weingast; Deborah Gustafson

doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2019.07.004

Computerized cognitive performance assessments in the Brooklyn Cognitive Impairments in Health Disparities Pilot Study

Alzheimers Dement. 2019 Nov;15(11):1420-1426. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2019.07.004.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
² Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
³ CogState, Ltd, New Haven, CT, USA.
⁴ Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
⁵ Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
⁶ Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
⁷ Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA. Electronic address: deborah.gustafson@downstate.edu.

PMID: 31753288
DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2019.07.004

Abstract

Introduction: Detecting cognitive impairment in diverse, health disparities communities is an urgent health care priority.

Methods: The Brooklyn Cognitive Impairments in Health Disparities Pilot Study investigated quantitative aspects and liking of a computerized cognitive performance assessment, Cognigram, among individuals ≥ 40 years in traditional and nontraditional primary care settings.

Results: Cognigram was piloted in the Emergency Department, Family Medicine, and Geriatric Psychiatry clinics: 58 adults (23 men, 35 women), 67.9 ± 9.8 years (range 43-91), completed the Cognigram and 5-item liking survey. The observed liking range was 2 to maximum score 5 (67% scored 4-5; no sex or age differences).

Discussion: The Cognigram was well liked in waiting rooms of primary care settings. Assistance from a trained adult and clinic endorsement were keys to success. How the Cognigram performs in a geographically compact, population-dense global setting, such as Brooklyn with high vascular disease risk and a plethora of health disparities, is being tested.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD); Cognigram; Cognitive impairment; Cognitive performance; Computerized; Early detection; Health disparities; Minority health; Rapid detection.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
Computers*
Female
Healthcare Disparities*
Humans
Male
Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
New York City
Pilot Projects
Primary Health Care