Elizabeth Baker, United Kingdom
Cambridge Cognition Ltd. Science DepartmentAuthor Of 1 Presentation
ENGAGEMENT AND ADHERENCE TO REMOTE TESTING IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS AT RISK OF DEMENTIA
Abstract
Aims
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for digital solutions to allow Alzheimer’s research to continue, albeit in a modified form. Online platforms are powerful tools that can enable rapid, cost-effective assessments to be conducted remotely. However, the extent to which valid and high-quality data can be obtained, and the extent to which participant motivation is related to engagement and adherence rates remains unclear. Using data collected through the Healthy Brain Project, an online study of at-risk middle-aged adults, we aimed to describe demographic, motivational and adherence characteristics of participants who completed the CANTAB PAL assessments.
Methods
CANTAB PAL assessments were delivered using Cambridge Cognition’s secure web-based testing application via the Healthy Brain Project platform (healthybrainproject.org.au). To reduce participant burden, a 6-month window around an annual assessment was allowed. The average time between assessments was calculated for participants, who were then grouped by this time to investigate adherence to the assessment schedule.
Results
570 participants completed CANTAB PAL at multiple timepoints. 59% of participants adhered to protocol and completed the assessments yearly. However, results also showed that 14% of participants completed assessments on average less than 30 days post previous visit. This subgroup had higher errors on PAL at baseline and a higher mean age (58.6 years) compared to the group who completed the assessments at the correct intervals (56.2 years).
Conclusions
Participants appear engaged to improve their performance. Next steps include examining stability of performance to understand whether short follow-up relates to level of impairment.