Validity of the Web-based, Self-directed, NeuroCognitive Performance Test in MCI

Abstract

Digital cognitive tests offer several potential advantages over established paper-pencil tests but have not yet been fully evaluated for the clinical evaluation of mild cognitive impairment. The NeuroCognitive Performance Test (NCPT) is a web-based, self-directed, modular battery intended for repeated assessments of multiple cognitive domains. Using a sample of 101 MCI subjects, we report in this study that the NCPT composite is significantly correlated with both a composite measure of established tests (r=0.77, p<0.0001) as well as with the ADAS-Cog (r=0.55, p<0.0001). Both test batteries had a similar factor structure that included a large “g” component with a high eigenvalue. Further, both the NCPT and established tests significantly (p< 0.01) predicted the UPSA and FAQ, measures of daily functioning. Despite limitations such as a relatively small sample, absence of control group and cross-sectional nature, these findings are consistent with the growing literature on the promise of self-directed, web-based cognitive assessments for MCI.