Validity and reliability of a computerized cognitive function evaluation battery (CogEvo) as a screening tool

Effects of the abacus-based mental calculation training application "SoroTouch" on cognitive functions: A randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the effect of a home-based computerized cognitive training program that utilizes a digital application for training abacus-based mental calculations, "SoroTouch," on the cognitive functions of healthy middle-aged and older people using a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 20 adults (aged 42-79 years) who were involved in community-based activities for dementia prevention held by a certain organization. The participants were assigned randomly to the intervention (SoroTouch) group or control group. The SoroTouch group received home-based cognitive training with SoroTouch, being asked to use the software every day for 6 months, while the control group did not receive any intervention. To investigate the effect of SoroTouch, CogEvo, a cognitive functions test battery utilizing a tablet device, was administered to all participants once per month during the 6-month intervention period. In addition, before and after the intervention, all participants were asked to take the CogEvo and the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). The analyses showed that the SoroTouch group did not improve total scores of the CogEvo and MoCA-J, but large group differences were observed in the two tasks of the CogEvo as follows: 'Follow the order' (modified Trail Making Test) at 2 months after the beginning of the intervention (group differences; 39.4, 95% confidence interval; 7.6-71.2) and 'Route 99' at 6 months (group differences; 39.6, 95% confidence interval; 4.9-74.4). These results provide evidence that a home-based computerized cognitive training program SoroTouch has the potential to improve working memory, attention and planning in healthy middle-aged and older adults.

Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment Using CogEvo: A Computerized Cognitive Function Assessment Tool

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

To assess the utility of the computerized cognitive function assessment tool, CogEvo, as a screening tool for mild cognitive impairment in primary care, we explored the relationship between CogEvo performance, age, and the severity of cognitive dysfunction evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

METHODS

The observational cross-sectional study included 209 individuals' data (mean age 79.4 ± 8.9 years). We conducted a correlation analysis between CogEvo and MMSE scores, compared the performance among the 3 cognitive function groups (MMSE ≥ 28 group; MMSE24-27 group; MMSE ≤ 23 group) using the MMSE cut-off, and evaluated CogEvo's predictive accuracy for cognitive dysfunction through ROC analysis.

RESULTS

Both total CogEvo and MMSE scores significantly decreased with age. A significant positive correlation was observed between total CogEvo and MMSE scores, but a ceiling effect was detected in MMSE performance. Significant differences were observed in the total CogEvo score, including orientation and spatial cognitive function scores, among the 3 groups. CogEvo showed no educational bias. ROC analyses indicated moderate discrimination between the MMSE ≥ 28 group and the MMSE24-27 and MMSE ≤ 23 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The computer-administered CogEvo has the advantage of not exhibiting ceiling effects or educational bias like the MMSE, and was found to be able to detect age-related cognitive decline and impairment.