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Tsiaras Y, Koutsonida M, Varthi MA, Galliou I, Zoubouli C, Aretouli E. Development of a self-administered online battery for remote assessment of executive functions and verbal memory: equivalence with face-to-face administration, preliminary norms, and acceptance. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38984860 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2024.2376839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interest in teleneuropsychology services increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the utility of unsupervised administration of computerized tests remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we developed a brief computerized battery that assesses self-reported cognitive abilities and performances on executive functioning and verbal memory. We investigated the equivalence of the self-administration online (SAO) procedure and the face-to-face (FTF) administration. Preliminary normative data were developed and the acceptance of the SAO procedure was explored. METHODS A community sample of 169 Greek adults [94 women; mean age: 41.95 (SD = 13.40) years, mean years of education: 15.10 (SD = 2.65)] completed the SAO assessment. A subgroup of 40 participants was tested in a counterbalanced way both with SAO and FTF. Participants' performances were compared with paired sample t-tests and the agreement between the two methods was estimated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the effect of demographic characteristics on SAO measures. RESULTS No difference between SAO and FTF scores was observed. ICCs indicated moderate to good agreement (.418-.848) for most measures. Age was positively associated with self-reported cognitive state and negatively with neuropsychological performances and the level of acceptance of the SAO procedure. Approximately 80% of participants reported satisfaction from the SAO assessment, 69% good compliance with the instructions, but less than 30% belief that the FTF assessment could be adequately replaced. CONCLUSION SAO testing is feasible and well accepted among Greek adults yielding equivalent results with FTF testing. Despite the wide satisfaction, though, notable reluctance was noted for the substitution of FTF with SAO procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiannis Tsiaras
- Department of Psychology, School of the Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Psychiatric Department, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Myrto Koutsonida
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria-Ameriso Varthi
- Department of Psychology, School of the Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iliana Galliou
- Department of Psychology, School of the Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Zoubouli
- Department of Psychology, School of the Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Aretouli
- Department of Psychology, School of the Social Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Toscano S, Chisari CG, Biondi A, Patti F. Early reduction of retinal thickness predicts physical and cognitive disability in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients: results from a cross-sectional study. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07664-9. [PMID: 38951431 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07664-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness is a promising biomarker of axonal loss and a potential outcome predictor in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment (CoI) exhibits a high prevalence in patients with MS (pwMS), even in the early phases of the disease. Our aim was to explore the role of RNFL thickness as a predictor of physical and cognitive disability in pwMS. METHODS All newly diagnosed pwMS referred to the MS centre of the University-Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco" between 2015-2019 were evaluated at baseline and at 3 years. RNFL and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness for right (r.e.) and left eyes (l.e.) were measured with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Disability level and cognitive profile were assessed, using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) battery, respectively. RESULTS We consecutively enrolled 487 pwMS, including 68 (14.0%) with primary progressive MS (PPMS). At baseline, RNFL and GCL were bilaterally thinner in PPMS (r.e. 90.4 ± 12.7; l.e. 90.2 ± 13.5, and r.e. 80.1 ± 11.2; l.e. 80.3 ± 12.6, respectively) compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (r.e. 94.6 ± 13.1; l.e. 94.3 ± 14.8, and r.e. 85.1 ± 9.5; l.e. 84.9 ± 9.3, respectively) (p < 0.01). Both groups exhibited reduced RNFL and GCL thickness, worse cognitive performance and higher EDSS scores at 3-years follow-up compared with baseline. RNFL thickness ≤ 88.0 μm was an independent predictor of CoI (OR = 5.32; 95% CI = 1.84-9.12; p = 0.02) and disability worsening (OR = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.21-10.33; p = 0.05). DISCUSSION RNFL thickness, as a biomarker of neurodegeneration, could be considered a predictive biomarker of cognitive degeneration and physical disability in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Toscano
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, Neurology Clinic, University of Catania, 9126, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Clara Grazia Chisari
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, Neurology Clinic, University of Catania, 9126, Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Biondi
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, Neurology Clinic, University of Catania, 9126, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, Neurology Clinic, University of Catania, 9126, Catania, Italy.
- Department "GF Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurology Clinic, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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Scaramozza M, Chiesa PA, Zajac L, Sun Z, Tang M, Juraver A, Bartholomé E, Charré-Morin J, Saubusse A, Johnson SC, Brochet B, Carment L, Ruiz M, Campbell N, Ruet A. Konectom™ cognitive processing speed test enables reliable remote, unsupervised cognitive assessment in people with multiple sclerosis: Exploring the use of substitution time as a novel digital outcome measure. Mult Scler 2024:13524585241259650. [PMID: 38912764 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241259650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Konectom™ smartphone-based cognitive processing speed (CPS) test is designed to assess processing speed and account for impact of visuomotor function on performance. OBJECTIVE Evaluate reliability and validity of Konectom CPS Test, performed in clinic and remotely. METHODS Data were collected from people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) aged 18-64 years and healthy control participants (HC) matched for age, sex, and education. Remote test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC); correlation with established clinical measures (Spearman correlation coefficients); group analyses between cognitively impaired/unimpaired PwMS; and influence of age, sex, education, and upper limb motor function on CPS Test measures were assessed. RESULTS Eighty PwMS and 66 HC participated. CPS Test measures from remote tests had good test-retest reliability (ICC of 0.67-0.87) and correlated with symbol digit modalities test (highest |ρ| = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Remote measures were stable (change from baseline < 5%) and correlated with MS disability (highest |ρ| = 0.39, p = 0.0004) measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale. CPS Test measures displayed sensitivity to cognitive impairment (highest d = 1.47). Demographics and motor function had the lowest impact on CPS Test substitution time, a measure accounting for visuomotor function. CONCLUSION Konectom CPS Test measures provide valid, reliable remote measurements of cognitive processing speed in PwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sterling C Johnson
- Department of Medicine-Geriatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bruno Brochet
- U1215 INSERM, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | - Aurélie Ruet
- Neurology Department, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; U1215 INSERM, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Sandroff BM, Wender CLA, Weber E, Wells G, Motl RW. Feasibility of remotely delivered and supported aerobic walking exercise training for cognitive processing speed impairment in fully-ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 74:104709. [PMID: 37086638 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current pilot, single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the feasibility of remotely-delivered and supported aerobic walking exercise training compared with an active control condition on cognitive processing speed (CPS) in 19 fully-ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) who were pre-screened for impaired CPS. METHODS Feasibility was assessed in the domains of process (e.g., recruitment), resource (e.g., monetary costs), management (e.g., time requirements), and scientific outcomes (i.e., treatment effect). Fully-ambulatory, but CPS-impaired pwMS were randomly assigned into either 16-weeks of home-based aerobic walking exercise or home-based stretching and range-of-motion activities. Both conditions involved delivery of informational newsletters and one-on-one, online video chats with a behavior coach. Participants across both conditions tracked their activity using highly accurate wearable motion sensors. Treatment-blinded assessors administered the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) remotely before and after the 16-week study period. RESULTS The study was cost-effective, accessible, and acceptable. The intervention further was safe. Adherence and compliance rates across both conditions exceeded 80%. There was an overall moderate effect for change in SDMT score between the conditions (d = 0.42). The intervention was associated with a 4.8-point improvement in SDMT scores (d = 0.70; 10% increase) compared with a 1-point improvement for the control condition (d = 0.09; 2% increase). CONCLUSIONS This remotely-delivered and supported aerobic walking exercise training intervention was safe and feasible for fully-ambulatory, CPS-impaired pwMS. The pattern of results, including the promising effects on CPS, support the design and implementation of an appropriately-powered RCT on this approach for managing CPS impairment in a large MS sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Sandroff
- Kessler Foundation, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, West Orange, NJ, United States; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
| | - Carly L A Wender
- Kessler Foundation, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, West Orange, NJ, United States; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Erica Weber
- Kessler Foundation, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, West Orange, NJ, United States; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers NJ Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Grace Wells
- Kessler Foundation, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Robert W Motl
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, Chicago, IL, United States
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Sumpter R, Camsey E, Meldrum S, Alford M, Campbell I, Bois C, O'Connell S, Flood J. Remote neuropsychological assessment: Acceptability and feasibility of direct-to-home teleneuropsychology methodology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:432-447. [PMID: 35505636 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2056922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the acceptability and feasibility of telephone and video-conference calls to complete cognitive assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD In rapid response to the pandemic, evidence-based adaptations were made to routine face-to-face (FTF) practice, delivering teleneuropsychology (TNP) within a National Health Service (NHS) Scotland neuropsychology service. Caldicott guardian approval was obtained to complete a six month study (April to October 2020) from the early stages of the first United Kingdom (UK) lockdown. Assessments were completed with patients in their own homes (direct-to-home) via remote connections. Neuropsychology clinicians, service-users and referring agents were approached for structured feedback and qualitative comment. RESULTS Data was captured for 212 referrals assessed by seven clinical psychologists; with responses from 70 (33%) service-users and 14 (58%) referring agents. 94% of referrals were assessed remotely and discharged. TNP reduced defaulted appointment discharge rates. Gender, socioeconomic deprivation and age did not affect access to information technology (IT) equipment.Clinicians agreed that remote assessment allowed them to complete initial interview (96%) and formulate (77%) cases appropriately. Service-users agreed they were comfortable with equipment (84%), the process was straightforward (74%), and would recommend TNP to others (68%). Referring agents were satisfied with the service provided (100%). Limitations included evidence-based remote test availability, technical issues and home distractions. CONCLUSIONS Study findings evidence the acceptability and efficiency of TNP; increasing service accessibility, while reducing infection risk, defaulted appointments and travel. The results advocate for a post-pandemic mixed model of service delivery encompassing both FTF and TNP approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Max Alford
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - John Flood
- NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow, UK
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Buyukturkoglu K, Dworkin JD, Leiva V, Provenzano FA, Guevara P, De Jager PL, Leavitt VM, Riley CS. Brain volumetric correlates of remotely versus in-person administered symbol digit modalities test in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104247. [PMID: 36274283 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) support reliability of telehealth-delivered cognitive batteries, although, to date, none have reported relationships of cognitive test performance to neural correlates across administration modalities. In this study we aimed to compare brain-behavior relationships, using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the most reliable and sensitive cognitive measure in MS, measured from patients seen via telehealth versus in-person. METHODS SDMT was administered to individuals with MS either in-person (N=60, mean age=39.7) or remotely via video conference (N=51, mean age=47.4). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data was collected in 3-Tesla scanners. Using 3-dimensional T1 images cerebral, cortical, deep gray, cerebral white matter and thalamic nuclei volumes were calculated. Using a meta-analysis approach with an interaction term for participant group, individual regression models were run for each MRI measure having SDMT scores as the outcome variable in each model. In addition, the correlation and average difference between In-person and Remote group associations across the MRI measures were calculated. Finally, for each MRI variable I2 score was quantified to test the heterogeneity between the groups. RESULTS Administration modality did not affect the association of SDMT performance with MRI measures. Brain tissue volumes showing high associations with the SDMT scores in one group also showed high associations in the other (r = 0.83; 95% CI = [0.07, 0.86]). The average difference between the In-person and the Remote group associations was not significant (βRemote - βIn-person = 0.14, 95% CI = [-0.04, 0.34]). Across MRI measures, the average I2 value was 14%, reflecting very little heterogeneity in the relationship of SDMT performance to brain volume. CONCLUSION We found consistent relationships to neural correlates across in-person and remote SDMT administration modalities. Hence, our study extended the findings of the previous studies demonstrating the feasibility of remote administration of the SDMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korhan Buyukturkoglu
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, PH 18-324, New York, NY 10032, USA; The Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, NY, USA; Columbia University MS Center, NY, USA.
| | - Jordan D Dworkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY, USA
| | - Victor Leiva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, Santiago, Chile
| | - Frank A Provenzano
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, PH 18-324, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Pamela Guevara
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Concepción, Santiago, Chile
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, PH 18-324, New York, NY 10032, USA; The Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, NY, USA; Columbia University MS Center, NY, USA
| | - Victoria M Leavitt
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, PH 18-324, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Claire S Riley
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, PH 18-324, New York, NY 10032, USA; The Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, NY, USA; Columbia University MS Center, NY, USA
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7
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Gonzalez JA, Clark US, Byrd D, Clarke Y, Greenwood K, Tell E, Carrion-Park C, Pizzirusso M, Burgess R, Morgello S. Preliminary Findings from a Telephone-Based Cognitive Screening of an Adult HIV Research Cohort during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2022; 37:1710-1719. [PMID: 35780306 PMCID: PMC9278200 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Few publications have documented the utility of in-home telephone-based cognitive screeners during COVID-19. This manuscript describes the adaptation of select face-to-face (FTF) neuropsychological tests to telephonic administration in a longitudinal cohort of people with HIV (PWH). Using the cohort’s pre-pandemic neuropsychological data, we explore the utility of telephonic administration in this population. Methods Of a longitudinal cohort of 170 adult PWH, 59 completed telephonic medical and cognitive screenings with comparable pre-pandemic FTF data. Telephone screeners and FTF evaluations were compared using repeated measures ANCOVAs to examine whether test performance differed between administration types and levels of pre-pandemic cognitive performance. Individuals with pre-pandemic test scores more than a standard deviation below the demographically-corrected mean were categorized as “below average” cognitive performance (n = 23), and the remainder as “average” (n = 36). Results Over 90% of participants gave positive feedback about the telephone encounter. The average cognitive performance group scored higher than the below average group on all measures across both administration types. Telephone and FTF test scores did not differ significantly for measures of category fluency, letter fluency, and verbal learning. However, the below average group scored higher on a verbal memory measure administered via telephone compared with FTF. Conclusions Support for telephonic adaptation of select FTF measures in longitudinal research is mixed, with verbal fluency tasks showing the strongest equivalency. When employed carefully with a clear understanding of their limitations, telephone adaptations can provide an opportunity to continue study objectives, promote equity, and monitor participant well-being during times of duress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Uraina S Clark
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Desiree Byrd
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Psychology, Queens College & The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Yusuf Clarke
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Greenwood
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tell
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Cira Carrion-Park
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Maria Pizzirusso
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Rhonda Burgess
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Susan Morgello
- Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
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Rogers F, Bane E, Dwyer CP, Alvarez-Iglesias A, Joyce RA, Hynes SM. Remote administration of BICAMS measures and the Trail-Making Test to assess cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 33:903-926. [PMID: 35297748 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2052324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Reliable remote cognitive testing could provide a safer assessment of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter. Here we aimed to investigate the reliability and feasibility of administering Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) and the Trail-Making Test (TMT) to people with MS online. Between-group differences on BICAMS and the TMT were examined in a sample of 68 participants. Group 1 (N = 34) was tested in-person pre-pandemic. Group 2 was tested remotely. Within-group differences for in-person and virtual administrations were examined for Group 1. No significant differences between virtual and in-person administrations of the CVLT-II and SDMT were detected. BVMT-R scores were significantly higher for virtual administrations (M = 20.59, SD = 6.65) compared to in-person administrations (M = 16.35, SD = 6.05), possibly indicating inter-rater differences. Strong positive correlations were found for in-person and virtual scores within Group 1 on the CVLT-II (r = .84), SDMT (r = .85), TMT-A (r = .88), TMT-B (r = .76) and BVMT-R (r = .72). No significant differences between in-person and remote administrations of CVLT-II and SDMT in people living with MS were detected. Recommendations for future studies employing the TMT and BVMT-R online are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eimear Bane
- Student Counselling and Wellbeing, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Christopher P Dwyer
- School of Social Science, Technological University of the Shannon IE, Athlone, Ireland
| | - Alberto Alvarez-Iglesias
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Robert A Joyce
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M Hynes
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Dillenseger A, Weidemann ML, Trentzsch K, Inojosa H, Haase R, Schriefer D, Voigt I, Scholz M, Akgün K, Ziemssen T. Digital Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111519. [PMID: 34827518 PMCID: PMC8615428 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
For incurable diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), the prevention of progression and the preservation of quality of life play a crucial role over the entire therapy period. In MS, patients tend to become ill at a younger age and are so variable in terms of their disease course that there is no standard therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to enable a therapy that is as personalized as possible and to respond promptly to any changes, whether with noticeable symptoms or symptomless. Here, measurable parameters of biological processes can be used, which provide good information with regard to prognostic and diagnostic aspects, disease activity and response to therapy, so-called biomarkers Increasing digitalization and the availability of easy-to-use devices and technology also enable healthcare professionals to use a new class of digital biomarkers-digital health technologies-to explain, influence and/or predict health-related outcomes. The technology and devices from which these digital biomarkers stem are quite broad, and range from wearables that collect patients' activity during digitalized functional tests (e.g., the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test, dual-tasking performance and speech) to digitalized diagnostic procedures (e.g., optical coherence tomography) and software-supported magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. These technologies offer a timesaving way to collect valuable data on a regular basis over a long period of time, not only once or twice a year during patients' routine visit at the clinic. Therefore, they lead to real-life data acquisition, closer patient monitoring and thus a patient dataset useful for precision medicine. Despite the great benefit of such increasing digitalization, for now, the path to implementing digital biomarkers is widely unknown or inconsistent. Challenges around validation, infrastructure, evidence generation, consistent data collection and analysis still persist. In this narrative review, we explore existing and future opportunities to capture clinical digital biomarkers in the care of people with MS, which may lead to a digital twin of the patient. To do this, we searched published papers for existing opportunities to capture clinical digital biomarkers for different functional systems in the context of MS, and also gathered perspectives on digital biomarkers under development or already existing as a research approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-351-458-5934; Fax: +49-351-458-5717
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Gromisch ES, DeLuca J, Benedict RH, Foley FW. Managing Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: A Snapshot of Changes in Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Practices. Int J MS Care 2021; 24:104-109. [DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2020-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can have a negative effect on several aspects of the daily lives of persons with MS. In 2010, members of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) were surveyed to understand MS clinicians’ screening, assessment, and treatment practices for cognitive problems. Given the advancements made in the field in the past decade, it was deemed time to reevaluate how cognitive dysfunction is managed in the clinical setting.
Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 56 CMSC members in which they were asked to describe their clinical practices, procedures for screening and further evaluation, and treatment recommendations for cognitive dysfunction. Participants were also asked whether their practice had changed in terms of the number of cognitive screenings, prescriptions for cognitive problems, and referrals for neuropsychological assessment and cognitive remediation in the past 5 years to allow for clinicians who had not been in practice for 10 years.
Results: Participants reported an increase in the number of cognitive screenings and referrals for neuropsychological assessments and cognitive remediation during the past 5 years. Compared with 2010, participants endorsed greater use of person-administered screening measures, such as the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and fewer prescriptions for medications to improve cognitive functioning.
Conclusions: Clinical practices are becoming more in line with the literature, with increased use of cognitive screening and remediation. Continued attention to cognitive problems will be an ongoing important component of MS-related care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Gromisch
- From the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England, Hartford, CT, USA (ESG); Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (ESG); Departments of Rehabilitative Medicine and Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA (ESG); Kessler
| | - John DeLuca
- From the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England, Hartford, CT, USA (ESG); Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (ESG); Departments of Rehabilitative Medicine and Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA (ESG); Kessler
| | - Ralph H.B. Benedict
- From the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England, Hartford, CT, USA (ESG); Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (ESG); Departments of Rehabilitative Medicine and Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA (ESG); Kessler
| | - Frederick W. Foley
- From the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Trinity Health Of New England, Hartford, CT, USA (ESG); Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (ESG); Departments of Rehabilitative Medicine and Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA (ESG); Kessler
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11
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Carlew AR, Fatima H, Livingstone JR, Reese C, Lacritz L, Pendergrass C, Bailey KC, Presley C, Mokhtari B, Cullum CM. Cognitive Assessment via Telephone: A Scoping Review of Instruments. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:1215-1233. [PMID: 33106856 PMCID: PMC7665291 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telephone-based cognitive assessment (TBCA) has long been studied but less widely adopted in routine neuropsychological practice. Increased interest in remote neuropsychological assessment techniques in the face of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic warrants an updated review of relevant remote assessment literature. While recent reviews of videoconference-based neuropsychological applications have been published, no updated compilation of empirical TBCA research has been completed. Therefore, this scoping review offers relevant empirical research to inform clinical decision-making specific to teleneuropsychology. METHOD Peer-reviewed studies addressing TBCA were included. Broad search terms were related to telephone, cognitive, or neuropsychological assessment and screening. After systematic searching of the PubMed and EBSCO databases, 139 relevant articles were retained. RESULTS In total, 17 unique cognitive screening measures, 20 cognitive batteries, and 6 single-task measures were identified as being developed or adapted specifically for telephone administration. Tables summarizing the identified cognitive assessments, information on diagnostic accuracy, and comparisons to face-to-face cognitive assessment are included in supplementary materials. CONCLUSIONS Overall, literature suggests that TBCA is a viable modality for identifying cognitive impairment in various populations. However, the mode of assessment selected clinically should reflect an understanding of the purpose, evidence, and limitations for various tests and populations. Most identified measures were developed for research application to support gross cognitive characterization and to help determine when more comprehensive testing was needed. While TBCA is not meant to replace gold-standard, face-to-face evaluation, if appropriately utilized, it can expand scope of practice, particularly when barriers to standard neuropsychological assessment occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R Carlew
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Hudaisa Fatima
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Julia R Livingstone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Caitlin Reese
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Laura Lacritz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Cody Pendergrass
- Mental Health Department, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX 75216, USA
| | - Kenneth Chase Bailey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Chase Presley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Ben Mokhtari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Colin Munro Cullum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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12
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Bilder RM, Postal KS, Barisa M, Aase DM, Cullum CM, Gillaspy SR, Harder L, Kanter G, Lanca M, Lechuga DM, Morgan JM, Most R, Puente AE, Salinas CM, Woodhouse J. InterOrganizational practice committee recommendations/guidance for teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 34:1314-1334. [PMID: 32673163 PMCID: PMC7767580 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1767214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The Inter Organizational Practice Committee (IOPC) convened a workgroup to provide rapid guidance about teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: A collaborative panel of experts from major professional organizations developed provisional guidance for neuropsychological practice during the pandemic. The stakeholders included the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology/American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology, and the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. The group reviewed literature, collated federal, regional and state regulations and information from insurers, and surveyed practitioners to identify best practices.Results: Literature indicates that TeleNP may offer reliable and valid assessments, but clinicians need to consider limitations, develop new informed consent procedures, report modifications of standard procedures, and state limitations to diagnostic conclusions and recommendations. Specific limitations affect TeleNP assessments of older adults, younger children, individuals with limited access to technology, and individuals with other individual, cultural, and/or linguistic differences. TeleNP may be contraindicated or infeasible given specific patient characteristics, circumstances, and referral questions. Considerations for billing TeleNP services are offered with reservations that clinicians must verify procedures independently. Guidance about technical issues and "tips" for TeleNP procedures are provided.Conclusion: This document provides provisional guidance with links to resources and established guidelines for telepsychology. Specific recommendations extend these practices to TeleNP. These recommendations may be revised as circumstances evolve, with updates posted continuously at OPC.online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Bilder
- Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karen S. Postal
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Mark Barisa
- Performance Neuropsychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Darrin M. Aase
- Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - C. Munro Cullum
- Psychology Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Lana Harder
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Margaret Lanca
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David M. Lechuga
- Neurobehavioral Clinic and Counseling Center, Lake Forest, IL, USA
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13
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Benedict RHB, Amato MP, DeLuca J, Geurts JJG. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: clinical management, MRI, and therapeutic avenues. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:860-871. [PMID: 32949546 PMCID: PMC10011205 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30277-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the CNS. Cognitive impairment is a sometimes neglected, yet common, sign and symptom with a profound effect on instrumental activities of daily living. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis varies across the lifespan and might be difficult to distinguish from other causes in older age. MRI studies show that widespread changes to brain networks contribute to cognitive dysfunction, and grey matter atrophy is an early sign of potential future cognitive decline. Neuropsychological research suggests that cognitive processing speed and episodic memory are the most frequently affected cognitive domains. Narrowing evaluation to these core areas permits brief, routine assessment in the clinical setting. Owing to its brevity, reliability, and sensitivity, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, or its computer-based analogues, can be used to monitor episodes of acute disease activity. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test can also be used in clinical trials, and data increasingly show that cognitive processing speed and memory are amenable to cognitive training interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph H B Benedict
- Department of Neurology and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of Neurology, University of Florence, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Section Clinical Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Bilder RM, Postal KS, Barisa M, Aase DM, Cullum CM, Gillaspy SR, Harder L, Kanter G, Lanca M, Lechuga DM, Morgan JM, Most R, Puente AE, Salinas CM, Woodhouse J. Inter Organizational Practice Committee Recommendations/Guidance for Teleneuropsychology in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic†. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:647-659. [PMID: 32666093 PMCID: PMC7454875 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Inter Organizational Practice Committee convened a workgroup to provide rapid guidance about teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A collaborative panel of experts from major professional organizations developed provisional guidance for neuropsychological practice during the pandemic. The stakeholders included the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology/American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology, and the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. The group reviewed literature; collated federal, regional, and state regulations and information from insurers; and surveyed practitioners to identify best practices. RESULTS Literature indicates that TeleNP may offer reliable and valid assessments, but clinicians need to consider limitations, develop new informed consent procedures, report modifications of standard procedures, and state limitations to diagnostic conclusions and recommendations. Specific limitations affect TeleNP assessments of older adults, younger children, individuals with limited access to technology, and individuals with other individual, cultural, and/or linguistic differences. TeleNP may be contraindicated or infeasible given specific patient characteristics, circumstances, and referral questions. Considerations for billing TeleNP services are offered with reservations that clinicians must verify procedures independently. Guidance about technical issues and "tips" for TeleNP procedures are provided. CONCLUSION This document provides provisional guidance with links to resources and established guidelines for telepsychology. Specific recommendations extend these practices to TeleNP. These recommendations may be revised as circumstances evolve, with updates posted continuously at IOPC.online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Bilder
- Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karen S Postal
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Mark Barisa
- Performance Neuropsychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Darrin M Aase
- Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - C Munro Cullum
- Psychology Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Lana Harder
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Margaret Lanca
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David M Lechuga
- Neurobehavioral Clinic and Counseling Center, Lake Forest, IL, USA
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15
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Hewitt KC, Rodgin S, Loring DW, Pritchard AE, Jacobson LA. Transitioning to telehealth neuropsychology service: Considerations across adult and pediatric care settings. Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 34:1335-1351. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1811891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C. Hewitt
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sandra Rodgin
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David W. Loring
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alison E. Pritchard
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A. Jacobson
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Barcellos LF, Horton M, Shao X, Bellesis KH, Chinn T, Waubant E, Bakshi N, Marcus J, Benedict RH, Schaefer C. A validation study for remote testing of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2020; 27:795-798. [PMID: 32662747 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520937385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine the validity and reliability of a remote, technician-guided cognitive assessment for multiple sclerosis (MS), incorporating the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II). METHODS In 100 patients, we compared conventional in-person testing to remote, web-assisted assessments, and in 36 patients, we assessed test-retest reliability using two equivalent, alternative forms. RESULTS In-person and remote-administered SDMT (r = 0.85) and CVLT-II (r = 0.71) results were very similar. Reliability was adequate and alternative forms of SDMT (r = 0.92) and CVLT-II (r = 0.81) produced similar results. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate remote assessment can provide valid, reliable measures of cognitive function in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F Barcellos
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA/Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Mary Horton
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Xiaorong Shao
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Terrence Chinn
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Waubant
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ralph Hb Benedict
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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