The Language & Memory Test: International feasibility study of an unsupervised digital test of cognition for neurologic populations
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Background
Current cognitive outcomes are insufficient to monitor subtle change over time in neurologic populations. Challenging cognitive tests (i.e., cognitive “stress test”) unaffected by practice effects and learning are ideal for monitoring and tracking change. Here we describe the Language & Memory Test (LMT), an unsupervised digital test we developed to measure rapid naming, visuospatial memory, and fine motor dexterity, that takes approximately 4 minutes to complete.
Objective
Conduct feasibility study of the LMT in adults recruited across three countries; in English and non-English speaking participants; employing in-person, remote, and unsupervised administration modalities.
Methods
We investigated retest reliability, usability / tolerability, and equivalence across centers, administration modalities, and English / non-English speakers. We also evaluated performance across adult age groups: 18-40, 41-60, and 61+ years.
Results
The LMT was administered 555 times to 440 individuals ages 18-84 years in Canada, Iran, and the United States. Our sample was geographically and racially/ethnically diverse. Participants included a control sample of adults (n=115) and adults with a diagnosed neurologic disease (n=325). Of those invited to complete the LMT, 95.3% agreed; 99% of those who began the test completed it. Retest reliability was acceptable for finger tapping (Cronbach’s α =0.942) and language ( α =0.872), and marginally acceptable for memory 1 ( α= 0.604). Equivalence varied across administration modalities, centers/countries, settings, and English / non-English speakers. Expected age-related performance decrements were shown for all three subtests.
Conclusions
The LMT shows promise as a culturally adaptable tool for use in diverse neurologic populations.
