In a systematic review of 78 studies, digital cognitive biomarkers achieved comparable or better diagnostic performance than traditional paper-and-pencil tests for detecting MCI and dementia.
Systematic Review (n=78)
Do digital cognitive biomarkers from computerized tests improve the detection of mild cognitive impairment and dementia compared to traditional tests?
Digital cognitive biomarkers from computerized tests show comparable or superior diagnostic performance to traditional paper-and-pencil tests for detecting MCI and dementia.
The dementia population is increasing as the world's population is growing older. The current systematic review aims to identify digital cognitive biomarkers from computerized tests for detecting dementia and its risk state of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of digital cognitive biomarkers. A literature search was performed in three databases, and supplemented by a Google search for names of previously identified computerized tests. Computerized tests were categorized into five types, including memory tests, test batteries, other single/multiple cognitive tests, handwriting/drawing tests, and daily living tasks and serious games. Results showed that 78 studies were eligible. Around 90% of the included studies were rated as high quality based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Most of the digital cognitive biomarkers achieved comparable or even better diagnostic performance than traditional paper-and-pencil tests. Moderate to large group differences were consistently observed in cognitive outcomes related to memory and executive functions, as well as some novel outcomes measured by handwriting/drawing tests, daily living tasks, and serious games. These outcomes have the potential to be sensitive digital cognitive biomarkers for MCI and dementia. Therefore, digital cognitive biomarkers can be a sensitive and promising clinical tool for detecting MCI and dementia.
Ding et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review in Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (n=78). Digital cognitive biomarkers from computerized tests vs. Traditional paper-and-pencil tests was evaluated on Diagnostic performance for detecting MCI and dementia. In a systematic review of 78 studies, digital cognitive biomarkers achieved comparable or better diagnostic performance than traditional paper-and-pencil tests for detecting MCI and dementia.