JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Tools for online self-testing for identification of cognitive impairment are widely available but of uncertain quality.

Objective:

Our objective was to undertake a scoping review of online self-tests for cognitive impairment and identify the validity of these tests.

Methods:

We conducted systematic searches in electronic databases including Google online, Google Play Store and iOS app store, using the search terms Online OR Internet-based AND Memory OR Brain OR Dementia OR mild cognitive impairment OR MCI AND Test OR Screen OR Check.

Results:

We identified 3057 tools, of which 39 met inclusion criteria. Most tools assessed multiple cognitive domains. The most frequently assessed domains were memory, attention and executive function. We then conducted an electronic survey with the developers of the tools to identify data relating to development and validation of each tool. If no response to the survey was received, Google (to identify grey literature), Google Scholar and Medline were searched using key terms '(name of developer, if available)' AND '(the name of the tool)’ to identify any additional data. Only seven tools had any information concerning psychometric quality, and only one tool reported data on performance norms, reliability, validity and sensitivity/specificity for detection of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the numbers of cognitive self-assessment eHealth tools for cognitive impairment are increasing but most are of uncertain quality. There is a need for well-validated tools and guidance for users concerning which tools provide reliable information about possible cognitive impairment that could warrant further investigation.