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Clinical Trial
. 2011 Sep;26(6):484-91.
doi: 10.1177/1533317511426133. Epub 2011 Nov 22.

A novel technology to screen for cognitive impairment in the elderly

David W Wright  1 , Harriet Nevárez, Patrick Kilgo, Michelle LaPlaca, Amber Robinson, Shawn Fowler, John Brumfield, Felicia C Goldstein
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

A novel technology to screen for cognitive impairment in the elderly

David W Wright et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Traditional evaluation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be costly, time consuming, and impractical for widespread screening. DETECT is a portable device developed to rapidly perform cognitive testing in diverse settings. This study compares DETECT with formal clinical assessment.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional comparison of the DETECT device versus an expert neuropsychologist's assessment (NPA). A total of 405 participants ≥65 years old, recruited from geriatric clinics and retirement facilities, completed both DETECT and NPA. Multivariable logistic regression methods were used to evaluate the degree of correlation between DETECT testing and the NPA diagnosis.

Results: Predictive modeling demonstrated very good ability to discriminate between normal, MCI, and dementia per the NPA reference standard using DETECT subtests (c = 0.85 for any impairment; c = 0.99 for dementia).

Conclusion: DETECT scores closely correlate with NPA. DETECT can identify and discriminate between normal, MCI, and dementia and could be incorporated as a screener for MCI.

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Conflict of interest statement

Drs. Wright and LaPlaca are co-inventors of the DETECT technology. After the completion of this study, a patent was filed and is pending. A start-up company, Zenda Technologies, has formed around the technology. Dr Wright, Dr LaPlaca, and Mr Brumfield are not employees of the company but do retain financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The DETECT system.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Box plots of DETECT-generated probabilities of impairment by neuropsychological diagnosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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