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. 2022 Mar 9;14(1):e12299.
doi: 10.1002/dad2.12299. eCollection 2022.

A novel computer adaptive word list memory test optimized for remote assessment: Psychometric properties and associations with neurodegenerative biomarkers in older women without dementia

Nikki H Stricker  1 , John L Stricker  1   2 , Aimee J Karstens  1 , Jennifer R Geske  3 , Julie A Fields  1 , Jason Hassenstab  4 , Christopher G Schwarz  5 , Nirubol Tosakulwong  3 , Heather J Wiste  3 , Clifford R Jack Jr  6 , Kejal Kantarci  6 , Michelle M Mielke  3   5
Affiliations

A novel computer adaptive word list memory test optimized for remote assessment: Psychometric properties and associations with neurodegenerative biomarkers in older women without dementia

Nikki H Stricker et al. Alzheimers Dement (Amst). .

Abstract

Introduction: This study established the psychometric properties and preliminary validity of the Stricker Learning Span (SLS), a novel computer adaptive word list memory test designed for remote assessment and optimized for smartphone use.

Methods: Women enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Specialized Center of Research Excellence (SCORE) were recruited via e-mail or phone to complete two remote cognitive testing sessions. Convergent validity was assessed through correlation with previously administered in-person neuropsychological tests (n = 96, ages 55-79) and criterion validity through associations with magnetic resonance imaging measures of neurodegeneration sensitive to Alzheimer's disease (n = 47).

Results: SLS performance significantly correlated with the Auditory Verbal Learning Test and measures of neurodegeneration (temporal meta-regions of interest and entorhinal cortical thickness, adjusting for age and education). Test-retest reliabilities across two sessions were 0.71-0.76 (two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients).

Discussion: The SLS is a valid and reliable self-administered memory test that shows promise for remote assessment of aging and neurodegenerative disorders.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Mayo Test Drive; Stricker Learning Span; Symbols Test; aging; cortical thickness; entorhinal cortex; hippocampus; learning; mobile health; reliability; smartphone; validity; web.

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Conflict of interest statement

NHS, KK, and MMMi serve as consultants to Biogen, and MMMi serves as a consultant to the Brain Protection Company, outside the scope of this work. KK receives research support from Avid and Eli Lilly, outside the scope of this work. CRJ serves on an independent data monitoring board for Roche, has served as a speaker for Eisai, and consulted for Biogen, but he receives no personal compensation from any commercial entity. CRJ receives research support from NIH, the GHR Foundation, and the Alexander Family Alzheimer's Disease Research Professorship of the Mayo Clinic. JH is a paid consultant for Lundbeck, Biogen, Roche, and Takeda, outside the scope of this work. A Mayo Clinic invention disclosure has been submitted for the Stricker Learning Span and the Mayo Test Drive platform (NHS, JLS). AJK, JRG, JAF, JH, CGS, NT, HJW, CRJ, KK, and MMM have no disclosures related to the content of this submission.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Example Mayo Test Drive screen shots. Note: Mayo Test Drive subtest screen shots are depicted here on a smartphone. A, Stricker Learning Span (SLS) is a computer adaptive word list memory test. Practice item SLS stimuli are displayed. Copyright © 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Used with permission from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, all rights reserved. B, Symbols Test is a processing speed measure. Copyright © 2017 Washington University in St. Louis. Used with permission from J. Hassenstab
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Example learning slopes for the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) and the Stricker Learning Span (SLS). Note: Data from two participants were selected to display example high and low performers on the SLS. The high performer (blue dashed line) showed high average learning performance on the AVLT (AVLT trials 1–5 total = 55, normative score of 57 T). The low performer (black solid line) showed mildly to moderately impaired learning performance on the AVLT (AVLT 1–5 total = 28, normative score of 28 T). These same two individuals showed a similar pattern of performance across SLS learning trials (panel B). The high performer (blue dashed line) showed a strongly positive learning slope over the 5 learning trials (SLS 1–5 total = 67), and a max span of 21. The greater slope increase seen on trials 3–5 on the SLS relative to the AVLT may indicate that our adaptive testing format is successfully raising the ceiling for this high performer. The low performer (black solid line) showed a comparatively flat learning slope (SLS 1–5 total = 34), and a max span of 8
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