Back to Search Start Over

A Comparison of Computerized and Pencil-and-Paper Tasks in Assessing Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older People in the Newcastle 85+ Pilot Study.

Authors :
Collerton, Joanna
Collerton, Daniel
Arai, Yasumichi
Barrass, Karen
Eccles, Martin
Jagger, Carol
McKeith, Ian
Saxby, Brian K
Kirkwood, Tom
Source :
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Oct2007, Vol. 55 Issue 10, p1630-1635. 6p. 3 Charts.
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the acceptability and feasibility of computerized and pencil-and-paper tests of cognitive function in 85-year-old people. DESIGN: Group comparison of participants randomly allocated to pencil-and-paper (Wechsler Adult Intelligence and Memory Scales) or computerized (Cognitive Drug Research) tests of verbal memory and attention. SETTING: The Newcastle 85+ Pilot Study was the precursor to the Newcastle 85+ Study a United Kingdom Medical Research Council/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council cohort study of health and aging in the oldest-old age group. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-one community-dwelling individuals aged 85. MEASUREMENTS: Participant and researcher acceptability, completion rates, time taken, validity as cognitive measures, and psychometric utility. RESULTS: Participants randomized to computerized tests were less likely to rate the cognitive function tests as difficult (odds ratio (OR)=0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.07–0.39), stressful (OR=0.18, 95% CI=0.07–0.45), or unacceptable (OR=0.18, 95% CI=0.08–0.48) than those randomized to pencil-and-paper tests. Researchers were also less likely to rate participants as being distressed in the computer test group (OR=0.19, 95% CI=0.07–0.46). Pencil-and-paper tasks took participants less time to complete (mean±standard deviation 18±4 minutes vs 26±4 minutes) but had fewer participants who could complete all tasks (91% vs 100%). Both types of task were equally good measures of cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Computerized and pencil-and-paper tests are both feasible and useful means of assessing cognitive function in the oldest-old age group. Computerized tests are more acceptable to participants and administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00028614
Volume :
55
Issue :
10
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
26846304
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01379.x