Scientific and ethical features of English-language online tests for Alzheimer's disease.

Authors :: Robillard JM
Illes J
Arcand M
Beattie BL
Hayden S
Lawrence P
McGrenere J
Reiner PB
Wittenberg D
Jacova C
Source :: Alzheimer's & dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands) [Alzheimers Dement (Amst)] 2015 Jul 02; Vol. 1 (3), pp. 281-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Jul 02 (Print Publication: 2015).
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: Introduction: Freely accessible online tests for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are widely available. The objective of this study was to evaluate these tests along three dimensions as follows: (1) scientific validity; (2) human-computer interaction (HCI) features; and (3) ethics features.<br />Methods: A sample of 16 online tests was identified through a keyword search. A rating grid for the tests was developed, and all tests were evaluated by two expert panels.<br />Results: Expert analysis revealed that (1) the validity of freely accessible online tests for AD is insufficient to provide useful diagnostic information; (2) HCI features of the tests are adequate for target users, and (3) the tests do not adhere to accepted ethical norms for medical interventions.<br />Discussion: The most urgent concerns raised center on the ethics of collecting and evaluating responses from users. Physicians and other professionals will benefit from a heightened awareness of these tools and their limitations today.

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