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1.
Alzheimers Dement (N Y) ; 10(1): e12438, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38188606

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to understand whether older adults' longitudinal completion of assessments in an online Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)-related registry is influenced by self-reported medical conditions. METHODS: Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online cognitive aging and ADRD-related research registry that includes longitudinal health and cognitive assessments. Using logistic regressions, we examined associations between longitudinal registry completion outcomes and self-reported (1) number of medical conditions and (2) eight defined medical condition groups (cardiovascular, metabolic, immune system, ADRD, current psychiatric, substance use/abuse, acquired, other specified conditions) in adults aged 55+ (N = 23,888). Longitudinal registry completion outcomes were assessed by the completion of the BHR initial questionnaire (first questionnaire participants see at each visit) at least twice and completion of a cognitive assessment (Cogstate Brief Battery) at least twice. Models included ethnocultural identity, education, age, and subjective memory concern as covariates. RESULTS: We found that the likelihood of longitudinally completing the initial questionnaire was negatively associated with reporting a diagnosis of ADRD and current psychiatric conditions but was positively associated with reporting substance use/abuse and acquired medical conditions. The likelihood of longitudinally completing the cognitive assessment task was negatively associated with number of reported medical conditions, as well as with reporting cardiovascular conditions, ADRD, and current psychiatric conditions. Previously identified associations between ethnocultural identity and longitudinal assessment completion in BHR remained after accounting for the presence of medical conditions. DISCUSSION: This post hoc analysis provides novel, initial evidence that older adults' completion of longitudinal assessments in an online registry is associated with the number and types of participant-reported medical conditions. Our findings can inform future efforts to make online studies with longitudinal health and cognitive assessments more usable for older adults with medical conditions. The results need to be interpreted with caution due to selection biases, and the under-inclusion of minoritized communities.

2.
Alzheimers Dement ; 20(1): 652-694, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37698424

ABSTRACT

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) aims to improve Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. Since 2006, ADNI has shared clinical, neuroimaging, and cognitive data, and biofluid samples. We used conventional search methods to identify 1459 publications from 2021 to 2022 using ADNI data/samples and reviewed 291 impactful studies. This review details how ADNI studies improved disease progression understanding and clinical trial efficiency. Advances in subject selection, detection of treatment effects, harmonization, and modeling improved clinical trials and plasma biomarkers like phosphorylated tau showed promise for clinical use. Biomarkers of amyloid beta, tau, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and others were prognostic with individualized prediction algorithms available online. Studies supported the amyloid cascade, emphasized the importance of neuroinflammation, and detailed widespread heterogeneity in disease, linked to genetic and vascular risk, co-pathologies, sex, and resilience. Biological subtypes were consistently observed. Generalizability of ADNI results is limited by lack of cohort diversity, an issue ADNI-4 aims to address by enrolling a diverse cohort.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging , Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Neuroimaging/methods , Biomarkers , Disease Progression , tau Proteins , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging
3.
Alzheimers Dement ; 20(2): 846-857, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37797205

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, subjective reports of cognitive and functional decline from participant-study partner dyads is an efficient method of assessing cognitive impairment and clinical progression. METHODS: Demographics and subjective cognitive/functional decline (Everyday Cognition Scale [ECog]) scores from dyads enrolled in the Brain Health Registry (BHR) Study Partner Portal were analyzed. Associations between dyad characteristics and both ECog scores and study engagement were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 10,494 BHR participants (mean age = 66.9 ± 12.16 standard deviations, 67.4% female) have enrolled study partners (mean age = 64.3 ± 14.3 standard deviations, 49.3% female), including 8987 dyads with a participant 55 years of age or older. Older and more educated study partners were more likely to complete tasks and return for follow-up. Twenty-five percent to 27% of older adult participants had self and study partner-report ECog scores indicating a possible cognitive impairment. DISCUSSION: The BHR Study Partner Portal is a unique digital tool for capturing dyadic data, with high impact applications in the clinical neuroscience and AD fields. Highlights The Brain Health Registry (BHR) Study Partner Portal is a novel, digital platform of >10,000 dyads. Collection of dyadic online subjective cognitive and functional data is feasible. The portal has good usability as evidenced by positive study partner feedback. The portal is a potential scalable strategy for cognitive impairment screening in older adults.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Humans , Female , Aged , Middle Aged , Male , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Brain , Registries
4.
JAMA Netw Open ; 6(9): e2333786, 2023 09 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37707812

ABSTRACT

Importance: The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) is a well-validated instrument widely used to detect and stage dementia due to Alzheimer disease. The digital Electronic Clinical Dementia Rating (eCDR) can be remotely self-administered and automatically scored, with potential to facilitate efficient dementia screening and staging. Objective: To evaluate the association of the eCDR with the CDR and other in-clinic assessments for screening older adults for cognitive impairment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multisite, cross-sectional study used baseline data from a longitudinal, observational study from 2020 to 2023, including up to 3 years of follow-up. Participants were enrolled from 3 Alzheimer Disease Research Centers and the Brain Health Registry. Participants (aged ≥55 years, with a study partner, and no acute or unstable major medical conditions) were recruited during in-clinic visits or by automated emails. Exposures: Participants completed the Uniform Data Set Version 3 (UDS; including the CDR) in supervised clinical research settings, and then completed the eCDR remotely, online and unsupervised, using their own device. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were eCDR scores (item; categorical box and global; continuous box and global), CDR scores (item; categorical box and global), and UDS assessment scores. Associations were evaluated using linear and logistic regressions. Results: A total of 3565 participants were contacted, and 288 were enrolled. Among 173 participants with item-level data (mean [SD] age, 70.84 [7.65] years; 76 women [43.9%]), eCDR to CDR concordance was 90% or higher for 33 items (63%) and 70% to 89% for 13 items (25%). Box (domain) level concordance ranged from 80% (memory) to 99% (personal care). The global score concordance rate was 81%. κ statistics were fair to moderate. Among 206 participants with box and global scores (mean [SD] age, 71.34 [7.68] years; 95 women [46.1%]), eCDR continuous global score was associated with CDR global (categorical) score with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.87). Correlations between eCDR and in-clinic UDS assessments were similar to those between CDR sum of box scores and the same in-clinic assessments. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that the eCDR is valid and has potential use for screening and assessment of older adults for cognitive and functional decline related to Alzheimer disease. Instrument optimization and validation in diverse cohorts in remote settings are crucial for evaluating scalability and eCDR utility in clinical research, trials, and health care settings.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Humans , Female , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Ambulatory Care , Electronics , Mental Status and Dementia Tests
5.
Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord ; 37(3): 246-258, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37561950

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans for amyloid-ß can aid in the early and accurate detection of Alzheimer disease. The results of amyloid PET scans could help people with cognitive impairment and caregivers better understand their diagnosis; however, there are concerns that they could also cause psychological harm. METHODS: A systematic review of psychosocial and behavioral quantitative outcomes following the disclosure of an amyloid PET scan for persons living with cognitive impairment (subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's Disease, and other dementias) and caregivers. FINDINGS: Ten papers were identified from 7 studies. There was little evidence of an association between disclosure and depression. However, persons with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers with elevated levels of amyloid had an increased risk of distress or anxiety compared with those without elevated amyloid. Participants correctly recalled the scan results; however, it is unclear whether this led to an increased understanding of their diagnosis. We did not identify any studies measuring behavioral outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We found mixed evidence on the relationship between amyloid scans and psychosocial and behavioral outcomes in people with cognitive impairment and caregivers. These findings highlight the need for more methodologically rigorous research on this topic.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Humans , Caregivers , Early Diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging , Cognitive Dysfunction/complications , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Amyloid
6.
Alzheimers Dement ; 19(11): 4935-4951, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36965096

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Remote, internet-based methods for recruitment, screening, and longitudinally assessing older adults have the potential to facilitate Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials and observational studies. METHODS: The Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online registry that includes longitudinal assessments including self- and study partner-report questionnaires and neuropsychological tests. New initiatives aim to increase inclusion and engagement of commonly underincluded communities using digital, community-engaged research strategies. New features include multilingual support and biofluid collection capabilities. RESULTS: BHR includes > 100,000 participants. BHR has made over 259,000 referrals resulting in 25,997 participants enrolled in 30 aging and AD studies. In addition, 28,278 participants are coenrolled in BHR and other studies with data linkage among studies. Data have been shared with 28 investigators. Recent efforts have facilitated the enrollment and engagement of underincluded ethnocultural communities. DISCUSSION: The major advantages of the BHR approach are scalability and accessibility. Challenges include compliance, retention, cohort diversity, and generalizability. HIGHLIGHTS: Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online, longitudinal platform of > 100,000 members. BHR made > 259,000 referrals, which enrolled 25,997 participants in 32 studies. New efforts increased enrollment and engagement of underincluded communities in BHR. The major advantages of the BHR approach are scalability and accessibility. BHR provides a unique adjunct for clinical neuroscience research.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Brain , Humans , Aged , Patient Selection , Aging , Neuropsychological Tests , Registries , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/prevention & control
7.
J Affect Disord ; 326: 198-205, 2023 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36528135

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) has increasing prevalence with age. Both objective measures of cognitive dysfunction and subjective report of cognitive difficulties related to MDD are often thought to worsen with increasing age. However, few studies have directly evaluated these characteristics across the adult lifespan. METHODS: Participants included 23,594 adults completing objective and subjective measures of cognition on an online research registry. Linear regression including interactions of age group with depression was used to evaluate the association of self-reported MDD with measures of cognition in three age groups: 21-40 years; 41-60 years; 61+ years. RESULTS: MDD (n = 2127) demonstrated poorer objective cognitive performance and greater subjective ratings of cognitive difficulties across all domains assessed compared to non-depressed individuals (ND; n = 21,467). Significant interactions of age group and MDD status with objective and subjective measures of cognition were observed for both middle age and older adults when compared to young adults but few significant differences between middle-aged and older adults were evident. LIMITATIONS: This study relied on self-report of MDD diagnosis, utilized remotely administered and unsupervised measures of cognition, and the sample was not diverse. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of association between MDD and cognitive correlates appears to plateau in middle age. Our results suggest that increased rates of dementia are not due to greater cognitive consequence of MDD in older adults and that age effects, and not greater effects of depression, may lead to increased diagnosis of MDD based on subjective report of cognitive symptoms.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Depressive Disorder, Major , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Humans , Aged , Adult , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology , Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology , Cognition , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Self Report , Neuropsychological Tests
8.
Alzheimers Dement ; 19(4): 1549-1557, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36372959

ABSTRACT

The poor generalizability of clinical research data due to the enrollment of highly educated, non-Latinx White participants hampers the development of therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Black and Latinx older adults have a greater risk for dementia, yet it is unclear how health-care disparities and sociocultural factors influence potential AD therapies and prognosis. Low enrollment of under-represented populations may be attributable to several factors including greater exclusion due to higher rates of comorbidities, lower access to AD clinics, and the legacy of unethical treatment in medical research. This perspective outlines solutions tested in the Brain Health Registry (BHR) and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), including culturally-informed digital research methods, community-engaged research strategies, leadership from under-represented communities, and the reduction of exclusion criteria based on comorbidities. Our successes demonstrate that it is possible to increase the inclusion and engagement of under-represented populations into US-based clinical studies, thereby increasing the generalizability of their results.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/epidemiology , Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Research Design , Neuroimaging/methods , Brain , Cohort Studies
9.
Alzheimers Dement ; 19(5): 1714-1728, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36193827

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This culturally tailored enrollment effort aims to determine the feasibility of enrolling 5000 older Latino adults from California into the Brain Health Registries (BHR) over 2.25 years. METHODS: This paper describes (1) the development and deployment of culturally tailored BHR websites and digital ads, in collaboration with a Latino community science partnership board and a marketing company; (2) an interim feasibility analysis of the enrollment efforts and numbers, and participant characteristics (primary aim); as well as (3) an exploration of module completion and a preliminary efficacy evaluation of the culturally tailored digital efforts compared to BHR's standard non-culturally tailored efforts (secondary aim). RESULTS: In 12.5 months, 3603 older Latino adults were enrolled (71% of the total California Latino BHR initiative enrollment goal). Completion of all BHR modules was low (6%). DISCUSSION: Targeted ad placement, culturally tailored enrollment messaging, and culturally tailored BHR websites increased enrollment of Latino participants in BHR, but did not translate to increased module completion. HIGHLIGHTS: Culturally tailored social marketing and website improvements were implemented. The efforts enrolled 5662 Latino individuals in 12.5 months. The number of Latino Brain Health Registry (BHR) participants increased by 122.7%. We failed to adequately enroll female Latinos and Latinos with lower education. Future work will evaluate effects of a newly released Spanish-language BHR website.


Subject(s)
Hispanic or Latino , Marketing , Female , Humans , Internet , Registries , Aged
10.
Alzheimers Dement ; 18(12): 2603-2613, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35213778

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: An analysis of the ethnocultural and socioeconomic composition of Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants is needed to assess the generalizability of ADNI data to diverse populations. METHODS: ADNI data collected between October 2004 and November 2020 were used to determine ethnocultural and educational composition of the sample and differences in the following metrics: screening, screen fails, enrollment, biomarkers. RESULTS: Of 3739 screened individuals, 11% identified as being from ethnoculturally underrepresented populations (e.g., Black, Latinx) and 16% had <12 years of education. Of 2286 enrolled participants, 11% identified as ethnoculturally underrepresented individuals and 15% had <12 years of education. This participation is considerably lower than US Census data for adults 60+ (ethnoculturally underrepresented populations: 25%; <12 years of education: 4%). Individuals with <12 years of education failed screening at a higher rate. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that ADNI results may not be entirely generalizable to ethnoculturally diverse and low education populations.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Humans , Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging , Neuroimaging/methods , Educational Status , Biomarkers
11.
Alzheimers Dement ; 18(12): 2627-2636, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35226409

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Use of online registries to efficiently identify older adults with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an approach with growing evidence for feasibility and validity. Linked biomarker and registry data can facilitate AD clinical research. METHODS: We collected blood for plasma biomarker and genetic analysis from older adult Brain Health Registry (BHR) participants, evaluated feasibility, and estimated associations between demographic variables and study participation. RESULTS: Of 7150 participants invited to the study, 864 (12%) enrolled and 629 (73%) completed remote blood draws. Participants reported high study acceptability. Those from underrepresented ethnocultural and educational groups were less likely to participate. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the challenges of remote blood collection from a large representative sample of older adults. Remote blood collection from > 600 participants within a short timeframe demonstrates the feasibility of our approach, which can be expanded for efficient collection of plasma AD biomarker and genetic data.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Humans , Aged , Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Alzheimer Disease/psychology , Brain , Biomarkers , Cognitive Dysfunction/genetics , Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology , Registries
12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34139954

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the ReVeReTM word list recall test (RWLRT), which uses speech recognition, when administered remotely and unsupervised. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Participants included 249 cognitively intact community dwelling older adults. Measures included clinician administered neuropsychological assessments at baseline and unsupervised remotely administered tests of cognition from six time-points over six months. RESULTS: The RWLRT showed acceptable validity. Reliability coefficients varied across time points, with poor reliability between times 1 and 2 and fair-to-good reliability across the remaining five testing sessions. Practice effects were observed with repeated administration as expected. DISCUSSION: Unsupervised computerized tests of cognition, particularly word list learning and memory tests that use speech recognition, have significant potential for large scale early detection and long-term tracking of cognitive decline due to AD.


Subject(s)
Speech Perception , Aged , Cognition , Humans , Learning , Neuropsychological Tests , Prospective Studies , Reproducibility of Results
13.
Alzheimers Dement (Amst) ; 13(1): e12207, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34136635

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the extent to which subjective and objective data from an online registry can be analyzed using machine learning methodologies to predict the current brain amyloid beta (Aß) status of registry participants. METHODS: We developed and optimized machine learning models using data from up to 664 registry participants. Models were assessed on their ability to predict Aß positivity using the results of positron emission tomography as ground truth. RESULTS: Study partner-assessed Everyday Cognition score was preferentially selected for inclusion in the models by a feature selection algorithm during optimization. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that inclusion of study partner assessments would increase the ability of machine learning models to predict Aß positivity.

14.
Alzheimers Dement ; 17(5): 866-887, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33583100

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Convenient, cost-effective tests for amyloid beta (Aß) are needed to identify those at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). This systematic review evaluates recent models that predict dichotomous Aß. (PROSPERO: CRD42020144734). METHODS: We searched Embase and identified 73 studies from 29,581 for review. We assessed study quality using established tools, extracted information, and reported results narratively. RESULTS: We identified few high-quality studies due to concerns about Aß determination and analytical issues. The most promising convenient, inexpensive classifiers consist of age, apolipoprotein E genotype, cognitive measures, and/or plasma Aß. Plasma Aß may be sufficient if pre-analytical variables are standardized and scalable assays developed. Some models lowered costs associated with clinical trial recruitment or clinical screening. DISCUSSION: Conclusions about models are difficult due to study heterogeneity and quality. Promising prediction models used demographic, cognitive/neuropsychological, imaging, and plasma Aß measures. Further studies using standardized Aß determination, and improved model validation are required.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/genetics , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Biomarkers/blood , Brain/pathology , Predictive Value of Tests , Amyloid beta-Peptides/blood , Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism , Apolipoproteins E/genetics , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging
15.
Alzheimers Dement (N Y) ; 7(1): e12118, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33614891

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Remote data collection, including the establishment of online registries, is a novel approach to efficiently identify risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older adults, with growing evidence for feasibility and validity. Addition of genetic data to online registries has the potential to facilitate identification of older adults at risk and to advance the understanding of genetic contributions to AD. METHODS: 573 older adult participants with longitudinal online Brain Health Registry (BHR) data underwent apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping using remotely collected saliva samples and a novel, automated Biofluid Collection Management Portal. We evaluated acceptability of genetic sample collection and estimated associations between (1) sociodemographic variables and willingness to participate in genetics research and (2) APOE results and online cognitive and functional assessments. We also assessed acceptance of hypothetical genetics research participation by surveying a larger sample of 25,888 BHR participants. RESULTS: 51% of invited participants enrolled in the BHR genetics study, BHR-GenePool Study (BHR-GPS); 27% of participants had at least one APOE ε4 allele. Older participants and those with higher educational attainment were more likely to participate. In the remotely administered Cogstate Brief Battery, APOE ε4/ε4 homozygotes (HM) had worse online learning scores, and greater decline in processing speed and attention, compared to ε3/ε4 heterozygotes (HT) and ε4 non-carriers (NC). DISCUSSION: APOE genotyping of more than 500 older adults enrolled in BHR supports the feasibility and validity of a novel, remote biofluids collection approach from a large cohort of older adults, with data linkage to longitudinal online cognitive data. This approach can be expanded for efficient collection of genetic data and other information from biofluids in the future.

16.
Alzheimers Dement (Amst) ; 12(1): e12102, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33005723

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to predict brain amyloid beta (Aß) status in older adults using collected information from an online registry focused on cognitive aging. METHODS: Aß positron emission tomography (PET) was obtained from multiple in-clinic studies. Using logistic regression, we predicted Aß using self-report variables collected in the Brain Health Registry in 634 participants, as well as a subsample (N = 533) identified as either cognitively unimpaired (CU) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cross-validated area under the curve (cAUC) evaluated the predictive performance. RESULTS: The best prediction model included age, sex, education, subjective memory concern, family history of Alzheimer's disease, Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form, self-reported Everyday Cognition, and self-reported cognitive impairment. The cross-validated AUCs ranged from 0.62 to 0.66. This online model could help reduce between 15.2% and 23.7% of unnecessary Aß PET scans in CU and MCI populations. DISUCSSION: The findings suggest that a novel, online approach could aid in Aß prediction.

17.
Alzheimers Dement ; 16(10): 1426-1437, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32715602

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of functional status is associated with risk of cognitive decline and diagnosis of dementia, and can be assessed by participants and study partners (SPs). METHODS: In 770 older adults enrolled in the Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) study and the online Brain Health Registry (BHR), we estimated associations between online assessments and clinical variables related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. RESULTS: Worse online learning scores and SP-reported functional decline were associated with higher probability of AD dementia diagnosis and poor in-clinic cognitive assessment, and with higher odds of amyloid beta (Aß) positivity when combined with participants' report of less decline. SP report of functional decline conferred predictive value independent of online cognitive assessments. Participants underreported decline compared to SPs. DISCUSSION: The results support the validity of online assessments and their greater utilization in healthcare and research settings. Online SP-reported functional decline is an indicator of dementia and AD risk.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Neuropsychological Tests , Online Systems , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Dementia/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Male
18.
Alzheimers Dement (N Y) ; 6(1): e12028, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32478165

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the relationship of sociodemographic variables with older adults participation in an online registry for recruitment and longitudinal assessment in cognitive aging. METHODS: Using Brain Health Registry (BHR) data, associations between sociodemographic variables (sex, race, ethnicity, education) and registry participation outcomes (task completion, willingness to participate in future studies, referral/enrollment in other studies) were examined in adults aged 55+ (N = 35,919) using logistic regression. All models included sex, race, ethnicity, education, age, and subjective memory concern. RESULTS: Non-white race, being Latino, and lower educational attainment were associated with decreased task completion and enrollment in additional studies. Results for sex were mixed. DISCUSSION: The findings provide novel information about engagement in online aging-related registries, and highlight a need to develop improved engagement strategies targeting underrepresented sociodemographic groups. Increasing registry diversity will allow researchers to refer more representative populations to Alzheimer's and related dementias prevention and treatment trials.

19.
J Alzheimers Dis ; 69(2): 385-399, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30958384

ABSTRACT

Based on clinical observations of severe episodic memory (EM) impairment in dementia of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a brief, computerized EM test was developed for AD patient evaluation. A continuous recognition task (CRT) was chosen because of its extensive use in EM research. Initial experience with this computerized CRT (CCRT) showed patients were very engaged in the test, but AD patients had marked failure in recognizing repeated images. Subsequently, the test was administered to audiences, and then a two-minute online version was implemented (http://www.memtrax.com). The online CCRT shows 50 images, 25 unique and 25 repeats, which subjects respectively either try to remember or indicate recognition as quickly as possible. The pictures contain 5 sets of 5 images of scenes or objects (e.g., mountains, clothing, vehicles, etc.). A French company (HAPPYneuron, SAS) provided the test for 2 years, with these results. Of 18,477 individuals, who indicated sex and age 21-99 years and took the test for the first time, 18,007 individuals performed better than chance. In this group, age explained 1.5% of the variance in incorrect responses and 3.5% of recognition time variance, indicating considerable population variability. However, when averaging for specific year of age, age explained 58% of percent incorrect variance and 78% of recognition time variance, showing substantial population variability but a major age effect. There were no apparent sex effects. Further studies are indicated to determine the value of this CCRT as an AD screening test and validity as a measure of EM impairment in other clinical conditions.


Subject(s)
Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods , Memory, Episodic , Psychomotor Performance/physiology , Reaction Time/physiology , Recognition, Psychology/physiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , France/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Photic Stimulation/methods , Young Adult
20.
JMIR Ment Health ; 5(2): e19, 2018 Apr 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29678804

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postpartum anxiety can have adverse effects on the mother and child if left untreated. Time constraints and stigma are common barriers to postpartum treatment. Web-based treatments offer potential flexibility and anonymity. What Am I Worried About (WaWa) is a self-guided treatment based on cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness principles for women experiencing postpartum anxiety. WaWa was developed in Australia and consists of 9 modules with optional weekly telephone support. WaWa was adapted to a Web-based version for use in England (Internet-based What Am I Worried About, iWaWa). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility (engagement and usability) and acceptability (usefulness, satisfaction, and helpfulness) of iWaWa among English postpartum women with anxiety. METHODS: Postpartum (<12 months) women with mild-to-severe anxiety were recruited anonymously via social media during an 8-week period. Participants were randomized to the iWaWa treatment (8 weeks) or wait-list control group. Treatment and study feasibility and acceptability were assessed after the treatment, and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks postrandomization, and 12 weeks postrandomization (treatment group only) using Web-based questionnaires. Semistructured telephone interviews were carried out after the treatment period for a more in-depth exploration of treatment acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: A total of 89 eligible women were recruited through social media and randomized into the treatment (n=46) or wait-list control group (n=43). Women were predominantly Caucasian, well-educated, married, on maternity leave, first-time mothers and reported moderate levels of anxiety. Dropout rates were high, especially in the treatment group (treatment: 82%, 38/46; wait-list control: 51%, 22/43). A total of 26 women started iWaWa with only 2 women completing all 9 modules. Quantitative and qualitative data suggest iWaWa was experienced as generally useful and helpful. Participants enjoyed iWaWa's accessibility, anonymity, and weekly reminders, as well as the introduction to the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. However, iWaWa was also experienced as not user-friendly enough, too long, and not smartphone-friendly. Parts of the content were experienced as not always relevant and appropriate. Participants felt that iWaWa could be improved by having it in a smartphone app format and by making the content more concise and inclusive of different parenting styles. CONCLUSIONS: Despite interest in iWaWa, the results suggest that both the study and iWaWa were not feasible in the current format. However, this first trial provides useful evidence about treatment format and content preferences that can inform iWaWa's future development, as well as research and development of Web-based postpartum anxiety treatments, in general, to optimize adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02434406; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02434406 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xTq7Bwmd).

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