Characterisation of online, remote neuropsychological test performance in people with and without subjective cognitive decline

Peterson, Katie Ann (2024) Characterisation of online, remote neuropsychological test performance in people with and without subjective cognitive decline. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent a preclinical stage of dementia for a subsample of people. Detection of the very earliest cognitive changes in preclinical dementia may identify those at risk of further decline. The development of online, remote neuropsychological assessment paradigms may provide a cost-effective method of assessing and monitoring SCD. However, their psychometric properties must be established. This thesis aimed to evaluate the utility of online, remote neuropsychological testing for assessing and monitoring SCD. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesise the research into episodic memory performance by people with SCD, to begin to characterise a “cognitive profile” of SCD which may be detected using neuropsychological assessment. An empirical study was then conducted to (i) assess the test-retest reliability of a novel, online neuropsychological test battery (NeurOn), completed remotely by participants with and without SCD (Non-SCD), and (ii) investigate group differences in performance. The results of the present research indicate that SCD is associated with significant episodic memory impairment compared to Non-SCD. The empirical study found evidence for moderate reliability of online and remote assessment using specific NeurOn tests (Sustained Attention to Response Test, Picture Recognition, and Trail-Making Test A) in both groups. However, no group differences in neuropsychological test performance were identified. Limitations of the present research are discussed along with recommended future directions. Overall, the findings suggest that SCD is associated with subtle cognitive impairment, and online, remote neuropsychological assessment offers a reliable method for assessing and monitoring SCD.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2024 11:39
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2024 11:39
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97602
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item