Table 1.
Computerized assessments used in AD clinical trials
| Assessment | Domains | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM)53 | Psychomotor speed, memory, attention; notably weak — language, delayed recall | Correctly classified 100% of AD patients vs. age-matched control | Weakness: patients often exhibited procedural confusion |
| Computer Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (CAMCI)54 | Attention, executive function, memory, processing speed | High sensitivity (86%) and specificity (94%) in MCI detection | Only one published study available, no data available in AD population |
| Computer-Administered Neuropsychological Screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment (CANS-MCI)55 | Language, memory, executive function | Strong correlation with conventional tests | Only one published study available, no longitudinal data available |
| Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)56,57 | Working memory, attention, visuospatial memory | Early detection of memory deficits | Study data is available for only a small selection of subtests |
| Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS)58 | Memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, cognitive flexibility, complex attention | Discrimination of normal control vs. MCI, MCI vs. mild AD | Lack of normative data for older age groups |
| Cognitive Drug Research (CDR/COGDRAS)59 | Memory, attention, reaction time | Sensitivity in discriminating DAT vs. other forms of dementia | Adds little diagnostic value to basic clinical workup |
| CogState60 | Working memory, executive function, attention, reaction time; notably weak – verbal ability | Designed for repeat administration | Difficult to distinguish early MCI from healthy controls without several rounds of administration |
| Cognitive Skills Index (CSI) 61 | Memory, attention, response speed, processing speed | Correlated well with diagnosis in geriatric clinic setting | All stimuli are presented non-verbally |
| MicroCog (Aeromedical Consultation Services62 | Memory, attention, reaction time, spatial ability, reasoning and calculation | Cognitive scoring significantly correlated with Full IQ component WAIS-III | Significant anxiety / frustration in cognitively impaired subjects |
| Mindstreams (Neurotrax)63 | Memory, executive function, visuospatial, verbal fluency, attention, motor skills, information processing | Effective in detection of MCI / mild AD even when depressive symptoms are present | Length of time required for completion (45-60 min) |