Development of a Mobile Cognitive App for Detecting and Monitoring Change in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

NIH RePORTER · NIH · K23 · $179,309 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The diagnosis and monitoring of cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) requires valid and reliable assessment of cognitive change. Current limitations in traditionally used testing measures include the length of testing, low engagement, day-to day variability, few data points, and limits in the ability to identify subtle differences in normal individuals at risk for cognitive decline. Many of the currently available computerized assessment tools either (1) have not been updated to incorporate current cognitive neuroscience theory (2) do not target measures associated with the earliest neuroanatomical changes in brain aging and neurodegeneration and/or (3) do not capitalize on the benefits of digital technology to maximize valid and reliable cognitive data collection. Mobile and sensitive measures for detection of subtle cognitive change in preclinical Alzheimer's Disease (AD) along with biomarker measures of molecular pathology and neurodegeneration will combine to identify individuals who will benefit most from interventions. This project will include development and validation of two, engaging, user-friendly and empirically based cognitive assessment tasks and create the Mobile Cognitive App Performance Platform (mCAPP). The two cognitive tests will comprise: (1) a memory card game (already designed and pilot-tested) that includes similar pairs of objects and increasing memory load and (2) an executive functioning and processing speed test using a code completion game. The cognitive tests will include a high-ceiling and low floor to capture a range of ability, burst testing to increase reliability of the data, gamified design to increase engagement and motivation, and mobile- based design for capturing data in all environments. The mCAPP will be validated in a well-characterized cohort of older adults with normal cognition in the Penn Alzheimer's Disease Center. The cohort will concurrently complete a neuropsychological battery, high resolution structural MRI and amyloid PET imaging through funded P32 and R01 projects, which will be leveraged in this study to understand the relationships between cognitive performance and neuroimaging biomarker status. Structural imaging targets will include areas of the medial temporal lobe implicated in the earliest stages of preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of the mCAPP is to collect reliable and valid cognitive data to detect very early signs of AD-related cognitive change and remotely track response to interventions. Remotely administered, engaging cognitive tests that are sensitive to the earliest changes in individuals at risk for AD have the potential to expand our knowledge of cognition in aging, lead to early detection of cognitive variability, monitor change over time and change as a result of intervention. This project will facilitate collection of data to support larger studies with the mCAPP and career development opportunities in...

Key facts

NIH application ID
10441502
Project number
5K23AG065499-03
Recipient
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Principal Investigator
DAWN J MECHANIC-HAMILTON
Activity code
K23
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
$179,309
Award type
5
Project period
2020-09-15 → 2025-05-31