Computer-based neurocognitive testbatteries in elderly

Demographic change is a challenge also for the ENT specialist. Due to the close relationship between hearing and cognition, neurocognitive testing is becoming an issue in audiology. Unfortunately, most cognitive assessments are paper pencil based and thereby time consuming. Computer-based assessments might be an option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of computer- based testing in elderly ENT patients.

Since 2016 all cochlear implant recipients aged 50 years and older were invited to participate in a neurocognitive computer-based testing by the ALAcog. This assessment was developed at the ifaDo, Dortmund according to well established pen and pencil tests including various tests with regard to attention, inhibition, working memory as well as short-and long term memory tasks. Beside the main test of 30 minutes a pre-session under the supervision of a therapist was included to allow the patient to get familiar with the computer. Up to now 308 test runs of normal and hearing impaired patients (133 < 65 years, 175 = 65 years) have been undertaken.

A first analysis of 171 patients (mean age 64,75y) revealed that age has a major impact on PC experience (p=0,00000) as well as on the duration of the pre-test (0,005). Although elderly required 8,9 minutes longer to complete the pre-session, the ALAcog was evaluated as positive. Whereas patients at the age of 65 or older claimed that computer based testing is an option for all ages, younger patients denied this (p=0,02). A pretest under the supervision of a personal assistent was appreciated by all. In general older patients mentioned to prefer the digital to a paper pencil version (p=0,02).

Computer-based testing in an option even for elderly patients in case a personal introduction is included.

Poster-PDF A-1998.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020