Date of Graduation

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Michelle Gray

Committee Member

Nicholas Greene

Second Committee Member

Tyrone Washington

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease, cognition, cognitive assessment, cognitive impairment, dementia, early detection, eye-tracking, memory tests, screening, visual memory, visual paired comparison

Abstract

There are approximately 5.7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Early detection of cognitive impairment allows for earlier treatment, potentially slowing or halting cognitive decline. A 30-min web-camera eye tracking assessment (30-min VPC) has been validated as a tool to predict AD risk. However, a shorter version would allow for greater scalability and improve user experience. The purpose of this study was to: 1) determine the validity of the 5-minute web-camera based VPC test with the 30-min test, 2) determine the test-retest reliability of the 5-min test, 3) compare the 5-minute test scores of cognitively intact adults (18-39 years of age) to the scores of cognitively intact older adults (>65 years of age), 4) examine the relationship between the 5-min web camera based VPC test and additional cognitive tests. This prospective study included two groups, both with normal cognitive function: 24 young adults (26.5 + 7.4 years) and 20 older adults (79.3 + 6.4). Participants were tested on two separate occasions. Trial 1 included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Digit Symbol Coding, NIH Toolbox Assessment, 30-min VPC, and 5-min VPC. Trial 2 occurred at least 14 days later and participants completed the 5-min VPC, Digit Symbol Coding, NIH Toolbox, and dual-task walking assessments. The 5-min VPC significantly correlated to the 30-min VPC during the first (p = .003) and second (p = .001) trial, and showed significant test re-test reliability (p < .001). The 5-min VPC mean scores were 83% and 80% for Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively, with a significant time interaction (p = .04). There was a significant relationship between the 5-min VPC and DCCS ( p = .03), MoCA (p = .00), and Digit Symbol Coding (p = .00), during Trial 1. As well as Flanker (p < .01), PCPST (p = .00), PSMT (p < .01), MoCA (p = .00), and Digit Symbol Coding ( p = .00), during Trial 2. The results from this study suggest the 5-min VPC test is a valid and reliable tool to assess cognitive function.

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