title: Assessing Cognitive Function in Older Adults Using a Videoconference Approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of communication technologies is an emerging trend in healthcare and research. Despite efficient, reliable and accurate neuropsychological batteries to evaluate cognitive performance in-person, more diverse and less expensive and time consuming solutions are needed. Here we conducted a pilot study to determine the applicability of a videoconference (VC, Skype®) approach to assess cognitive function in older adults, using The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified - Portuguese version (TICSM-PT).
  
  
  METHODS
  After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 69 individuals (mean age=74.90±9.46years), selected from registries of local health centers and assisted-living facilities, were assessed on cognitive performance using videoconference, telephone and in-person approaches.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The videoconference administration method yielded comparable results to the traditional application. Correlation analyses showed high associations between the testing modalities: TICSM-PT VC and TICSM-PT telephone (r=0.885), TICSM-PT VC and MMSE face-to-face (r=0.801). Using the previously validated threshold for cognitive impairment on the TICSM-PT telephone, TICSM-PT VC administration presented a sensitivity of 87.8% and a specificity of 84.6%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings indicate for the range of settings where videoconference approaches can be used, and for their applicability and acceptability, providing an alternative to current cognitive assessment methods. Continued validation studies and adaptation of neuropsychological instruments is warranted.
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal.
authors: Teresa Costa
authors: TC
authors: Castanho
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal.
authors: Liliana
authors: L
authors: Amorim
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal.
authors: Pedro Silva
authors: PS
authors: Moreira
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal; Emergency Department, Intermediate Care Unit (EDIMCU), Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal.
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Mariz
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal.
authors: Joana Almeida
authors: JA
authors: Palha
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal.
authors: Nuno
authors: N
authors: Sousa
authors: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (CCAB), Braga, Portugal. Electronic address: nsantos@ecsaude.uminho.pt.
authors: Nadine Correia
authors: NC
authors: Santos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011174:Portugal; D012372:ROC Curve; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013689:Telephone; D049269:Videoconferencing
keywords: Ageing; Cognitive instruments; Epidemiological studies; Telemedicine