Researchers develop cognitive testing app for at-home use
The task seems simple on its face: Connect a series of numbered dots scattered on a piece of paper in sequential order. It's the first set of directions participants are asked to follow as part of the Trail Making Test, a neuropsychological assessment designed to measure a person's brain functions, including cognitive flexibility, their capacity to plan and make decisions on the fly, and…
Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a mobile app for cognitive testing that can be completed at home using smartphones or tablets. The Trail Making Test, a widely used assessment of cognitive flexibility, planning, and processing speed, was tested via the app. Participants found both the digital and traditional paper versions of the test easy to use.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Adult Changes in Thought Study, aimed to evaluate whether home-based testing could yield reliable data comparable to in-person assessments. Results showed that digital drawing tasks provided more detailed information than paper-and-pencil versions. While promising, further research with a larger sample is needed to fully assess the app's potential.
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