BackgroundDementia disorders are among the most common neurological diseases worldwide and pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems. However, the diagnosis of these diseases often occurs only in advanced stages. Targeted screening via an app could represent an effective strategy for early detection of cognitive impairments, allowing further diagnostics and treatment to be initiated in a timely manner, and enabling health and care planning [1].
ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare individual digital and analog subtests. This is intended to further investigate the validity of digiDEM-SCREEN compared to established test procedures and to highlight possible differences or consistencies in their informative value.
MethodThe study is a multicenter cross-sectional study in Bavaria. The participants are individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), individuals with mild to moderate dementia, and cognitively healthy individuals. All tests are conducted within a single visit and in a randomized order. For validation, the digiDEM SCREEN app was compared with the CERAD Test Battery. The CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease) dementia-specific neuropsychological test battery is an established instrument for assessing cognitive performance. digiDEM-SCREEN is a newly developed app that serves as a digital, orienting short test and examines similar cognitive domains [2]. The correlation between the results of the instruments used is calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. In detail, Trail Making Test A and B, figure copying, and word list recognition, as well as their respective digital counterparts, are examined.
Outlook: This study aims to validate the potential of a digital cognitive screening test and enhance its relevance for practical application. The comparison of individual scores from both instruments will provide a solid foundation for the future integration of digital methods into routine cognitive diagnostics.
Bibliography:
1 DGB e.V. & GDPPN e.V. S3 Guideline on Dementias, Version 5.0 2025.
https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/038-013 (last accessed: March 14, 2025).
2 Zeiler M, Dietzel N, Kammerer K, Frick U, Pryss R, Heuschmann P, Prokosch HU, Graessel E, Kolominsky-Rabas PL. Digital screening tool for the assessment of cognitive impairment in unsupervised setting-digiDEM-SCREEN: study protocol for a validation study. BMJ Open. 2025 Jan 11;15(1):e087256. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087256. PMID: 39800401.
Lecture presented at the 24th German Congress on Health Services Research on 09/23/2025
Michael Zeiler
