Computerized Cognitive Tests (CCT) in elderly: A psychometric review

Introduction/aim

Computerized Cognitive Tests (CCT) play an increasing role in the assessment of elderly cognitive impairment. In this framework, it is important to review the psychometric data of the available CCT in the detection of cognitive decline.

Method

To analyse psychometric properties of the CCT, the available data concerning reliability and validity indices were considered.

Results

Only eleven CCT identified with elderly were retained to systematic review. 9 of 11 CCT present some results about their reliability properties; 8 of 11 CCT present results from concurrent validity; only 4 of 11 CCT present data concerning criterion validity; and just 4 of 11 CCT present some results regarding factor analysis.

Conclusion

There are only a few papers published with well-structured psychometric data (reliability and validity). Some results have important limitations concerning to the adequacy of reliability and validity indices and some of these CCT psychometric properties were not studied yet. Considering these limitations, more research on the CCT is needed, including systematic studies of their psychometric properties, and Item Response Theory should be considered.