Tele-Assessment of Cognition and Discourse Production

Abstract

<p>Brain and neurological conditions that impair cognition and speech often result also in specific needs, such as mobility support, that make telecare (including tele-assessment) an attractive option to improve care accessibility. Despite accelerated developments of telecare in general during the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains challenges to conduct tele-assessments in these populations. Especially in people living with dementia and stroke, two highly prevalent conditions requiring sensitive and reliable assessments for early detection and progress monitoring. Additional barriers to remote assessments using videoconferencing technology or simple phone calls include sensory decline, low IT literacy, and other functional and age-related issues (e.g., understanding of verbal instructions and fingertip sensitivity for touchscreen technology). This chapter will give an overview of the latest developments in tele-assessments in dementia and stroke, with a focus on cognitive screening tests and discourse production, considering the relevance of these tests in clinical practice and their untapped research potentials. The practice wisdom of tele-assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Oxford Cognitive Screen-Plus, and Main Concept Analysis will be shared. These remote tests, when implemented properly, hold the potential of supporting greater access to early assessment, and providing digital biomarkers as more sensitive outcome measures to monitor changes in intervention and research.<br></p>