Motivation, Worries and Digital Affinity in Cognitive Screening - Qualitative Findings From the CogScreen Study.

Abstract

Background: Subjective cognitive decline is considered one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease (AD), making early detection crucial for disease-modifying treatments to have the greatest impact. The CogScreen study, supported by the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative Healthcare System Preparedness Program, evaluates tools for community-based screening of AD in its early stages. This study investigates subjective experiences, focusing on motivations, concerns, and potential improvements regarding digital tools used in cognitive assessments.Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a random selection of 28 participants with subjective cognitive decline or healthy controls. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis (MAXQDA, VERBI Software, 2024). Results: Analysis identified emergent themes related to the usability of digital tools, the importance of clear communication, and the desire for a more personalized research experience. Participants highlighted motivations and concerns regarding the implementation of digital assessments. Discussion: Findings support the feasibility of integrating digital assessments in aging populations and underscore the importance of addressing participants' motivations, concerns, and digital affinity when introducing innovative tools into clinical practice. Conclusion: Insights from this study contribute to future participant engagement strategies and the development of early detection methods for cognitive impairment. Trial Registration: CogScreen is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06191952).