Human-computer interaction in the administration and analysis of neuropsychological tests

We developed a computerized neuropsychological assessment software, which employs innovative features in both the presentation of the tests and the interpretation of the subjects' performance. The usability features of the software enabled elderly subjects with no computer experience to undergo the cognitive tests, without a test administrator being present. New features extracted from reaction times allowed for enhancement of the performance analysis of the tests. The software was validated using a large group of controls and then administered to a group of subjects with age related memory complaints. The results indicate an improved sensitivity of two of the computerized tests compared with the mini-mental state examination, which enabled to separate two groups of subjects from a population that was relatively homogenous based on clinical history, neurological examination and the mini-mental. state examination. (C) 2002 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.