CogEvo as An Early Detection Tool for Early Neurocognitive Decline in Healthy Middle-Aged and Elderly People in Japan

Abstract

Cognitive decline in middle age and old age occurs slowly without them realizing it. Early detection to identify neurocognitive changes is needed to maintain optimal cognitive status as a person ages. This study aimed to obtain standard values of CogEvo (Total Brain Care CO., Ltd., Kobe, Japan) for healthy middle-aged and elderly people in groups below the MoCA-J reference point. Participants were 20 adults aged 42-79 years who were involved in community-based activities in 10 municipalities in Japan. They were randomly assigned (RCT) into intervention and control groups based on monthly visits. Participants were asked to use the Soso touch application every day. Neurocognitive changes were measured using the Japanese version of CogEvo and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J). The use of these measuring instruments had no difference in sensitivity and specificity. Measurements were carried out every month for 6 months. The results of the study showed a relationship between age and flashing light (p=<0.01) and orientation (p=0.06), and only exercise was related to flashing light (p=0.01). Neurocognitive status was consistently indicated by the CogEvo instruments (t=-3.161; p=0.005) and MoCA-J (t=-4.225; p=<,001). Age and exercise factors determine neurocognitive status. Overall, the CogEvo instrument is better at detecting early changes in neurocognitive changes compared to the MoCA-J in middle age and the elderly.