An Innovative Language Controlled Tablet-Based Cognitive Test: Harmonizing Dementia Screening across High and Low Literacy Countries

An Innovative Language Controlled Tablet-Based Cognitive Test: Harmonizing Dementia Screening across High and Low Literacy Countries (Harmonization) study evaluates a novel tablet-based cognition testing approach to reduce cultural or educational bias in cognitive assessments. In collaboration with Oxford University, we use an innovative language controlled tablet-based program to assess cognition in the Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) study cohort. We implement the tablet-based assessment on a sample of participants aged 50 and older in Agincourt, South Africa, and validate it against standard cognitive batteries, clinical assessments, and informant assessments that are harmonized with other Health and Retirement Studies. The survey was implemented by the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies and the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand. The survey was conducted between September 2016 – July 2017 and was administered by local field workers in Shangaan at the participants' homes using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI). Data was collected on memory, orientation, language, attention/concentration, and executive functioning cognitive domains. The Harmonization study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA).