Print This Post
Scientists studying aging and cognition constantly seek ways to move their field forward. For several years now, NIA-funded researchers have worked to develop and validate innovative tools to measure cognition across the lifespan that are accessible to more people.
This month, NIA is pleased to announce the rollout of the Mobile Toolbox (MTB), a tool that researchers can use to conduct digital tests of cognition through a smartphone app. It is designed to be easy to use, and it can be self-administered remotely in participants’ homes and other nonclinical settings.
The MTB provides reliable, consistent, performance-based measures of cognition across the lifespan. Moreover, it’s a research platform that scientists can use to develop apps that include additional measures beyond those in MTB, manage studies, and collect and organize data using the REDCap system that’s already in wide use.
What’s next for the MTB
Looking forward, NIA plans to fund the development, validation, and deployment of more new ways to measure physical, psychological, social, and behavioral functioning. These are all factors believed to be connected to cognitive change across the lifespan and may serve as early indicators of future mild cognitive impairment or dementia. NIA is also funding the development of norms for MTB measures using a nationally representative, age-stratified sample that will help scientists compare scores against national averages. Through these efforts, we hope to expand the use of the MTB and ultimately help improve earlier detection of dementia and clarify the differences in stages of disease progression.
Getting started with the MTB
Recently, NIA cohosted the NIH Toolbox® Assessments Conference, and it was thrilling to hear from scientists across multiple disciplines on how the MTB and related measurement systems are being used more widely and effectively. If you were unable to participate in the event, be sure to check out the conference videos online.
We encourage you to explore the MTB for your own research needs, and if you have questions, please email help@mobiletoolbox.org
Authors
Molly WAGSTER, Chief, Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Branch, Division of Neuroscience (DN).
Jonathan W. KING, Senior Scientific Advisor to the Division Director, Division of Behavioral and Social Research (DBSR).
