A new four-minute online assessment, Freeze Frame, developed by Posit Science, has been validated as a scientific measure of cognitive abilities related to independent living in older adults. The NIH-funded study, conducted in collaboration with McGill University researchers, demonstrates the assessment’s potential for convenient and frequent cognitive monitoring. This tool offers a significant advancement in monitoring and potentially improving cognitive aging, particularly in maintaining the crucial ability to live independently.
This readily accessible assessment addresses a critical gap in aging research and care. Traditional neuropsychological tests often require lengthy in-person appointments, creating a barrier to regular cognitive monitoring. Freeze Frame offers a practical solution for individuals and healthcare providers to track cognitive health more easily, potentially enabling earlier interventions and personalized care.
The McGill University study involved 92 healthy older adults aged 65 to 83. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between Freeze Frame scores and the NIH EXAMINER executive function composite score, a widely accepted measure. The assessment focuses on inhibitory control, a key component of executive function that involves suppressing impulsive reactions in favor of relevant actions. While showing expected minor correlations with age and gender, the study confirmed the assessment’s usability with an average completion time of four minutes.
This validated assessment, integrated with Posit Science’s BrainHQ brain training platform, could revolutionize how we approach cognitive aging. The direct link between the assessment and targeted exercises provides a powerful combination for monitoring and potentially improving cognitive performance, ultimately contributing to maintaining independence and quality of life in older adults.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
