What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

In this chapter the history of computerized cognitive testing for older adults is reviewed critically, challenges are being highlighted and solutions and emerging trends are discussed. Issues such as lack of validation, insufficiently documented psychometric properties and the high cost of computerized instruments are analyzed. At the same time a discussion concerning the lack of integration of computerized testing in healthcare highlights management issues and the need for a paradigm shift. Possible solutions to the issues presented and new avenues of research are identified. Emerging technologies such as adaptive testing, virtual reality (VR) environments, and reliable speech recognition software are presented and their potential is highlighted. At the same time social and scientific trends such as the shift to early detection and the increasing familiarity of older adults with technology are analyzed. The chapter concludes with an outline of the expected future of computerized testing.