Impact of the HK-VMT Platform on Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment and Promotion of Healthy Behaviors in Older Adults

Tung, Fung Ada Wai; Ling, Ma Suk · 2025 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1101/2025.05.13.25327489

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Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Hong Kong-Vigilance and Memory Test (HK-VMT) platform, a web-based tool designed to facilitate the early detection of cognitive impairment and promote healthy behaviors in community-dwelling older adults. Motivated by the global rise in dementia and the limitations of current clinical practices that often focus on post-onset management, the research addresses the need for accessible, preclinical screening tools. The HK-VMT platform integrates the Cognitive Ageing Risk Score (CARS) for risk assessment with the HK-VMT for cognitive testing, aiming to bridge the gap in community-level preventive care by providing immediate, personalized feedback and lifestyle recommendations. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 517 adults aged 50 and above, recruited through community outreach events between July 2024 and March 2025. Participants underwent a two-stage screening process: first, a dementia risk assessment using CARS, which evaluates demographic, health, and behavioral factors; second, a cognitive assessment using HK-VMT for those identified as high-risk. The platform collected data on socio-demographic, psychological, medical, and physiological factors, including Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping. Cognitive performance was also measured using the Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) for comparison. User feedback regarding platform accessibility, awareness, and behavioral intentions was gathered via surveys and interviews. The results indicated that 19.7% of participants were at high risk for dementia, while 34.3% exhibited some form of cognitive impairment, including 11.4% with cognitive deficits, 21.9% with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and 1% with significant impairments. Notably, the HK-VMT platform detected 15.9% more MCI cases than the conventional HK-MoCA, particularly among highly educated individuals. Most participants (98%) possessed at least one modifiable risk factor, with poor sleep, loneliness, and hypertension being the most prevalent. Cognitive scores were significantly lower in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, poor sleep, loneliness, and lack of mind-body exercise. Furthermore, 78% of participants with cognitive impairments were previously unaware of their condition. Following the screening, over 95% reported improved understanding of their cognitive health, and more than 80% expressed intentions to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as increasing physical activity and improving diet. The study concludes that the HK-VMT platform is a scalable, effective solution for early detection of cognitive deficits preceding MCI in community settings. By identifying subtle cognitive changes and modifiable risk factors, the platform enhances public awareness and motivates proactive behavioral changes. The findings suggest that integrating such digital screening tools into routine community health services can reduce disparities in preventive care, support healthy ageing, and empower individuals to manage their brain health through targeted lifestyle modifications.

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• mci dementia driving