Preferences of NIA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center participants regarding remote assessment during the COVID‐19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID‐19 pandemic, in‐person research study visits were moved to an online format using a variety of communication platforms (e.g., Webex and Zoom). Increased technology use among older adults allowed for greater insight regarding the remote research study visit format. METHODS: A survey developed by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) was distributed among 12 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). The COVID‐19 Technology Accessibility Survey aimed to understand preferences of older adults regarding their research study visits and how they accessed the internet. RESULTS: Among 12 ADRCs, 2070 responses were received (mean age: 72.8 years [standard deviation (SD) = 10.4], mean education: 16.6 years [SD = 2.6], race/ethnicity: 85% White/non‐Hispanic). Among respondents, those with some form of cognitive impairment were more likely to prefer remote research study visits (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] vs. normal [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, P = 0.02] and dementia vs. normal [OR = 1.48, P < 0.01]). Respondents with cognitive impairment were also less likely to have interest in smartphone use during at‐home study visits (MCI vs. normal [OR = 0.71, P = 0.02] and dementia vs. normal [OR = 0.63, P < 0.001]). Results were similar regarding tablet use (MCI vs. normal [OR = 0.73, P = 0.04] and dementia vs. normal [OR = 0.72, P = 0.01]). Geographical location was analyzed in terms of the percentage of respondents in each region who preferred remote research study visits: West, 51%; Midwest, 34%; South, 41%; and Northeast, 57% (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Results from the study suggest that there is a growing interest in the remote research study visit format. Further studies will allow for greater understanding and development of this research format.