Abstract / Summary
The first chapter includes a systematic review that aims to examine the effectiveness of using digital cognitive assessments to assess Parkinson’s Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI). The second chapter (Phase I) includes the development of a novel cognitive test, Mater-Royal Parkinson’s Disease Cognitive Scale (M-R PDCS). The objectives were to continue to develop, validate, refine, and externally validate a novel cognitive screening instrument to differentiate normal cognition from Parkinson’s Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD-MCI). Using mixed methods, 20 experts within the field of PD-MCI reviewed the validity and acceptability of the M-R PDCS. The results and implications of Phase I informed recommendations for future research. Chapter 3 (Phase II) extends on from Phase I, further aiming to validate the M-R PDCS by collecting normative data (from people who do not have PD). A cross-sectional, quantitative method of design recruited 100 adults, who completed both the digital M-R PDCS and a digital version of the Addenbrooke’s (ACE-III) cognitive test. Aspects of reliability were also examined. The results and implications of these are discussed with recommendations for future research. Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2026.