MemTrax: a computerized continuous recognition task using in screening and monitoring for cognitive change

Ya ZHANG; Zhong PEI

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.008

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Chinese Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders ›› 2025, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (3) : 200-206. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.008

Review

MemTrax: a computerized continuous recognition task using in screening and monitoring for cognitive change

Ya ZHANG ,
Zhong PEI

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Abstract

Cognitive impairment is the primary symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), manifesting as memory loss and changes in other cognitive functions. Currently, cognitive tools such as the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) are widely used to evaluate overall cognitive function in patients. However, these scales are time-consuming and require experienced clinicians to conduct face-to-face testing. This review aims to introduce MemTrax, a computerized continuous recognition task, and its application in cognitive assessment. In this test, subjects are required to complete a picture recognition task within approximately 90 seconds to assess their cognitive functions, mainly episodic memory, including memory processing, storage, retrieval, and reaction time.Previous studies have confirmed that its efficacy in identifying normal individuals, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD patients is superior to MoCA. Moreover, combining with other biomarkers can further enhance its diagnostic efficacy, and it is also potential for assessment of treatment efficacy. Here we also introduce the application of MemTrax in various types of cognitive disorder diseases. Finally, this article proposes that MemTrax can be used as a digital tool to establish a systematic neuroscience database in the future, combining machine learning and other biomarkers to predict early dementia, as well as for large-scale cognitive screening and continuous cognitive monitoring.

Key words

Cognitive impairment / MemTrax / Episodic memory / Digital cognitive screening tools

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Ya ZHANG , Zhong PEI. MemTrax: a computerized continuous recognition task using in screening and monitoring for cognitive change[J]. Chinese Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. 2025, 8(3): 200-206 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.008

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