Cognitive functioning is typically assessed by asking questions that test memory, understanding and ability to perform mental tasks. Sophisticated cognitive function testing is typically done by a computer using a screen and keyboard, where questions appear on the screen and a person responds by pressing keys on the keyboard. Research over the past decade has shown that cognitive function assessment can also be done using the telephone as the computer terminal, by asking questions a person hears and responds to by pressing keys on the telephone key pad
or answering verbally, often by saying, “yes,” “no,” or with other short words or numbers. This telephone-computer method is called interactive voice response, abbreviated IVR, and familiar to all through many IVR systems in everyday use. Some of those systems are poorly designed and frustrating to use, but the cognitive function IVR programs are carefully designed and able to be used well even by individuals in early stages of dementia. Using IVR makes cognitive function assessment available any where there is a telephone including in people’s homes, so widespread screening for early changes in cognitive function becomes possible. Much follow-up cognitive function testing can be done conveniently at home rather than having to travel to the doctor’s office
for this purpose.