Exploring the Feasibility of a Telematic Version of Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS)

Background/objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder frequently associated with cognitive impairment. In the context of increasing interest in remote healthcare solutions, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, this preliminary study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an online version of the Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS), a first-level neuropsychological screening tool for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in individuals with PD. Methods: Seventy-nine patients with idiopathic PD were recruited between October 2020 and February 2024. A telematic version of the PD-CRS was administered via video call using adapted materials (e.g., slide-based instructions and webcam-mediated tasks). Both patients and examiners completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to rate perceived difficulty. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to analyze data. Results: Difficulty ratings were low for both patients (mean VAS = 1.60, SD = 0.88) and the examiner (mean VAS = 1.43, SD = 0.61), with no significant difference (p = 0.176). No demographic or clinical variable predicted difficulty. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility and usability of an online version of PD-CRS. This approach may facilitate wider access to cognitive screening for PD patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or living in underserved areas.