Screening for Cognitive Function in Complete Immobility Using Brain–Machine Interfaces: A Proof of Principle Study

• Main Authors: Dorothée Lulé, Katharina Hörner, Cynthia Vazquez, Helena Aho-Özhan, Jürgen Keller, Martin Gorges, Ingo Uttner, Albert C. Ludolph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2018-08-01
• Series: Frontiers in Neuroscience
• Subjects: brain–machine interface; brain–computer interface; cognition; ECAS; neuropsychology; P300
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnins.2018.00517/full

Background: In many neurological conditions, there is a combination of decline in physical function and cognitive abilities. For far advanced stages of physical disability where speaking and hand motor abilities are severely impaired, there is a lack of standardized approach to screen for cognitive profile.Methods:N = 40 healthy subjects were included in the study. For proof of principle, N = 6 ALS patients were additionally measured. For cognitive screening, we used the Edinburgh cognitive and behavioral ALS screen (ECAS) in the standard paper-and-pencil version. Additionally, we adapted the ECAS to a brain–machine interface (BMI) control module to screen for cognition in severely advanced patients.Results: There was a high congruency between BMI version and the paper-and-pencil version of the ECAS. Sensitivity and specificity of the ECAS-BMI were mostly high whereas stress and weariness for the patient were low.Discussion/Conclusion: We hereby present evidence that adaptation of a standardized neuropsychological test for BMI control is feasible. BMI driven neuropsychological test provides congruent results compared to standardized tests with a good specificity and sensitivity but low patient load.