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Solé Puig M, Bustos Valenzuela P, Romeo A, Supèr H. A Pilot Study to Improve Cognitive Performance and Pupil Responses in Mild Cognitive Impaired Patients Using Gaze-Controlled Gaming. Vision (Basel) 2024; 8:25. [PMID: 38804346 PMCID: PMC11130921 DOI: 10.3390/vision8020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may progress to severe forms of dementia, so therapy is needed to maintain cognitive abilities. The neural circuitry for oculomotor control is closely linked to that which controls cognitive behavior. In this study, we tested whether training the oculomotor system with gaze-controlled video games could improve cognitive behavior in MCI patients. Patients played a simple game for 2-3 weeks while a control group played the same game using a mouse. Cognitive improvement was assessed using the MoCA screening test and CANTAB. We also measured eye pupil and vergence responses in an oddball paradigm. The results showed an increased score on the MoCA test specifically for the visuospatial domain and on the Rapid Visual Information Processing test of the CANTAB battery. Pupil responses also increased to target stimuli. Patients in the control group did not show significant improvements. This pilot study provides evidence for the potential cognitive benefits of gaze-controlled gaming in MCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Solé Puig
- Unitat d’Avaluació de la Cognició, l’Atenció i l’Aprenentatge (ACAP), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Patricia Bustos Valenzuela
- Vision and Control of Action Group, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (P.B.V.)
| | - August Romeo
- Vision and Control of Action Group, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (P.B.V.)
| | - Hans Supèr
- Unitat d’Avaluació de la Cognició, l’Atenció i l’Aprenentatge (ACAP), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
- Vision and Control of Action Group, Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (P.B.V.)
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona (UBNeuro), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Research Institute Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Braingaze SL, 08302 Mataró, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Romeo A, Leonovych O, Solé Puig M, Supèr H. Cognitive Vergence Recorded with a Webcam-Based Eye-Tracker during an Oddball Task in an Elderly Population. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:888. [PMID: 38339605 PMCID: PMC10857309 DOI: 10.3390/s24030888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Our previous research provides evidence that vergence eye movements may significantly influence cognitive processing and could serve as a reliable measure of cognitive issues. The rise of consumer-grade eye tracking technology, which uses sophisticated imaging techniques in the visible light spectrum to determine gaze position, is noteworthy. In our study, we explored the feasibility of using webcam-based eye tracking to monitor the vergence eye movements of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) during a visual oddball paradigm. (2) Methods: We simultaneously recorded eye positions using a remote infrared-based pupil eye tracker. (3) Results: Both tracking methods effectively captured vergence eye movements and demonstrated robust cognitive vergence responses, where participants exhibited larger vergence eye movement amplitudes in response to targets versus distractors. (4) Conclusions: In summary, the use of a consumer-grade webcam to record cognitive vergence shows potential. This method could lay the groundwork for future research aimed at creating an affordable screening tool for mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Romeo
- Department Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oleksii Leonovych
- Bioinformatics and Biomedical Signals Laboratory, Polytechnical University of Catalonia, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Solé Puig
- Assesment Unit of Cognition and Attention in Learning, Psychology Clinic, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Hans Supèr
- Braingaze S.L., 08302 Mataró, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), University of Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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Vinuela-Navarro V, Goset J, Aldaba M, Mestre C, Rovira-Gay C, Cano N, Ariza M, Delàs B, Garolera M, Vilaseca M. Eye movements in patients with post-COVID condition. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:3936-3949. [PMID: 37799689 PMCID: PMC10549724 DOI: 10.1364/boe.489037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Eye movement control is impaired in some neurological conditions, but the impact of COVID-19 on eye movements remains unknown. This study aims to investigate differences in oculomotor function and pupil response in individuals who suffer post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) with cognitive deficits. Saccades, smooth pursuit, fixation, vergence and pupillary response were recorded using an eye tracker. Eye movements and pupil response parameters were computed. Data from 16 controls, 38 COVID mild (home recovery) and 19 COVID severe (hospital admission) participants were analyzed. Saccadic latencies were shorter in controls (183 ± 54 ms) than in COVID mild (236 ± 83 ms) and COVID severe (227 ± 42 ms) participants (p = 0.017). Fixation stability was poorer in COVID mild participants (Bivariate Contour Ellipse Area of 0.80 ± 1.61°2 vs 0.36 ± 0.65 °2 for controls, p = 0.019), while percentage of pupil area reduction/enlargement was reduced in COVID severe participants (39.7 ± 12.7%/31.6 ± 12.7% compared to 51.7 ± 22.0%/49.1 ± 20.7% in controls, p < 0.015). The characteristics of oculomotor alterations found in PCC may be useful to understand different pathophysiologic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valldeflors Vinuela-Navarro
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Joan Goset
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Mikel Aldaba
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Clara Mestre
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Cristina Rovira-Gay
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Neus Cano
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
- Department de Ciències Bàsiques. Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Mar Ariza
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Bàrbara Delàs
- Servei d’Oftalmologia. Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Maite Garolera
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
- Neuropsychology Unit, Hospital de Terrassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Meritxell Vilaseca
- Center for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi 10, Terrassa 08222 (Barcelona), Spain
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Yamazaki Y, Suwabe K, Nagano-Saito A, Saotome K, Kuwamizu R, Hiraga T, Torma F, Suzuki K, Sankai Y, Yassa MA, Soya H. A possible contribution of the locus coeruleus to arousal enhancement with mild exercise: evidence from pupillometry and neuromelanin imaging. Cereb Cortex Commun 2023; 4:tgad010. [PMID: 37323937 PMCID: PMC10267300 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute mild exercise has been observed to facilitate executive function and memory. A possible underlying mechanism of this is the upregulation of the ascending arousal system, including the catecholaminergic system originating from the locus coeruleus (LC). Prior work indicates that pupil diameter, as an indirect marker of the ascending arousal system, including the LC, increases even with very light-intensity exercise. However, it remains unclear whether the LC directly contributes to exercise-induced pupil-linked arousal. Here, we examined the involvement of the LC in the change in pupil dilation induced by very light-intensity exercise using pupillometry and neuromelanin imaging to assess the LC integrity. A sample of 21 young males performed 10 min of very light-intensity exercise, and we measured changes in the pupil diameters and psychological arousal levels induced by the exercise. Neuromelanin-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were also obtained. We observed that pupil diameter and psychological arousal levels increased during very light-intensity exercise, which is consistent with previous findings. Notably, the LC contrast, a marker of LC integrity, predicted the magnitude of pupil dilation and psychological arousal enhancement with exercise. These relationships suggest that the LC-catecholaminergic system is a potential a mechanism for pupil-linked arousal induced by very light-intensity exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tannoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
| | - Kazuya Suwabe
- Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Ryutsu Keizai University, 120 Ryugasaki, Ibaraki 301-0844, Japan
- Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nagano-Saito
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tannoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Ushiku Aiwa General Hospital, 896 Inoko-cho, Ushiku, Ibaraki 300-1296, Japan
| | - Kousaku Saotome
- Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ryuta Kuwamizu
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tannoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Graduate School of Letters, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Taichi Hiraga
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tannoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
| | - Ferenc Torma
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tannoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
| | - Kenji Suzuki
- Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Sankai
- Center for Cybernics Research, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Michael A Yassa
- Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92679-3800, United States
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA 92679-3800, United States
| | - Hideaki Soya
- Corresponding author: Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology; Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8574, Japan.
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Devos H, Gustafson KM, Liao K, Ahmadnezhad P, Kuhlmann E, Estes BJ, Martin LE, Mahnken JD, Brooks WM, Burns JM. Effect of Cognitive Reserve on Physiological Measures of Cognitive Workload in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:141-151. [PMID: 36710677 PMCID: PMC10023364 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve may protect against cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study investigated the association between cognitive reserve and physiological measures of cognitive workload in older adults with cognitive impairment. METHODS 29 older adults with cognitive impairment (age: 75±6, 11 (38%) women, MoCA: 20±7) and 19 with normal cognition (age: 74±6; 11 (58%) women; MoCA: 28±2) completed a working memory test of increasing task demand (0-, 1-, 2-back). Cognitive workload was indexed using amplitude and latency of the P3 event-related potential (ERP) at electrode sites Fz, Cz, and Pz, and changes in pupillary size, converted to an index of cognitive activity (ICA). The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) evaluated Education, Work Activity, and Leisure Time as a proxy of cognitive reserve. Linear mixed models evaluated the main effects of cognitive status, CRIq, and the interaction effect of CRIq by cognitive status on ERP and ICA. RESULTS The interaction effect of CRIq total score by cognitive status on P3 ERP and ICA was not significant. However, higher CRIq total scores were associated with lower ICA (p = 0.03). The interaction effects of CRIq subscores showed that Work Activity affected P3 amplitude (p = 0.03) and ICA (p = 0.03) differently between older adults with and without cognitive impairments. Similarly, Education affected ICA (p = 0.02) differently between the two groups. No associations were observed between CRIq and P3 latency. CONCLUSION Specific components of cognitive reserve affect cognitive workload and neural efficiency differently in older adults with and without cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Devos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kathleen M Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ke Liao
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Pedram Ahmadnezhad
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Emily Kuhlmann
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Bradley J Estes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Laura E Martin
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jonathan D Mahnken
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William M Brooks
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Burns
- University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Hashemi A, Leonovych O, Jiménez EC, Sierra-Marcos A, Romeo A, Valenzuala PB, Puig MS, Moliner JL, Tubau E, Supèr H. Classification of MCI patients using vergence eye movements and pupil responses obtained during a visual oddball test. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dementia is a term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities, which significantly interferes with daily life. Certain dementing conditions may also affect visual function. The eye is an accessible window to the brain that can provide valuable information for the early diagnosis of people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies as well as from more rare causes of dementias, such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob and Huntington's diseases. Herein, we present the ocular manifestations of neurocognitive disorders focusing on the neuro-ophthalmic ones and further discuss potential ocular biomarkers that could help in early detection of these disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Ophthalmic examination along with the recent developments in in-vivo testing have provided a strong foundation of useful knowledge about brain disorder in neurodegenerative diseases without the need for invasive studies. Currently, a number of visual measures, such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, pupil response, and saccades in addition to various ophthalmic tests, such as electroretinogram, visual evoked potential, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-angiography have been widely used and evaluated as potential biomarkers for different stages of dementia. SUMMARY Ophthalmologic and neuro-ophthalmic evaluation is evolving as an important part of the early diagnosis and management of people with dementia. A particular focus on ocular biomarkers in dementing illnesses has arisen over the past few years and there are several promising measures and imaging tools that have been proposed as potential biomarkers for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Paraskevi Douglas
- Division of Neuro-ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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