Computer-based Eye-tracking Analysis of King-Devick Test Differentiates Persons With Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus From Cognitively Unimpaired

Abstract

Background: Functional defects in eye movements and reduced reading speed in neurodegenerative diseases represent a potential new biomarker to support clinical diagnosis. We investigated whether computer-based eye-tracking (ET) analysis of the King-Devick (KD) test differentiates persons with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) from cognitively unimpaired [control (CO)] and persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: We recruited 68 participants (37 CO, 10 iNPH, and 21 AD) who underwent neurological examination, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological test battery (CERAD-NB), and a Clinical Dementia Rating interview. The KD reading test was performed using computer-based ET. We analyzed the total time used for the reading test, number of errors, durations of fixation and saccade, and saccade amplitudes. Results: The iNPH group significantly differed from the CO group in the KD test mean total time (CO 69.3 s, iNPH 87.3 s; P≤0.009) and eye-tracking recording of the mean saccade amplitude (CO 3.6 degree, iNPH 3.2 degree; P≤0.001). The AD group significantly differed from the CO group in each tested parameter. No significant differences were detected between the iNPH and AD groups. Conclusion: For the first time, we demonstrated altered reading ability and saccade amplitudes in patients with iNPH.

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Gut Microbiome Changes in Patients With Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

“…All study participants were clinically examined by a neurologist and participated in a demographic interview. Cognition was evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer Disease Neuropsychological Test Battery (CERAD-NB), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) 11,12 . The CDR questionnaire includes questions relating to cognition and functional abilities and was used to assess daily function and cognitive decline 13 …”

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