Information processing device, cognitive function evaluation method, and cognitive function evaluation program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of evaluating a cognitive function of a subject with high accuracy with a small workload of an evaluator, a cognitive function evaluation method, and a cognitive function evaluation program.SOLUTION: In an information processing device 100, a reaction time measurement part 114 measures a single task reaction time being a reaction time of a subject in a first task, the reaction time measurement part 114 measures a dual task reaction time being a reaction time of the subject of the first task in the case that the subject simultaneously executes the first task and a second task after measuring the single task reaction time, and a cognitive function evaluation part 115 evaluates a cognitive function from difference between an average value of single task reaction times and an average value of dual task reaction times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a cognitive function assessment method, and a cognitive function assessment program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been growing interest in detecting dementia early and initiating treatment early in order to slow the progression of dementia. Known methods for testing cognitive function to detect dementia include the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Hasegawa Dementia Scale. These tests involve an evaluator meeting with a subject and examining the subject's responses to questions posed by the evaluator. However, such methods require an evaluator to conduct the test for each subject, and therefore are not considered simple. As a technology to solve this problem, a dual-task performance ability assessment method has been disclosed that assesses cognitive function through a dual task that requires the subject to think while moving their body (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 148199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the analysis process is cumbersome and the workload is high because the evaluator analyzes the answers of the subjects and calculates the answer score. In addition, the applicant has discovered a method for accurately evaluating the decline in cognitive function by devising the tasks performed by the subjects.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device, a cognitive function assessment method, and a cognitive function assessment program that reduce the workload of the evaluator and can accurately assess the cognitive function of a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is characterized in that it measures the single-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of a subject in a first task, and after measuring the reaction time, it measures the dual-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of the subject in the first task when the subject performs the first task and the second task simultaneously, and evaluates cognitive function from the difference between the average value of the single-task reaction time and the average value of the dual-task reaction time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to reduce the workload of the evaluator and to accurately evaluate the cognitive function of the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of content stored in a content storage unit 121. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a measurement result storage unit 122. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a cognitive function evaluation process executed by the information processing device 100. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a single task reaction time measurement process executed by the information processing device 100. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a dual task reaction time measurement process executed by the information processing device 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments for implementing the information processing device, cognitive function assessment method, and cognitive function assessment program according to the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following explanations are examples of embodiments of the present application, and the information processing device, cognitive function assessment method, and cognitive function assessment program according to the present application are not limited to these examples.

[0010] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 100 presents a task to a subject and measures the time from when the task is presented to the subject until the subject responds (hereinafter referred to as single-task reaction time). The information processing device 100 presents an instruction for an action and a task to the subject and measures the time from when the task is presented to the subject until the subject responds (hereinafter referred to as dual-task reaction time). The information processing device 100 evaluates cognitive function from the single-task reaction time and dual-task reaction time.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an output unit 130, an input unit 140, and a communication unit 150.

[0012] The control unit 110 controls the operation of the entire information processing device 100 and each unit by deploying and executing various programs and control information stored in the memory unit 120. The control unit 110 functions as a single task presentation unit 111, a dual task presentation unit 112, an answer detection unit 113, a reaction time measurement unit 114, and a cognitive function evaluation unit 115.

[0013] The storage unit 120 stores a content storage unit 121, a measurement result storage unit 122, and programs for controlling each unit, application programs, various control information, intermediate files, and the like (not shown).

[0014] The content storage unit 121 stores task content (still images, videos, audio, etc.) to be presented to the subject when the first task is performed. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of content stored in the content storage unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the content presented to the subject includes (a) answering the color name of characters displayed on the screen of the display device, (b) selecting the reading of kanji characters displayed on the screen, and (c) selecting a figure that is the same as a reference figure displayed on the screen. The task content may be a combination of these, or may be any other task that the subject can answer using their cognitive functions.

[0015] The content storage unit 121 stores content instructing the subject to perform an action as the second task when the subject performs a second task simultaneously with the first task. For example, if the subject stands and stamps his / her feet, the content of the action instruction is the text "Please stand and stamp your feet" displayed on the screen. Other actions performed by the subject may include the subject stamping his / her feet while sitting on a chair, the subject standing and sitting on a chair, the subject hitting his / her knees with both hands or one hand, the subject clapping his / her hands, or a combination of these. The action performed by the subject may be selected depending on the subject's physical condition (e.g., pain in the leg, disability in one side of the body, etc.).

[0016] The measurement result storage unit 122 stores measurement results of the subject's single-task reaction time (reaction time for a first task) and dual-task reaction time (reaction time when the subject simultaneously performs the first and second tasks), calculation results of the average single-task reaction time and dual-task reaction time, cognitive function assessment results, etc. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the measurement result storage unit 122. As shown in FIG. 3, the unit stores a subject ID identifying the subject, the single-task reaction time, dual-task reaction time, and the average dual-task reaction time (hereinafter referred to as the D-mean), the difference between the single-task and dual-task reaction times (hereinafter referred to as the D-delay), a cognitive function assessment value (calculated cognitive function), and other information in association with each other. The cognitive function assessment value is an estimated score corresponding to the MMSE score obtained when the subject undergoes a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and, like the MMSE score, is out of 30 points. Note that a score of 27 or less indicates a suspicion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), just like the MMSE score. In this way, by conducting a simple cognitive function assessment such as that in this embodiment at the appropriate time, it is possible to notice a decline in cognitive function early, and by taking early action, it is possible to slow the progression of dementia.

[0017] Next, the single task presentation unit 111, dual task presentation unit 112, answer detection unit 113, reaction time measurement unit 114, and cognitive function evaluation unit 115, which function in the control unit 110, will be described.

[0018] The single task presentation unit 111 reads out the task content stored in the content storage unit 121 and outputs the content from the output unit 130. More specifically, the single task presentation unit 111 displays still image or video content on the screen of the display unit 131, or outputs audio content from the speaker 132.

[0019] The dual task presentation unit 112 reads out the content instructing the action and the content of the task stored in the content storage unit 121, and outputs the content instructing the action and the content of the task from the output unit 130. More specifically, the dual task presentation unit 112 displays the content of still images or videos presenting the action and the task on the display unit 131, or outputs the content of audio presenting the action and the task from the speaker 132. As a guide to the speed of the action, for example, a sound (such as a metronome sound) at BPM (beats per minute) 100 may be output from the speaker 132.

[0020] The answer detection unit 113 detects the answer to the task given by the subject. More specifically, the answer detection unit 113 receives input such as voice and motions from the subject via the input unit 140, and detects the answer from the received voice and motions. For example, if the task is "a screen with the word 'red' written in black letters" and the answer method requires a voice response, such as "Please answer the color of the letters," the microphone 142 picks up the sound and determines whether the subject has spoken. Also, if the answer method requires a motion response, such as "If the 'letter' and the 'color name of the letters' are the same, raise your right hand, and if they are different, raise your left hand," the answer detection unit 113 detects the subject's motion from an image of the subject captured by the camera 143. The answer detection unit 113 may further determine whether the subject's answer is correct.

[0021] The reaction time measurement unit 114 measures the time from when a task is presented by the single-task presentation unit 111 or the dual-task presentation unit 112 until the answer detection unit 113 detects the answer of the subject. The reaction time measurement unit 114 stores the reaction times measured in the single task and the dual task in the measurement result storage unit 122. Note that the reaction time measurement unit 114 may measure the time from when a task is presented by the single-task presentation unit 111 or the dual-task presentation unit 112 until the correct answer is detected.

[0022] The cognitive function assessment unit 115 calculates the average single-task reaction time and the average dual-task reaction time from the single-task reaction time and the dual-task reaction time stored in the measurement result storage unit 122. The cognitive function assessment unit 115 evaluates the cognitive function of the subject based on the difference between the average single-task reaction time and the average dual-task reaction time.

[0023] The output unit 130 outputs the content that the single task presentation unit 111 and the dual task presentation unit 112 read out from the content storage unit 121. The output unit 130 includes a display unit 131 and a speaker 132. The display unit 131 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display that displays still images and videos. The speaker 132 outputs sound. Note that the output unit 130 may be a device other than the display unit 131 and the speaker 132, as long as it outputs content that can be recognized by the subject.

[0024] The input unit 140 accepts the start of a cognitive function assessment and accepts the subject's responses to the tasks. The input unit 140 includes an operation unit 141, a microphone 142, and a camera 143. The operation unit 141 is a touch sensor or the like that is configured to be superimposed on a keyboard, a mouse, an LCD display, or the like. The microphone 142 collects sounds emitted by the subject. The camera 143 captures still images or videos of the whole body or part of the subject.

[0025] The communication unit 150 is connected to other devices via a network (not shown) so that they can communicate with each other, and transmits and receives data to and from the other devices.

[0026] The following describes the processing executed by the information processing device 100 configured as described above. FIG.

[0027] The operation unit 141 of the information processing device 100 accepts the start of cognitive function evaluation (step S401). When the start of cognitive function evaluation is accepted, a single-task reaction time measurement process is executed (step S402). Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. Next, a dual-task reaction time measurement process is executed (step S403). Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0028] The cognitive function assessment unit 115 reads out the single-task reaction times stored in the measurement result storage unit 122 and calculates the average value of the single-task reaction times (step S404). The cognitive function assessment unit 115 reads out the dual-task reaction times stored in the measurement result storage unit 122 and calculates the average value of the dual-task reaction times (D average) (step S405). The cognitive function assessment unit 115 calculates the delay (D delay) of the average value of the dual-task reaction times relative to the average value of the single-task reaction times (step S406).

[0029] The cognitive function evaluation unit 115 evaluates the cognitive function of the subject (step S407). More specifically, by inputting the measurement value of the subject into the following formula (1), it is possible to calculate a cognitive function evaluation value, which is a value equivalent to the MMSE score. Cognitive function assessment score = a*D average - b*D average delay Formula (1)

[0030] While investigating a simple method for assessing a subject's cognitive function, the applicant measured the subjects' single-task reaction time and dual-task reaction time and found that for subjects with normal cognitive function, "delayed reaction due to dual task" < "speeded up reaction due to learning effect," and D-delay tended to be negative, while for subjects with impaired cognitive function, "delayed reaction due to dual task" > "speeded up reaction due to learning effect," and D-delay tended to be positive. Based on these measurement results, multiple regression analysis was performed using the increase-decrease method with the MMSE score as the dependent variable and variables correlated with the MMSE score as the explanatory variables, yielding Equation (1) for estimating a subject's MMSE score. Note that a and b are constants.

[0031] Next, the single-task reaction time measurement process will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0032] The single task presentation unit 111 reads out the content of the task stored in the content storage unit 121 and outputs the read-out content of the task (step S501). More specifically, the single task presentation unit 111 reads out the content of the task stored in the content storage unit 121, and if the read-out content of the task is a still image or a video, displays it on the screen of the display unit 131. Furthermore, if the read-out content of the task is audio, it outputs it from the speaker 132.

[0033] The answer detection unit 113 determines whether or not an answer from the subject has been detected (step S502). More specifically, when a voice response is required as the answer to the task, the answer detection unit 113 detects the answer based on whether or not the microphone 142 that is collecting sound has received voice input. When a movement response is required as the answer to the task, the answer detection unit 113 detects the answer based on whether or not the camera 143 that is capturing the image has received movement input from the subject. If the answer from the subject has not been detected (step S502: No), the process returns to step S502 and the answer is detected.

[0034] If the subject's answer is detected (step S502: Yes), the reaction time measurement unit 114 measures the time from when the content of the task is output until the subject's answer is detected as the reaction time (step S503). The reaction time measurement unit 114 stores the reaction time in the reaction result storage unit 122. If there is no answer until a predetermined time has passed, the reaction time may be deemed unmeasurable and not included in the calculation of the average value, or the predetermined time may be used as the reaction time.

[0035] The single task presentation unit 111 determines whether the task content stored in the content storage unit 121 has ended (step S504). If it determines that the task content has not ended (step S504: No), the process returns to step S501 and outputs new task content. If it determines that the task content has ended (step S504: Yes), the single task reaction time measurement process ends.

[0036] The dual task reaction time measurement process will now be described in detail with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0037] The dual task presentation unit 112 reads out the content of the action instruction stored in the content storage unit 121 and outputs the read out content of the action instruction (step S601). The content of the action instruction is, for example, a text instruction such as "Let's stamp our feet" displayed on the screen of the display unit 131. If the content of the action instruction is audio, the audio is output from the speaker 132. Furthermore, the content of the action instruction may output an instruction to perform an action and then output an audio of a constant rhythm for stamping feet from the speaker 132.

[0038] The dual task presentation unit 112 reads out the content of the task stored in the content storage unit 121 and outputs the read-out content of the task (step S602). Since the processing of steps S602 to S605 is the same as the processing of steps S501 to S504 described in FIG. 5, refer to the above description and the description here will be omitted.

[0039] In this way, by measuring the single-task reaction time and dual-task reaction time using the information processing device described above, it is possible to evaluate the cognitive function of each subject in a simple manner without having an evaluator face-to-face ask questions of each subject and judge their answers. In addition, the MMSE score can be estimated using Equation (1) using the difference between the single-task reaction time and the dual-task reaction time (D delay), allowing the cognitive function of the subject to be appropriately evaluated.

[0040] In measuring the single task reaction time and dual task reaction time described above, it was not determined whether the answer to the task was correct or incorrect, but the correct answer for each task may be stored in the content storage unit 121, and the answer detection unit 113 may determine whether the answer to the content task is correct or incorrect.

[0041] In this case, the reaction time measurement unit 114 stores the correct reaction time in the reaction result storage unit 122. The cognitive function assessment unit 115 reads out the single-task reaction time and the dual-task reaction time stored in the measurement result storage unit 122, and calculates the average value of the single-task reaction time and the average value of the dual-task reaction time. The cognitive function assessment unit 115 calculates a cognitive function assessment value using the D average, D average delay, and the average value of the reaction time when the correct answer is given.

[0042] In the single-task reaction time measurement process and the dual-task reaction time measurement process, instead of detecting the answer and measuring the reaction time using a program, a person in charge may determine whether the subject has answered and whether the subject's answer is correct, measure the reaction time from when the task is presented to when the subject responds, and record the measured reaction time in the reaction time memory unit 122.

[0043] The process performed by the answer detection unit 113 to determine whether an answer is correct will be described. The answer detection unit 113 acquires skeletal information from an image of the subject captured by the camera 143. The answer detection unit 113 calculates the distance between the right shoulder and right wrist, the distance between the right shoulder and right elbow, the distance between the left shoulder and left wrist, and the distance between the left shoulder and left elbow from the skeletal information of the subject. The answer detection unit 113 determines whether the distance between the right shoulder and right wrist is closer than the distance between the right shoulder and right elbow (i.e., determines whether the right elbow is bent). The answer detection unit 113 also determines whether the distance between the left shoulder and left wrist is closer than the distance between the left shoulder and left elbow (i.e., determines whether the left elbow is bent). The answer detection unit 113 divides the screen horizontally by both shoulders, and determines whether the position of the right or left wrist belongs to the same region as the nose. If the answer detection unit 113 determines that the right or left elbow is bent or that the position of the right or left wrist belongs to the same area as the nose, it determines that the right or left hand is raised.

[0044] As another method, the answer detection unit 113 may use a learning model trained with images of people raising their right or left hands to determine whether the image of the subject captured by the camera 143 is an image of the right hand or the left hand raised. Furthermore, the subject may have buttons on both hands for answering, and may press the buttons to accept an answer of right or left.

[0045] The above-described process of analyzing the image captured by the camera 143 may be executed by the information processing device 100, or may be executed by a server device connected to the communication unit 150 via a network. By executing high-load processes on a separate device, the information processing device 100 can execute cognitive function assessment processes even on a device with relatively low processing power. The information processing device 100 may be a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or any other computer.

[0046] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is a typical computer including one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and including external storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication control device, etc. The above-described configuration and functions are realized by the CPU or the like reading and running programs stored in the ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. The control unit may be an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0047] The program that runs on the information processing device 100 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or may be recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, USB memory, SD card, etc. Furthermore, the program that realizes the above-described functions and processes may be provided in the form of an API (Application Programming Interface), SaaS (Software as a Service), or cloud computing.

[0048] In the above-described embodiments, the information processing device 100 has been described as a single device, but the functions of the information processing device 100 may be configured as multiple devices. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. Furthermore, the present invention can be configured by functionally or physically dividing, integrating, replacing, modifying, or deleting all or part of the components described in the embodiments in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 100...information processing device, 110...control unit, 111...single task presentation unit, 112...dual task presentation unit, 113...answer detection unit, 114...reaction time measurement unit, 115...cognitive function evaluation unit, 120...storage unit, 121...content storage unit, 122...measurement result storage unit, 130...output unit, 131...display unit, 132...speaker, 140...input unit, 141...operation unit, 142...microphone, 143...camera, 150...communication unit

Claims

1. a single-task reaction time measuring means for measuring a single-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of the subject in the first task; a dual-task reaction time measuring means for measuring a dual-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of the subject for the first task when the subject simultaneously performs the first task and the second task, after the single-task reaction time has been measured by the single-task reaction time measuring means; a cognitive function evaluation means for evaluating cognitive function based on the difference between the average value of the single-task reaction time measured by the single-task reaction time measurement means and the average value of the dual-task reaction time measured by the dual-task reaction time measurement means; An information processing device comprising:

2. the first task is for the subject to answer a question, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second task is for the subject to perform an action.

3. The first task includes: Displaying characters on the screen and then answering the color name of the characters; Displaying the kanji and the reading of the kanji on the screen, and then selecting the reading of the kanji; Alternatively, the information processing device according to claim 2 may display a reference graphic and a plurality of graphics on a screen, and then select a graphic that is identical to the reference graphic from the plurality of graphics.

4. The second task includes: the subject standing and stepping; The subject sits on a chair and steps; the subject standing and sitting in a chair; the subject tapping their knee with one or both hands; The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the subject claps his / her hands, or the subject claps his / her hands, or a combination thereof.

5. The subject's answers to the questions presented in the first task are: the subject responds vocally; The subject responds by movement. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the subject answers by operating a button, or the subject answers by operating a button, or a combination thereof.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cognitive function evaluation means calculates a cognitive function evaluation value that correlates with an MMSE score.

7. A computer-implemented cognitive function measurement method, comprising: a single-task reaction time measurement step of measuring a single-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of the subject in the first task; a dual-task reaction time measuring step of measuring a dual-task reaction time, which is the reaction time of the subject for the first task when the subject simultaneously performs the first task and the second task, after measuring the single-task reaction time by the single-task reaction time measuring step; a cognitive function evaluation step of evaluating cognitive function based on a difference between an average value of the single-task reaction time measured by the single-task reaction time measurement step and an average value of the dual-task reaction time measured by the dual-task reaction time measurement step; A cognitive function assessment method including:

8. A cognitive function evaluation program that causes a computer to execute the cognitive function evaluation method according to claim 7.

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