Systems and methods for detecting neurological disorders and measuring general cognitive performance - Patents.com

Abstract

To detect neurological disorders and measure general cognitive performance.SOLUTION: A system for detecting neurological disorders and for measuring general cognitive performance measures eye movements and / or a pupil diameter during eye-movement tasks performed while the subject is reading. The system is configured to: analyze and model eye-tracking data for evidence of multiple neurological disorders and from cognitive performance; and detect and classify the neurological disorders both between and within pathologies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting neurological disorders and measuring general cognitive performance, in particular by measuring eye movements and / or pupil diameter during eye movement tasks. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of eye tracking as a diagnostic tool is practiced in the art.

[0003] No. 4,889,422 discloses an automated system for determining the presence of dyslexia. The system comprises an eye stimulation means, an eye movement detector, a processor for collecting data representative of eye position over time, and an analysis program for analyzing the data and classifying the eye movements into micromovements, saccade movements, pursuit movements, convergence movements, fixations, and blinks. If the total number of fixations is greater than the number of visual stimuli, a first indicator that dyslexia is present is registered.

[0004] Fielding et al. published "Ocular motor measures of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis II: working memory" (J Nerol, published online April 9, 2015), which describes an experiment in which they tested working memory in patients with clinically-definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) by eye tests that measured task errors, saccade latency, and relative sensitivity to working memory load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,889,422 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Fielding et al., "Ocular motor measures of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis II: working memory," J Neurol, published online April 9, 2015. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is a long-felt need for widely available tools for diagnosing neurological disorders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for detecting one or more neurological disorders in a subject by measuring eye movements, the eye movement measurements being performed while the subject is reading, the system comprising: a. an eye tracker

[10] configured to monitor eye movements of a subject [5] while the subject [5] reads a text

[15] ; b. a processor

[20] configured to receive data from the eye tracker

[10] while the subject [5] is reading a text

[15] ; c. a display means

[40] configured to display the test report

[50] received from the processor

[20] ; Equipped with The processor

[20] is further configured to analyze the eye-tracking data for evidence of one or more neurological disorders or general cognitive ability, and to report the detection of the one or more neurological disorders or measurements of the cognitive ability of the subject [5] in a test report

[50] .

[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. counting the total number of eye fixations made by the subject while reading the text; and b. To report in the test report that a compromise in attentional processes has been detected if the subjects' total number of eye fixations while reading exceeds that of the control group. The device is further configured to:

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. Counting the number of forward gaze fixations made by the subject while reading the text; and b. report in the test report

[50] that a decline in working memory is detected if the subject’s number of forward fixations is lower than the control group and the subject’s number of fixations while reading is higher than the control group; The device is further configured to:

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. Counting the number of words that subjects fixated on only once while reading the text; and b. To report in the test report that if the number of words on which the subject fixated only once falls below the control group, a decline in retrieval memory is detected. The device is further configured to:

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. counting the number of multiple eye fixations made by a subject while reading the text; and b. If the number of multiple fixations exceeds the control group, a decrease in performance will be detected and reported in the test report. The device is further configured to:

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to detect one or more neurological disorders in a subject by measuring eye movements, the processor receiving the eye tracking data from the eye tracker comprising: a. calculating the average saccade amplitude from one fixation to the next; b. If the mean saccade amplitude is below the control group, a decline in executive function will be detected and reported in the test report. The device is further configured to:

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, the present invention further comprises a means for measuring a pupil diameter of a subject

[17] , the processor comprising: a. tracking the pupil diameter of a subject reading a text; b. Report in the test report that a decline in performance is detected if the subject's pupil diameter does not decrease as the text progresses. The device is further configured to:

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for detecting one or more neurological disorders and checking cognitive abilities in a subject by measuring eye and pupil movements and applying intelligent algorithms, the measurement of eye movements being performed while the subject is reading, the system comprising: an eye tracker

[10] configured to monitor eye and pupil movements of a subject [5] while the subject [5] reads a text

[15] ; and b. a processor

[20] configured to receive data from the eye tracker

[10] while the subject [5] is reading the text

[15] ; and c. Intelligent algorithms for learning, identifying, categorizing, and classifying eye movement features in and within pathologies; d. a display means

[40] configured to display the output of the intelligent algorithm in a test report

[50] received from the processor

[20] ; Equipped with The processor

[20] is further configured to analyze and model the eye-tracking data for evidence of one or more neurological disorders and from cognitive performance, and to report detection and classification of one or more neurological disorders of the subject [5] in a test report

[50] , both inter-pathology and intra-pathology.

[0016] In another object of the present invention as described above, the processor is further configured, upon receiving gaze tracking data from the eye tracker, to identify and classify eye movement characteristics and pupil movements while reading the text and provide a classifier output for reporting the subject's cognitive ability and / or pathology classification (i.e., the pathology corresponding to the subject from the subject's eye movement characteristics) in a test report and a value within the pathology (i.e., the level of cognitive, behavioral and biological impairment the subject shows within a particular pathology).

[0017] In another object of the invention as described above, the intelligent algorithm is configured to read at least one input, the input being selected from the group consisting of: a. An index of the total number of subjects' eye fixations while reading the text. b. An index of subjects' forward gaze fixation while reading the text. c. Index of the word on which the subject fixated only once while reading the text. d. Index of subjects' multiple fixations while reading the text. e. Mean saccade amplitude from one fixation to the next. f. Pupil diameter of subjects reading the text. g. Blink index obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes. h. Microsaccades' Factors of Form (FF), i.e. i. HEWI: Showing the microsaccade height / width relationship. ii. AREA: Indicates the area of ​​the rectangle inscribed by the microsaccade. iii. LONG: The length of the microsaccade's horizontal-vertical trajectory. iv. ANG: The sum of all angles in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccade. v. AANG: The sum of all absolute values ​​of the angles in radians in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccades. These last two FFs estimate the regularity of the microsaccade trajectories. vi. MOD and THETA: The polar modulus and angle of the Cartesian sum. These give the spatial orientation of the microsaccade with respect to the median fixation. vii. TIME: The duration of the microsaccade in milliseconds. viii. VMIN and VMAX: The minimum and maximum microsaccade velocity in degrees per second. ix. Microsaccade rate: the instantaneous rate at each time bin. x. Directional congruence: the congruence between the microsaccade direction and the location of the stimulus. i. Eye positions (i.e. horizontal and vertical coordinates) obtained by the left eye, right eye or from both eyes while reading the text. j. Fixation sequences (i.e. eye movements) while reading the text. The sequences may be available from an image, a matrix, etc. k. The separation distance between eye fixations while reading the text. l. Subject's Filia information (i.e., age, years of education, sex, race, occupation, hours of physical activity per week). m. Total reading time (i.e., the time the subject spent reading the text).

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for assessing the decline in neurological function associated with multiple sclerosis [MS], the method comprising: a. providing a system for assessing decline in neurological function associated with MS; b. Requiring the subject to fixate a reference target on the chart; c. presenting stimulus images to the subject in one of the zones for a number of repetitions, the subject being asked to remember in which zone and in what order each stimulus image appeared; d. Presenting to the subject a cue that corresponds to one of the presented stimulus images; e. measuring the subject's saccades in response to the step of presenting a cue, wherein the subject is asked to look at a zone in which a stimulus image corresponding to the cue is presented; f. Repeating the steps of presenting a cue and measuring a saccade; and g. Repeating steps b to f for several trials

[0335] ; h. i. WM effectiveness (i.e., WM effectiveness is a measure that increases when WM demands increase. For each cue number, WM effectiveness is represented by the ratio of the number of errors reported by the subject across all trials to the number of trials), and ii. Mean saccade latency

[0345] , where saccade latency is defined as the amount of time it takes a subject to initiate a saccade into a zone. Mean saccade latency and calculating one or more of: i. i. the degree of decline in working memory associated with increased WM effects; and ii. The degree of decline in executive processes with increasing saccade latency

[0355] reporting one or more of: Including, j. The method further includes an additional step including a measurement taken during the step of presenting the stimulus image, during which the subject is further required to view the stimulus image, the measurement comprising: i. the amplitude of the subject's pupil dilation; ii. the number of fixations made by the subject on the stimulus image; and iii. The duration of the subject's gaze on the stimulus image. measuring one or more of: k. The additional steps are: i. the degree of depression of subcortical processes with increasing amplitude of pupil dilation

[0375] ; ii. the degree of decline in executive processes with increasing number of fixations; and iii. The degree of decline in executive processes and working memory with increasing fixation duration

[0385] The method further includes calculating and reporting one or more of:

[0019] In another object of the present invention as described above, the reference target is located at a central position of the chart and the multiple zones are arranged around the reference target.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention described above, a cue is placed at the location of a reference target.

[0021] In another object of the invention as explained above, an error is defined as an eye movement outside the correct zone and / or a saccade not being initiated within the time limit.

[0022] In another object of the invention as explained above, the cue corresponding to the first presented stimulus is excluded from the presented cue numbers.

[0023] In another object of the invention described above, saccades are included in the step of calculating WM effects and saccade latency only if the saccade is initiated beyond the minimum saccade latency after the step of presenting the cue number.

[0024] In another object of the invention as described above, if a saccade is not made to one of the zones within the time limit, fixation on the reference target cannot be maintained until the onset of a saccade to one of the angular zones, and blinks make the eye movement uncertain, the saccade is excluded from the step of calculating WM.

[0025] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for detecting one or more neurological disorders in a subject by measuring eye movements, the measurement of eye movements being performed while the subject is performing a visual test, the system comprising: an eye tracker

[10] configured to monitor eye movements of a subject [5] while the subject [5] performs a visual test

[15] ; b. Requiring the subject to consecutively fixate targets that are part of a group of targets (e.g., dots) presented together in the same picture (i.e., labyrinth or maze); c. Require the subject to fixate only one target each time according to the labyrinth or maze direction (i.e., entering from the bottom and exiting from the top of the labyrinth or maze) until they have visualized all targets across the picture

[0610] ; and an eye tracker

[10] . d. a processor

[20] configured to receive data from the eye tracker

[10] while the subject [5] is performing a visual test

[15] ; and e. a display means

[40] configured to display the test report

[50] received from the processor

[20] ; Equipped with The processor

[20] is further configured to analyze the eye-tracking data for evidence of neurological and attentional disorders and to report detection of one or more neurological and attentional disorders of the subject [5] in a test report

[50] .

[0026] In another aspect of the invention as described above, the processor, upon receiving eye-tracking data from the eye tracker while the subject visualizes, recognizes, maintains, controls, inhibits, and sequences the target, comprises: a. Counting the total number of eye fixations by the subject during the visual test; and b. Report in the test report that a reduction in attentional processes is detected if the subject's total number of eye fixations while visualizing the target exceeds that of the control group. The device is further configured to:

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. Measure the average saccade velocity

[0620] while the subject moves from one target to the other; b. If the subject’s mean saccade velocity

[0620] is lower than that of the control group, a decline in executive function will be detected and reported in the test report

[50] . The device is further configured to:

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. Counting the number of correct target recognitions; and b. If the number of correct target recognitions is less than the control group, a decline in working memory will be detected in the test report. The device is further configured to:

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: a. Calculating the average saccade amplitude

[0630] ; b. If the mean saccade amplitude

[0630] is lower than the control group, a decrease in execution process will be detected and reported in the test report. The device is further configured to:

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor is provided for receiving gaze tracking data from an eye tracker, the processor comprising: Calculating the total time spent performing the visual test; and b. To report in the test report that a decrease in attentional processes is detected if the total time spent performing the visual test is greater than that of the control group. The device is further configured to:

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention as described above, the present invention further comprises a means for measuring a pupil diameter of a subject

[17] , the processor comprising: a. Tracking the pupil diameter of a subject performing a visual test; b. To report in the test report that if the subject's pupil diameter does not increase as the performance of the task progresses, a decline in attentional processes is detected. The device is further configured to:

[0032] In accordance with another object of the invention as described above, the method further includes means for measuring the pupil diameter of the subject

[17] , and the processor is further configured to calculate the duration of the person's fixation on a target while performing the visual test, and to report in the test report that a decline in attentional and executive processes is detected if the subject's fixation duration while fixating on the target

[0645] is lower than a control group.

[0033] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting the presence of one or more neurological disorders or for measuring general cognitive ability in a subject by measuring the eye movements of the subject, the measurement of eye movements being carried out while the subject is reading, the method comprising: a. providing a system for detecting one or more neurological disorders according to claim 1 or claim 18; b. receiving eye-tracking data and / or pupil diameter data of the subject while the subject is reading the text; The method further includes a step of analyzing the eye tracking data and / or pupil diameter data for evidence of one or more neurological disorders

[0417] and a step of displaying a report of the detection of the neurological disorder

[0499] .

[0034] In another aspect of the present invention, a. counting the total number of eye fixations of the subject while the subject is reading the text; b. reporting that a decrease in attentional processes is detected if the subject's total number of eye fixations while reading the text is greater than that of a control group; Further includes:

[0035] In another aspect of the present invention, a. counting the total number of eye fixations of the subject while the subject is reading the text; b. counting the number of forward gaze fixations of the subject while the subject is reading the text; c. reporting that a decline in working memory is detected if the subject's number of forward fixations while reading the text is below the control group

[0430] and the subject's number of forward fixations while reading is above the control group

[0470] ; Further includes:

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, a. counting the number of eye fixations by the subject on each word in the text while the subject is reading the text; b. counting the number of words that the subject fixates on only once while reading the text; c. reporting that a decline in recall memory is detected if the number of words that the subject fixates only once while reading the text is less than the control group; Further includes:

[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, a. counting the number of multiple eye fixations of a subject while reading a text; b. reporting that a decline in executive function has been detected if the subject's number of multiple visual fixations while reading the text

[0450] exceeds that of a control group; Further includes:

[0038] In another aspect of the present invention, a. calculating the subject's average saccade amplitude from one gaze fixation to the next while reading the text; b. reporting in the test report that a decline in executive function has been detected if the subject's average saccade amplitude from one fixation to the next while reading the text is lower than that of the control group; Further includes:

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, a. tracking the pupil diameter of a subject reading a text; b. reporting in the test report that a decline in performance has been detected if the pupil diameter

[0456] of the subject reading the text does not decrease as the text is read; Further includes:

[0040] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for detecting a memory binding dysfunction in a subject, the system comprising: a. Eye tracker

[10] and b. a means for measuring pupil diameter; c. A processor

[20] comprising: i. receiving eye-tracking data of a subject [5] from an eye tracker

[10] ; and ii. receiving pupil diameter data of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter; A processor configured to: d. a display means

[40] configured to display the test report

[50] received from the processor

[20] ; Equipped with The processor

[20] is further configured to analyze the eye tracking data and the pupil diameter data, and to report detection of one or more impairments in the memory binding function of the subject [5] in a test report

[50] .

[0041] In another aspect of the present invention described above, a processor

[20] receives gaze tracking data from an eye tracker

[10] , a. measuring one or more gaze durations of a subject [5] to each of one or more targets viewed by the subject [5]; b. calculating the average duration of gaze on the target by the subject [5]; and c. report in the test report

[50] that a decrease in target encoding and recognition is detected in the subject[5] if the subject[5]'s mean fixation duration is longer than the control group's mean fixation duration; The device is further configured to:

[0042] In another aspect of the present invention described above, a processor

[20] receives gaze tracking data from an eye tracker

[10] , a. counting the number of gaze fixations made by a subject [5] while looking at one or more targets; b. to report in the test report

[50] that a decrease in attentional processes is detected in the subject[5] if the number of eye fixations made by the subject[5] while looking at the target exceeds that of the control group; The device is further configured to:

[0043] In another aspect of the present invention as described above, the processor

[20] applies an intelligent algorithm to: a. receiving a pupil diameter of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is engaged in an activity requiring less cognitive effort; b. receiving a pupil diameter of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is engaged in an activity requiring greater cognitive effort; and c. report in the test report

[50] that a decline in cognitive resources is detected in the subject[5] if the subject[5]'s pupil diameter during activities requiring greater cognitive effort does not increase beyond the subject[5]'s pupil diameter during activities requiring reduced / minimal cognitive effort; The device is further configured to:

[0044] In accordance with another object of the present invention as described above, the processor

[20] further reports results in a test report

[50] to the subject [5] of any impairment in memory binding function not detected by the system

[0100] .

[0045] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method

[0500] for detecting impairment of memory binding function in a subject

[0505] , the method comprising the following steps: Providing a system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 33. b. Step of presenting a target

[0510] . c. A step of requesting the subject to fixate the targets and remember them (memorization)

[0515] . d. Step

[0520] of presenting a blank screen. e. Presenting a target and asking the subject to identify whether the target is exactly the same as the one seen before (recognition). If the target is exactly the same, the answer "same" must be given. If the target is not exactly the same, the answer "different" must be given. Both answers must be collected using a keyboard or similar support

[0525] . Repeat steps from [510 to 525] for several trials

[0530] . f. Step

[0530] of repeating steps [510 to 525] for several trials. g. Receiving eye tracking data. h. The step of the subject viewing one or more targets

[0540] . i. Measuring the duration of the subject's gaze on each of the targets

[0545] . j. A step of calculating the average duration of gaze on the target by the subject

[0550] . k. Measuring the subject's pupil diameter while performing an activity requiring less cognitive effort

[0555] . l. A step of counting the number of gaze fixations made by the subject while looking at the target

[0560] . m. This method is i. if the subject's average fixation duration is longer than the control group's average fixation duration, reporting to the subject that a decrease in target memory and recognition processes is detected; ii. reporting to the subject that a decline in cognitive resources is detected if the subject's pupil diameter during the activity requiring greater cognitive effort does not increase beyond the subject's pupil diameter during the activity requiring less cognitive effort; iii. reporting to the subject that a decrease in attentional processes has been detected if the number of eye fixations made by the subject while looking at the target exceeds that of a control group; Further includes:

[0046] In another object of the invention as described above, the intelligent algorithm is configured to read at least one input, the input being selected from the group consisting of: a. Total number of fixations made by subjects while performing each binding task. b. Matching assessment task, i.e. "match colors" or "non-match colors". c. The identification number of the binding attempt. d. The correct behavioral answer for the trial (i.e., “same” or “different”). e. Subject's behavioral response. f. Part of a trial, i.e., entrainment or recall. g. The subject's pupil diameter during the binding assessment. h. Number of blinks obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes. i. Microsaccade,form factor (FF), i.e. i. HEWI: Showing the microsaccade height / width relationship. ii. AREA: Indicates the area of ​​the rectangle inscribed by the microsaccade. iii. LONG: The length of the microsaccade's horizontal-vertical trajectory. iv. ANG: The sum of all angles in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccade. v. AANG: The sum of all absolute values ​​of the angles in radians in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccades. These last two FFs estimate the regularity of the microsaccade trajectories. vi. MOD and THETA: The polar modulus and angle of the Cartesian sum. These give the spatial orientation of the microsaccade with respect to the median of fixation. vii. TIME: The duration of the microsaccade in milliseconds. viii. VMIN and VMAX: The minimum and maximum microsaccade velocity in degrees per second. ix. Microsaccade Rate: The instantaneous rate during each time interval. x. Directional congruence: the congruence between the microsaccade direction and the location of the stimulus. j. Eye positions (i.e., horizontal and vertical coordinates) obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes while performing the binding assessment. k. Saccade amplitude while processing the target. l. Fixation sequence (i.e. eye movements) while processing the target. The sequence is made available from an image, a matrix, etc. m. The distance between the right and left eye fixation points during the binding assessment. n. Participant factor information (i.e., age, years of education, sex, race, occupation, hours of physical activity per week). o. Fixation duration while processing the target. p. Fixation duration while processing the target. q. Number of fixations on each target. r. Number of fixations outside each target. s. Number of fixations on each target.

[0047] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting neurological and attention disorders in a subject, the method comprising the following steps: a. providing an eye tracker

[10] ; b. a means for measuring pupil diameter; c. A processor

[20] comprising: i. receiving eye-tracking data of a subject [5] from an eye tracker

[10] ; and ii. receiving pupil diameter data of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter; a processor

[20] configured to: iii. a display means

[40] configured to display the test report

[50] received from the processor

[20] ; Equipped with The processor

[20] is further configured to analyze the eye tracking data and pupil diameter data, and to report the detection of one or more neurological and attention disorders in the subject [5] in a test report

[50] .

[0048] In another aspect of the present invention described above, a processor

[20] receives gaze tracking data from an eye tracker

[10] , a. measuring one or more fixation gaze durations of a subject [5] to each of one or more targets viewed by the subject [5]; b. Calculating the average saccade amplitude by the subject [5] from each target to the other targets; c. report in the test report

[50] that the subject[5] exhibits a decrease in target visualization, recognition, maintenance, matching, inhibition, and sequencing if the subject[5]'s mean saccade amplitude is shorter than the control group's mean saccade amplitude; The device is further configured to:

[0049] In another aspect of the present invention described above, a processor

[20] receives gaze tracking data from an eye tracker

[10] , a. counting the number of gaze fixations made by a subject [5] while looking at one or more targets; b. to report in the test report

[50] that a decrease in attentional processes is detected in the subject[5] if the number of eye fixations made by the subject[5] while looking at the target exceeds that of the control group; The device is further configured to:

[0050] In another aspect of the present invention as described above, a processor

[20] is a. receiving a pupil diameter of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is engaged in an activity requiring significant attentional resources; b. receiving a pupil diameter of the subject [5] from a means for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is engaged in an activity requiring significant attention; and c. report in the test report

[50] that a decline in cognitive resources is detected in the subject[5] if the subject[5]'s pupil diameter while performing an activity requiring a lot of attention does not increase beyond the pupil diameter of the subject[5] while performing an activity requiring little attention; The device is further configured to:

[0051] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting neurological and executive disorders in a subject, the method comprising: a. providing a system as described above; b. receiving eye tracking data; c. The steps of viewing one or more targets by the subject [605-610]; d. calculating the average saccade amplitude of the target by the subject; e. Measuring the subject's pupil diameter while the subject is engaged in an activity requiring significant attention; and f. measuring the pupil diameter of the subject while engaging in an activity requiring a lot of attention but not a lot of attention; g. counting the number of eye fixations made by the subject while looking at the target; Including, h. This method is i. if the subject's average saccade amplitude is shorter than the control's average saccade amplitude, reporting to the subject that a decrease in target visualization, recognition, maintenance, matching, inhibition, and sequencing processes is detected; ii. reporting to the subject that a decline in cognitive and functional resources is detected if the subject's pupil diameter during the activity requiring a lot of attention does not increase beyond the subject's pupil diameter during the activity requiring little attention; iii. reporting to the subject that a decrease in attentional processes has been detected if the number of eye fixations made by the subject while looking at the target exceeds that of a control group; iv. reporting to the subject that a decrease in execution is detected if the subject's average saccade latency (velocity) is shorter than the average saccade latency of the control group; Further includes:

[0052] In another object of the invention as described above, the method is configured to report to the subject that a decline in executive function is detected if the subject's average saccade duration is shorter than the average fixation duration of a control group.

[0053] In another object of the invention as described above, the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of Parkinson's disease or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for detecting one or more neuropathy in a subject, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for detecting one or more neuropathy in a subject, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 shows a method for assessing the decline in neurological function associated with MS, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 shows a method for assessing the decline in neurological function associated with MS, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4A]FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting one or more neurological disorders in a reading subject, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting one or more neurological disorders in a reading subject, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for detecting a failure of a memory binding function according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows test results according to the evaluation method of FIG. 5A, i.e., corrected recognition between the two experimental conditions in both controls and AD patients (error bars = standard error of the mean). [Figure 5C] Figure 5A shows the test results according to the evaluation method of Figure 5A, i.e. the effect of the blink task on fixation duration in controls and in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients during memorization and recognition. The panels show the partial effects of EMM (i.e. after removal of other fixed effects and variance components). The shaded areas indicate the 95% confidence intervals. Fixation duration is plotted on a logarithmic scale for correspondence with LMM. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 shows a method for detecting Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 shows a method for detecting Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] The term "cognitive effort" reflects the total amount of mental effort required by a subject to perform a task. In this application, the term "less cognitive effort" refers to a reduction in working memory demands when performing a task.

[0056] In this application, the term "microsaccades", also known as "flicks", are small saccades made during the fixation period. They are the largest and fastest of fixational eye movements. In this application, the term "saccade" refers to a rapid simultaneous movement of both eyes between two or more phases of fixation.

[0057] In this application, the term "ocular drift" is a fixational eye movement characterized by a smoother, slower wandering movement of the eyes when fixed on an object.

[0058] In this application, the term "ocular microtremors" (OMT) refers to small, fast, synchronized oscillations of the eye that occur at frequencies in the range of 40 to 100 Hz, although in the average healthy individual they typically occur at approximately 90 Hz. They are characterized by high frequency and very small amplitudes of only a few arc seconds.

[0059] In this application, the term "stimulus image" refers to a particular visual pattern or target that is presented to a subject on a display, and the term "visual task" or "visual test" refers to an activity performed by the subject while processing each stimulus image.

[0060] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail.

[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a system

[0100] for detecting neurological disorders or neurological function in a subject [5] according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] The system

[0100] comprises an eye tracker

[10] , a means for measuring pupil diameter

[17] , a processor

[20] and a display means

[40] .

[0063] The eye tracker

[10] can be of any type known in the art, such as an eye-attached tracker, an optical eye tracker, or an electrooculographic eye tracker.

[0064] The means for measuring the pupil diameter

[17] may, for example, include a camera configured to acquire an image of the eye, and a processing unit for measuring the pupil diameter from the image. Alternatively to the processing unit, the means for measuring the pupil diameter

[17] may include a display of an image, where the manual measurement is made while viewing the display.

[0065] The eye tracker

[10] and the means for measuring pupil diameter

[17] are in communication with the processor

[20] . The communication connection can be of any type known in the art and can be wired (e.g., USB, parallel port, or the like) or wireless (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or the like).

[0066] The processor

[20] receives and executes instructions stored in one or more storage media

[60] , such as RAM, CD / DVD, HDD, flash memory, and / or any suitable medium. The instructions instruct the processor

[20] to 1) receive gaze tracking data from the eye tracker

[10] , 2) receive pupil diameter data from the means for measuring pupil diameter

[17] , 3) analyze the gaze tracking and pupil diameter data (as described further herein), and 4) report the detection or non-detection of one or more impairments of the memory binding function in the subject [5] in a test report 50 for display on a display means

[40] . The display means

[40] can be a monitor, a screen of a mobile device such as a smartphone, a printout, or any suitable means for displaying the test report

[50] . The processor

[20] may store any of the received gaze tracking data, intermediate results at any stage of the analysis, and / or the test report

[50] in the storage medium

[60] .

[0067] The neurological disorders detected by the system can include reading functions, such as a decline in target registration and recognition, a decline in attention processes, a decline in cognitive resources, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the disorders detected can include multiple sclerosis (MS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson's disorder (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the like.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processor

[20] receives eye-tracking data from the eye tracker

[10] while the subject [5] looks at each of one or more targets

[30] . The processor

[20] measures the duration of the subject's [5] gaze on each target

[30] viewed by the subject [5]. The processor

[20] calculates the average duration of the subject's [5] gaze on each of the targets

[30] . If the average duration of the subject's [5] gaze on the target

[30] is longer than the average duration of the control group's gaze, the processor

[20] reports in the test report

[50] that a decrease in target memorization and recognition processes is detected in the subject [5].

[0069] In some embodiments, the processor

[20] additionally or alternatively counts the number of fixations made by the subject [5] while looking at each of the targets

[30] . If the number of fixations made by the subject [5] while looking at the targets

[30] exceeds the control group, the processor

[20] reports in the test report

[50] that a decrease in attentional processes is detected in the subject [5].

[0070] In some embodiments, the processor

[20] receives pupil diameter data from the means

[17] for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is performing an activity requiring less cognitive effort. The processor

[20] further receives pupil diameter data from the means

[17] for measuring pupil diameter while the subject [5] is performing an activity requiring greater cognitive effort than the activity requiring less cognitive effort. If the mean pupil diameter of the subject [5] while performing the activity requiring greater cognitive effort does not show an increase over the mean pupil diameter of the subject [5] while performing the activity requiring less cognitive effort, the processor

[20] reports in the test report

[50] that a decline in cognitive resources is detected in the subject [5].

[0071] The control group may include a statistically representative cross-section of subjects in the same demographic sector as the subjects (e.g., the same gender, race, national culture, age group, and / or other demographic characteristics of the subjects). The eye-tracking data of the control group may be acquired by the system or, in some cases, collected from previous research and / or clinical studies. If the mean fixation duration or number of fixations of the subjects is within a selected margin of the mean figure of the control group, i.e., within about one standard deviation of the distribution of the corresponding figures of the control group, the system may treat the mean fixation duration or number of fixations of the subjects as equal to the mean corresponding figure of the control group.

[0072] It should be understood that the gaze tracking data received by the processor

[20] may be a series of eye positions measured by the eye tracker

[10] , which the processor

[20] analyzes to find the gaze duration or fixation of the subject [5]. Alternatively, the processor

[20] may receive a series of pre-processed signals from the eye tracker

[10] , each signaling that a gaze duration or fixation has occurred. The signals may optionally be accompanied by metadata (e.g., eye position, time, and / or length of the fixation).

[0073] Multiple sclerosis Reference is now made to Figures 3A and 3B, which show a method for assessing the decline in neurological function associated with multiple sclerosis [MS] according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method includes the following steps: a. providing a system for assessing decline in neurological function associated with MS; b. Requiring the subject to fixate a reference target on the chart; c. presenting stimulus images to the subject in one of a number of zones on the chart for a number of repetitions, the subject being required to remember in which zone and in what order each stimulus image appeared; d. Presenting to the subject a cue that corresponds to one of the presented stimulus images; e. measuring the subject's saccades in response to the step of presenting a cue

[0325] , the step of measuring wherein the subject is asked to look at a zone in which a presented stimulus image corresponding to the cue was located; f. Repeating the steps of presenting a cue and measuring a saccade; and g. Repeating steps b to f for several trials

[0335] ; h. i. WM effectiveness (i.e., WM effectiveness is a measure that increases when WM demands increase. For each cue number, WM effectiveness is represented by the ratio of the number of errors reported by the subject across all trials to the number of trials), and ii. Mean saccade latency

[0345] , where saccade latency is defined as the amount of time it takes a subject to initiate a saccade into a zone. Mean saccade latency and calculating one or more of: i. i. the degree of decline in working memory associated with increased WM effects; and ii. The degree of decline in executive processes with increasing saccade latency

[0355] reporting one or more of: Including, The method further includes an additional step performed during the step of presenting the stimulus image, during which the subject is further requested to view the stimulus image; j. The additional steps are: i. the amplitude of the subject's pupil dilation; ii. the number of fixations made by the subject on the stimulus image; and iii. The duration of the subject's gaze on the stimulus image. measuring one or more of: k. The additional steps are: i. The degree of reduction in subcortical processes associated with no change in amplitude during pupil dilation

[0375] ; ii. the degree of decline in executive processes with increasing number of fixations; and iii. The degree of decline in executive processes and working memory with increasing fixation duration

[0385] The method includes calculating and reporting one or more of:

[0074] The method employs an intelligent algorithm to analyze subjects, utilizing the following variables: a. Total number of subjects' gaze fixations while performing the n-back task. b. Identification number of the n-back task trial (i.e., if there are 20 n-back task trials, the 5th trial would be identified as number 5; the 20th trial would be identified as number 20, etc.). c. Trial parts, i.e., 1, 2, and 3. d. The trial part, i.e., memorization and recollection. e. Subjects' pupil diameter while performing the n-back task. f. Number of blinks obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes. g. Microsaccade,form factor (FF), i.e. i. HEWI: Showing the microsaccade height / width relationship. ii. AREA: Indicates the area of ​​the rectangle inscribed by the microsaccade. iii. LONG: The length of the microsaccade's horizontal-vertical trajectory. iv. ANG: The sum of all angles in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccade. v. AANG: The sum of all absolute values ​​of the angles in radians in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccades. These last two FFs estimate the regularity of the microsaccade trajectories. vi. MOD and THETA: The polar modulus and angle of the Cartesian sum. These give the spatial orientation of the microsaccade with respect to the median of fixation. vii. TIME: The duration of the microsaccade in milliseconds. viii. VMIN and VMAX: The minimum and maximum microsaccade velocity in degrees per second. ix. Microsaccade Rate: The instantaneous rate during each time interval. x. Directional congruence: the congruence between the microsaccade direction and the location of the stimulus. h. Eye positions (i.e., horizontal and vertical coordinates) obtained by the left eye, right eye, or both eyes while performing the n-back task. i. Saccade amplitude while processing the target. j. Saccade latency. k. Fixation sequence (i.e. eye movements) while processing the target. The sequence may be available from an image, a matrix, etc. l. The distance between the fixation points of the right and left eyes while processing the target. m. Participant factor information (i.e., age, years of education, sex, race, occupation, hours of physical activity per week). n. The duration of a fixation while processing a target. o. Fixation duration while processing the target. p. Number of fixations on each target. q. Number of fixations other than on each target.

[0075] Measurements taken during the presentation of the stimulus image (feature j in method

[0300] ) provide information during enumeration, when the subject is identifying the location of the visual stimulus for the first time. In a pilot study conducted by the inventors, subjects with MS were found to have impairments when enumerating visual information (e.g., subjects made more fixations on the display). Measurements during enumeration are in addition to measurements taken during recognition (steps a-i in method

[0300] ), when the cue is presented after the visual stimulus is presented, as in the case of the Fielding et al. study. Taken together, the subject's behavior during both enumeration and recognition can help identify further deficits (i.e., subcortical processes, executive processes, and / or the degree of impairment of executive processes) and provide better insight into the subject's state than behavior during recognition alone.

[0076] reading Reference is now made to Figures 4A and 4B, which illustrate methods for measuring general cognitive ability and for detecting one or more neurological disorders in a subject by measuring the subject's eye movements and / or pupil diameter while the subject reads, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] The method

[0400] includes the steps of providing a system for measuring general cognitive ability and for detecting the presence of one or more neurological disorders by measuring eye movement and / or pupil diameter, receiving eye tracking data and / or pupil diameter data of a subject reading text, analyzing the eye tracking data for evidence of one or more neurological disorders, and displaying a report of the detection of the neurological disorder.

[0078] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] includes a step

[0405] of counting the total number of eye fixations of the subject while the subject is reading the text, and a step

[0460] of reporting that a decline in attentional processes is detected if the total number of eye fixations of the subject while reading the text is greater than that of a control group.

[0079] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] further includes the steps of counting the subject's total number of eye fixations while reading the text

[0405] , counting the number of forward gaze fixations by the subject while reading the text

[0430] , and reporting that a decline in working memory is detected if the subject's number of forward gaze fixations exceeds a control group and the subject's total number of eye fixations while reading exceeds a control group

[0470] .

[0080] Physiologically, a decline in working memory correlates with deterioration in the frontal lobe. In some embodiments, a report of a decline in working memory may be used for further treatment. For example, if brain surgery is indicated, the method may be followed by examining brain images of the subject's frontal lobe.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] includes the steps of counting the number of fixations by the subject on each word in the text while the subject is reading the text

[0440] , counting the number of words on which the subject fixates only once

[0445] , and reporting that a decline in recall memory is detected if the number of words on which the subject fixates only once is lower than a control group

[0480] .

[0082] Physiologically, declines in recall memory are correlated with deterioration in the temporal lobe. In some embodiments, reports of declines in recall memory

[0480] may be used for further treatment. For example, if brain surgery is indicated, the method

[0400] may be followed by examining brain images of the subject's frontal lobe.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] includes a step

[0450] of counting the total number of multiple eye fixations of the subject while reading the text, and a step

[0490] of reporting that a decline in performance has been detected if the number of multiple eye fixations exceeds a control group.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] includes a step

[0454] of calculating the subject's average saccade amplitude from one gaze fixation to the next while reading the text, and a step

[0491] of reporting that a decline in executive function is detected if the average saccade amplitude is below that of a control group.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method

[0400] includes a step of tracking the subject's pupil diameter while reading the text

[0456] and a step of reporting

[0492] that a degradation in performance is detected if the subject's pupil diameter does not decrease as the text is read.

[0086] Physiologically, declines in executive processes correlate with deterioration in the frontal, temporal, and / or parietal lobes. In some embodiments, reports of declines in executive processes [490-491-492] may be used for further treatment. For example, if brain surgery is indicated, the method

[0400] may be followed by examining brain images of the subject's frontal, temporal, and / or parietal lobes.

[0087] The system and method were tested on 50 healthy controls and 50 patients with mild AD. Both groups read 40 template sentences.

[0088] [Table 1]

[0089] References The above rules are based in part on the following research: 1. Fernandez G、Mandolesi P、Rotstein NP、Colombo O、Agamennoni O、Politi LE. (2013) Eye movement alterations during reading in patients with early Alzheimer disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. pii: iovs.l3-l2877vl. doi: lO.H67 / iovs.l3- 12877。 2. Fernandez G.、Manes F.、Politi L.、Orozco D.、Schumacher M.、Castro L.、Agamennoni O.、Rotstein N. (2016). Patients with Mild Alzheimer Disease Fail When Using Their Working Memory: Evidence from the Eye Tracking Technique. Journal of Alzheimer Disease; 50、827~828。 3. Fernandez, G.、Laubrock, J.、Mandolesi P.、Colombo O.、Agamennoni O. (2014) Registering eye movements during reading in Alzheimer disease: difficulties in predicting upcoming words.Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology; 36、302~16。 4. Fernandez G., Sapognikoff M., Guinjoan S., Orozco D., Agamennoni O. (2016). Word processing during reading sentences in patients with schizophrenia: evidences from the eyetracking technique. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRY; 68, 193–200. 5. Fernandez G, Manes F, Rotstein N, Colombo O, Mandolesi P, Politi L, Agamennoni O. (2014) Lack of contextual-word predictability during reading in patients with mild Alzheimer disease.Neuropsychologia; 62, 143~51. 6. Fernandez G., Schumacher M., Castro L., Orozco D., Agamennoni O., (2015). Patients with Alzheimer disease produced shorter outgoing saccades when reading sentences. Psychiatry Research, 229, 470~478. 7. Fernandez G., Biondi J., Castro S., Agamennoni O. (2017). Pupil size behavior during online processing of sentences. Journal of Integrative Neurosciences 15(4) 485~496

[0090] Memory linking Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail.

[0091] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a method for detecting impairment of memory binding function in a subject, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] The method includes a step of providing a system for detecting impairment of memory binding function in a subject

[0505] .

[0093] In some embodiments, the method

[0500] includes the steps of viewing one or more targets by a subject [510-535], measuring the duration of the subject's fixation on each of the targets

[0545] , calculating the average duration of fixation on the targets by the subjects

[0550] , and reporting that a decline in target memory and recognition processes has been detected in the subject if the average fixation duration of the subjects is longer than the average fixation duration of a control group

[0565] .

[0094] In some embodiments, the method

[0500] includes a step

[0555] of measuring one or more pupil diameters of the subject while the subject is performing an activity requiring less cognitive effort (e.g., recognizing three targets or distinguishing targets) and a step

[0570] of reporting to the subject [5] that a decline in cognitive resources is detected if the mean pupil diameter of the subject [5] while performing the activity requiring greater cognitive effort does not show an increase over the mean pupil diameter of the subject [5] while performing the activity requiring less cognitive effort.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method

[0500] includes a step

[0560] of counting the number of gaze fixations made by the subject [5] while looking at the target

[30] and a step

[0575] of reporting to the subject [5] that a decline in attentional processes has been detected if the number of gaze fixations made by the subject [5] while looking at the target

[30] exceeds a control group. References

[0096] The above rules are based in part on the following research: 1. Fernandez G、Mandolesi P、Rotstein NP、Colombo O、Agamennoni O、Politi LE.(2013) Eye movement alterations during reading in patients with early Alzheimer disease.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. pii: iovs.l3-l2877vl. doi: lO.H67 / iovs.l3- 12877。 2. Fernandez G.、Manes F.、Politi L.、Orozco D.、Schumacher M.、Castro L.、Agamennoni O.、Rotstein N. (2016)。Patients with Mild Alzheimer Disease Fail When Using Their Working Memory: Evidence from the Eye Tracking Technique.Journal of Alzheimer Disease; 50、827~828。 3. Fernandez, G.、Laubrock, J.、Mandolesi P.、Colombo O.、Agamennoni O. (2014) Registering eye movements during reading in Alzheimer disease: difficulties in predicting upcoming words.Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology; 36、302~16。 4. Fernandez G.、Sapognikoff M.、Guinjoan S.、Orozco D.、Agamennoni O. (2016)。Word processing during reading sentences in patients with schizophrenia: evidences from the eyetracking technique.COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRY; 68、193~200。 5. Fernandez G、Manes F、Rotstein N、Colombo O、Mandolesi P、Politi L、Agamennoni O. (2014) Lack of contextual-word predictability during reading in patients with mild Alzheimer disease.Neuropsychologia; 62、143~51。 6. Fernandez G.、Schumacher M.、Castro L.、Orozco D.、Agamennoni O.、(2015)。Patients with Alzheimer disease produced shorter outgoing saccades when reading sentences.Psychiatry Research, 229、470~478。 7. Fernandez G.、Biondi J.、Castro S.、Agamennoni O. (2017)。Pupil size behavior during online processing of sentences.Journal of Integrative Neurosciences 15(4) 485-496。 8. Biondi J., Fernandez G., Castro S., Agamennoni O. (2018). Eye-movement behavior identification for Alzheimer Disease diagnosis. Journal of Integrative Neurosciences (in Press). 9. Fernandez, Orozco, Agamennoni, Schumacher, Sanudo, Biondi, Parra. (2018). Visual Processing during Short-Term Memory Binding in Mild Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis.;63(l): 185-194. doi: 10.3233 / JAD-170728.

[0097] Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Reference is now made to Figures 6A and 6B, which illustrate methods according to some embodiments of the present invention for detecting one or more cognitive, neurological, and behavioral disorders in a person by measuring the person's eye movement and / or pupil diameter while the person performs a visual test.

[0098] The method

[0600] includes providing a system for detecting the presence of one or more cognitive and neurological disorders by measuring eye movements while a person visualizes, recognizes, maintains, matches, inhibits, and orders targets; receiving eye tracking data of the person visualizing, recognizing, maintaining, matching, inhibiting, and ordering the targets; analyzing the eye tracking data for evidence of the one or more cognitive and neurological disorders; and displaying a report of the detection of the cognitive and neurological disorders.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step of counting the total number of gaze fixations by the person while the person is performing the visual test

[0615] and reporting that a decline in attention, executive, and inhibitory processes is detected if the number of gaze fixations by the person exceeds a control group.

[0100] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step for calculating an average saccade velocity

[0620] of the subject [5] from one target to another target while the subject [5] is performing a visual test, and a step of reporting that a decline in executive function is detected if the average saccade velocity performed by the subject is lower than a control group.

[0101] Physiologically, slower saccade velocity correlates with deterioration in the frontal eye fields, basal ganglia, and superior colliculus. In some embodiments, reports of a decrease in saccade velocity may be used for additional treatment.

[0102] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes counting the number of correct target recognitions by the person while performing the visual test

[0625] and reporting that a decline in working memory is detected if the number of correct target recognitions is below a control group.

[0103] Physiologically, declines in working memory are correlated with deterioration in the prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex. In some embodiments, reports of declines in working memory, inhibitory processes, and mental flexibility may be used for further treatment.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step of calculating the average saccade amplitude from one gaze fixation to the next

[0630] and a step of reporting that a decline in execution is detected if the average saccade amplitude is below a control group.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step of tracking the person's pupil diameter

[0640] while performing the visual test and reporting that a decline in attentional processes is detected if the subject's pupil diameter does not show an increase as the visual test progresses.

[0106] Physiologically, declines in attentional processes are correlated with deterioration in the locus coeruleus, the noradrenergic system, and in the superior colliculus. In some embodiments, reports of declines in executive processes may be used for further treatment.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step of calculating the total time spent by the person while performing the visual trial

[0635] and reporting that a decline in attentional processes is detected if the total time required to perform the trial is more than that reported for a control group.

[0108] Physiologically, declines in attention and inhibition processes, as well as in mental flexibility, are correlated with deterioration in the prefrontal cortex, posterior parietal cortex, prefrontal striatal cerebellar, and prefrontal striatal thalamic circuits. In some embodiments, reports of declines in executive processes may be used for further treatment.

[0109] In some embodiments, the method

[0600] includes a step of calculating the duration of the person's fixation on the target while performing the visual test

[0645] and reporting that a decline in working memory is detected if the duration of fixation on the target is lower than a control group.

[0110] Physiologically, declines in attention and inhibition processes, as well as in mental flexibility, are correlated with deterioration in the prefrontal cortex, the frontal eye fields, and in the dorso-parietal cortex. In some embodiments, reports of declines in executive processes may be used for further treatment.

[0111] The method employs an intelligent algorithm to analyze subjects, utilizing the following variables: a. Total number of fixations made by the subject while performing the visual test. b. An identification number for each target according to its location in the labyrinth or maze. c. The subject's pupil diameter while performing the visual test. d. Number of blinks obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes. e. Microsaccade, form factor (FF), i.e. i. HEWI: Showing the microsaccade height / width relationship. ii. AREA: Indicates the area of ​​the rectangle inscribed by the microsaccade. iii. LONG: The length of the microsaccade's horizontal-vertical trajectory. iv. ANG: The sum of all angles in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccade. v. AANG: The sum of all absolute values ​​of the angles in radians in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccades. These last two FFs estimate the regularity of the microsaccade trajectories. vi. MOD and THETA: The polar modulus and angle of the Cartesian sum. These give the spatial orientation of the microsaccade with respect to the median of fixation. vii. TIME: The duration of the microsaccade in milliseconds. viii. VMIN and VMAX: The minimum and maximum microsaccade velocity in degrees per second. ix. Microsaccade Rate: The instantaneous rate during each time interval. x. Directional congruence: the congruence between the microsaccade direction and the location of the stimulus. f. Eye positions (i.e., horizontal and vertical coordinates) obtained by the left eye, right eye, or both eyes while performing a visual task. g. Saccade amplitude while processing the target. h. Saccade latency. i. The fixation sequence (i.e. eye movements) while processing the target. The sequence is made available from an image, a matrix, etc. j. The distance between the fixation points of the right and left eyes while processing the target. k. Participant factor information (i.e., age, years of education, sex, race, occupation, hours of physical activity per week). l. Fixation duration while processing the target. m. Number of fixations on each target. n. Number of fixations other than each target. o. Total visual task time (i.e., the time taken by the subject to perform the entire trial).

[0112] The method

[0600] was tested on subjects with PD and ADHD and compared with healthy controls.

[0113] [Table 2] [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 5. Subjects 10. Eye Tracker 15 Text 17 Means for measuring pupil diameter 20 processors 30 Target 40 Display means 50 Test Reports 60 Storage medium 100 Systems

Claims

1. 1. A system for detecting one or more neurodegenerations and declines in cognitive, executive and attentional abilities in a subject by measuring eye movements and pupil movements and applying intelligent algorithms, wherein the neurodegeneration comprises degeneration in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, the declines in cognitive abilities comprise declines in working memory and recall memory, the measurement of eye movements is performed while the subject is reading, the system comprising: a. an eye tracker [10] configured to monitor eye and pupil movements of a subject [5] while the subject [5] reads a text [15]; [10] and b. a processor [20] configured to receive data from the eye tracker [10] while the subject [5] is reading the text [15]; and c. Intelligent algorithms for learning, identifying, categorizing, and classifying eye movement features associated with cognitive function in and within pathologies; d. a display means [40] configured to display an output of the intelligent algorithm in a test report [50] received from the processor [20]; Equipped with The system, wherein the processor [20] is further configured to analyze and model the eye tracking data and report in the test report [50] a cognitive ability, neurodegeneration, and / or pathology classification of the subject, as well as a value within the pathology that is indicative of the cognitive, behavioral, and biological decline that the subject exhibits within the particular pathology.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the intelligent algorithm is configured to read at least one input, the input being selected from the group consisting of: An index of the total number of fixations made by the subject while reading the text. b. An index of the subject's forward gaze fixation while reading the text. c. An index of the word that the subject fixated exactly once while reading the text. d. A plurality of fixation indices of said subject while reading said text. e. Mean saccade amplitude from one fixation to the next. f. Pupil diameter of said subject reading said text. g. Blink index obtained from the left eye, right eye, or both eyes. h. Microsaccade form factor (FF), i.e. i. HEWI: Showing the microsaccade height / width relationship. ii. AREA: Indicates the area of ​​the rectangle inscribed by the microsaccade iii. LONG: The length of the microsaccade's horizontal-vertical trajectory. iv. ANG: The sum of all angles in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccade. v. AANG: The sum of all absolute values ​​of the angles in radians in the horizontal-vertical plane of the microsaccades. These last two FFs estimate the regularity of the microsaccade trajectory. vi. MOD and THETA: The polar modulus and angle of the Cartesian sum. These give the spatial orientation of the microsaccade with respect to the median of fixation. vii. TIME: The duration of the microsaccade in milliseconds. viii. VMIN and VMAX: The minimum and maximum microsaccade velocity in degrees per second. ix. Microsaccade Rate: The instantaneous rate during each time interval. x. Directional congruence: the congruence between the microsaccade direction and the location of the stimulus. i. Eye positions (i.e. horizontal and vertical coordinates) obtained by the left eye, right eye or from both eyes while reading said text. j. Fixation sequences (i.e., eye movements) while reading said text. The sequence may be available from another source that has access to images, matrices, and fixation sequences. k. The separation distance between eye fixations while reading said text. l. The subject's philia information (i.e., age, years of education, gender, race, occupation, hours of physical activity per week). m. Total reading time (i.e., the time the subject spent reading the text).

Images