Information processing device and program

Abstract

A new approach to estimating the likelihood that a subject has dementia. [Solution] The information processing device 10 comprises a memory unit 27 that stores data of a color plate for testing, in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols or pictures are composed together with a background, and the hue of the figure changes over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figure is the same as the hue of the background; a means 112 for reproducing the color plate data; a means 113 for accepting a response from the subject that the figure has been identified from the background; and a means 116 for estimating the possibility that the subject will develop dementia based on the reaction time from the starting point to the response.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program for estimating the likelihood of developing dementia. [Background technology]

[0002] There are medical, statistical, and information processing approaches to predicting the onset of dementia. Medical approaches typically involve interviewing family members and the individual to assess activities of daily living based on memory decline and changes in lifestyle, confirming the level of independence and need for support, and then predicting the onset of dementia. Other methods include using MRI and CT images to check for cerebral atrophy and vascular disorders, and PET images to evaluate amyloid accumulation and metabolic decline.

[0003] A statistical approach estimates the probability of developing dementia based on factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and genetic factors. In recent years, an information processing approach has also been considered, in which AI is used to classify risk based on MRI images, cognitive function test results, and lifestyle habits. There is also a dementia screening test called the Hasegawa Dementia Scale, which scores answers to a number of questions, such as "How old are you?" and "Subtract 7 from 100 in order," and evaluates the decline in cognitive function based on the score to determine whether or not dementia has developed.

[0004] In practice, the accuracy of estimates of dementia and other conditions is improved by comprehensively utilizing the results of estimates from multiple approaches. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The goal is to use a new approach to estimate the likelihood that a subject has developed dementia. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of this embodiment comprises a means for storing data of a color plate for a dementia risk test in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols or pictures are composed together with a background, and the hue of the figure changes over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figure is the same as the hue of the background; a means for reproducing the data of the color plate; a means for accepting a response from a subject that the figure has been identified from the background; and a means for estimating the possibility that the subject will develop dementia based on the reaction time from the starting point to the response. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the physical configuration of an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hue changes of the color plates (moving images) used in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the changes in the display of the color plates of this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the hue changes of three color plates (moving images) used in this embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a dementia test screen (initial screen). [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the dementia test screen (graphic button tap screen). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the probability density distribution of reaction times by age group. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the incidence rates of dementia and other conditions by age group. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between dementia, etc. and reaction time, which is generated from the probability density distribution of reaction time and the incidence rate of dementia, etc. by age group. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for determining the possibility of developing dementia by the processor of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, an outline of the testing method according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a color plate (moving image) for dementia testing is presented to a subject, in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures are configured together with a background, and the hue of the figure changes over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figure is the same as the hue of the background. Based on the reaction time from the starting point to the subject's response indicating that they have identified the figure from the background, the possibility of the subject developing dementia and further the possibility of the subject exhibiting mild cognitive impairment or moderate cognitive impairment is estimated.

[0009] The color plates for the test may conform to the Ishihara color vision test, SPP (Standard Pseudoisochromatic Plate), Cambridge Color Test (CCT), or any other color vision testing method. Here, we will explain an example of color plates conforming to the SPP.

[0010] The color plate may be a moving image in which the hue of the figure changes over time, starting from a state in which the hue of the figure is clearly different from the hue of the background, and then approaches and becomes identical to the hue of the background.

[0011] The inventors refer to this testing method as the dynamic morphing color vision testing method. Here, the color plates used in the SPP test are used as an example of this "dynamic morphing color vision testing method." However, as mentioned above, the color plates are not still images, but rather moving images in which the hues of the figures change over time. For example, the color dots that make up a number on a color plate are displayed in the same hue as the background, and the hue is gradually changed over time. The time elapsed from the starting point at which the number becomes distinguishable from the background (reaction time) is measured. This dynamic color change makes it possible to collect the parameter of reaction time, whereas the still images used in the conventional SPP test only distinguish between visible and invisible.

[0012] It is known that cognitive decline leads to insufficient time and slower reactions. Reaction times for multiple subjects are accumulated, and a probability density distribution is calculated by age group, showing the frequency of reaction times as a percentage. The accuracy of the probability density distribution is improved by continually updating the distribution as the number of subjects increases. The probability density distribution is integrated with statistical data compiled by public and academic organizations on the incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment and moderate cognitive impairment by age group and the incidence rate of dementia (see Figure 8) so that the integral value of the probability density distribution is consistent with the incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia. This allows us to generate a correspondence relationship between reaction time and each of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia. Using this correspondence relationship, we can estimate the probability of a subject developing dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or moderate cognitive impairment based on their reaction time.

[0013] This test uses an approach different from conventional testing methods, allowing subjects to check the possibility of developing dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or moderate cognitive impairment by themselves on a computer or smartphone, without the assistance of a doctor, etc. Furthermore, tests that emphasize reaction speed may be a diagnostic guide for people whose performance on standard language and memory tests has begun to decline.

[0014] 1 shows the physical configuration of an information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 is composed of a processor 11, RAM 13, ROM 15, an input controller 17, an input device 19, a video controller 21, a display 23, an I / O controller 25, a storage unit 27, and a communication device 29. The processor 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and realizes various processing functions by executing various programs stored in the RAM 13. The RAM 13 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the processor 11.

[0015] The storage unit 27 stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) executed by the processor 11, an operating system program (OS), and a "dementia etc. inference processing program" according to this embodiment.

[0016] The memory unit 27 also stores data on multiple color plates for dementia risk testing, in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols or pictures are arranged together with a background, and the hue of the figure changes over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figure is the same as the hue of the background; probability density distribution data continuously representing the frequency of occurrence of reaction times obtained for multiple subjects; and statistical data on the incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment and dementia over a specified period of time.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the color plate typically corresponds to the green and red ranges on a color wheel. Within this range, a starting point SP and an ending point EP of the hue transition of the figure are set. The hue of the background is fixed at the starting point SP of the hue transition of the figure. As shown in FIG. 4, upon reproduction of the color plate, the figure starts out in a state where it is indistinguishable from the background, and gradually separates from the background over time. Of course, the hue of the background may also be fixed at the ending point EP of the hue transition of the figure. In this case, starting from a state where the hue of the figure is clearly different from that of the background, the hue of the figure changes over time and approaches the hue of the background. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple color plates PR1, PR2, and PR3 are prepared in advance and stored in memory unit 27. At least one of the starting point SP and ending point EP of the hue transition of the figure is different, and the distance between the starting point SP and ending point EP on the hue wheel is constant.

[0018] The processor 11 loads the "dementia, etc. inference processing program" according to this embodiment from the storage unit 27 into the RAM 13 and executes the loaded program, thereby realizing the dementia, etc. inference processing.

[0019] An input controller 17 controls input from input devices 19 such as a keyboard (KB) and pointing devices such as a mouse or touch panel. A video controller 21 controls the display of a display 23 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) under the control of the processor 11. An I / O controller 25 controls access to a storage unit 27.

[0020] The subject's information processing terminal 30, such as a smartphone or personal computer, is connected to the communication device 29 via a public communication network, typically the Internet line 20.

[0021] 2 shows the functional configuration of the processor 11. The processor 11 functions as the following means by executing the "dementia etc. inference processing program" according to this embodiment.

[0022] 6A and 6B using the color plate data for inspection read from storage unit 27. In the inspection screen, color plate 201, which is composed of figure 302 and background 301, is laid out according to a predetermined template along with multiple graphic buttons 202, each of which displays a number, letter, symbol, or picture, including the number, letter, symbol, or picture represented by figure 302, and various command buttons 203, 204, and 205. The data for the inspection screen is converted into HTML format and transmitted to information processing terminal 30 via communication device 29.

[0023] It is also possible to randomly select figures 302 such as numbers, letters, symbols or pictures that are configured together with the background 301, and create the color plate 201 each time. This can prevent the subject from memorizing what the figures 302 are as they repeat the test, making it impossible to measure the reaction time accurately.

[0024] The test color plate reproduction means 112 reproduces the color plate upon receiving a start command when the subject taps the start command button 203. When the subject taps any of the plurality of graphic buttons 202, each of which displays a number, letter, symbol, or picture, a response including an identification code corresponding to the graphic of the tapped graphic button 202 is transmitted from the information processing terminal 30.

[0025] Based on the identification code received from the information processing terminal 30 and the identification code of the figure included in the attribute information of the color plate being played back, the figure determination means 113 determines whether the number, letter, symbol, or picture corresponding to the received identification code matches the number, letter, symbol, or picture represented by the figure that makes up the color plate. In other words, it determines whether the figure that the subject recognizes on the color plate matches the figure that makes up the color plate.

[0026] The figure determination means 113 continues playing the test color plate when it determines that the figure recognized by the subject on the color plate does not match the figures constituting the color plate. The figure determination means 113 stops playing the test color plate when it determines that the figure recognized by the subject on the color plate matches the figures constituting the color plate. The reaction time measurement means 114 measures the elapsed time from the start of the color plate animation until the subject taps one of the multiple figure buttons 202 and responds as the reaction time when it determines that the figure recognized by the subject on the color plate matches the figures constituting the color plate. Furthermore, the reaction time measurement means 114 calculates the average of multiple reaction times measured using multiple color plates. Note that the average may also be calculated from multiple reaction times measured repeatedly using the same color plate.

[0027] The dementia etc. / reaction time correspondence generation means 115 and the dementia etc. estimation means 116 estimate the possibility that the subject will develop dementia, exhibit mild cognitive impairment, exhibit moderate cognitive impairment, or remain healthy without developing dementia, based on the measured reaction time or its average value.

[0028] Specifically, the dementia etc. / reaction time correspondence generation means 115 integrates "a probability density distribution by age group showing the change in the occurrence frequency of reaction times measured for a large number of subjects as a percentage" illustrated in Fig. 7 and "statistical data on the incidence rate of mild cognitive impairment, the incidence rate of moderate cognitive impairment, and the incidence rate of dementia by age group" illustrated in Fig. 8, to generate "a correspondence relationship between reaction time and each of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia" illustrated in Fig. 9. The two can be integrated by adjusting the integral range of the probability density distribution so that the integral value of the probability density distribution matches the incidence rate and incidence rate of each of the statistical data.

[0029] The dementia etc. estimation means 116 estimates whether the subject is likely to develop dementia, exhibit mild cognitive impairment, exhibit moderate cognitive impairment, or even remain in a healthy state by comparing the measured reaction time with the correspondence relationship.

[0030] The inference result sending means 117 sends the inference results (mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, or non-onset) by the dementia etc. / reaction time correspondence generating means 115 and the dementia etc. inferring means 116 to the information processing terminal 30.

[0031] The reaction time probability density distribution update means 118 increments the frequency according to the reaction time of the subject and updates the probability density distribution. The reaction time probability density distribution update means 118 also updates the probability density distribution according to the frequency input by the administrator. Furthermore, when official statistical data is revised, the reaction time probability density distribution update means 118 updates the statistical data stored in the storage unit 27 according to the revised statistical data.

[0032] Figure 10 shows the processing procedure for dementia risk assessment by processor 11. The dementia, etc. estimation processing program is started in response to receipt of a dementia, etc. estimation request from the subject's information processing terminal 30 (S11). The subject's age is received from the information processing terminal 30 (S12). Data for multiple, here three, color test plates (videos) are read from memory 27, and data on the probability density distribution of reaction times according to the subject's age and statistical data on the incidence rate are also read (S13). The read probability density distribution and statistical data on the incidence rate are integrated to generate "correspondence relationships between reaction times and mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and non-onset," which are then stored in memory 27 (S14).

[0033] In addition, the "correspondence between reaction time and each of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and non-onset" may be generated and stored in advance for each age group.

[0034] By storing the probability density distribution and statistical data separately and integrating them when applied, the probability density distribution can be updated progressively from the reaction time and age of each subject while repeatedly testing for dementia, etc., with the advantage of improving its accuracy. Also, by storing statistical data on incidence rates by age and generating the corresponding relationship together with the probability density distribution, the latest statistical data can be utilized at any time.

[0035] An inspection screen is created using the first of the three color plates read from storage unit 27 (S15). The inspection screen is converted into HTML format and transmitted to information processing terminal 30 via communication device 29. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the inspection screen includes a color plate 201, which is configured with a figure 302 and a background 301, laid out according to a predetermined template along with multiple graphic buttons 202, each of which displays a variety of numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures, and various command buttons 203, 204, and 205. The number, letter, symbol, or picture displayed on any of the multiple graphic buttons 202 matches the number, letter, symbol, or picture displayed on figure 302 of color plate 201. The numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures displayed on the other graphic buttons 202 are the same type as, but different from, the number, letter, symbol, or picture displayed on figure 302 of color plate 201. For example, when the graphic 302 represents the number "5," one graphic button 202 displays "5," and the other graphic buttons 202 display numbers other than "5."

[0036] When the "Start" command button 203 on the information processing terminal 30 is tapped (S16), video playback of the color plate 201 begins (S17). As shown in Fig. 4, at the start time tstart, the shape has the same hue as the background and is barely distinguishable. As time passes, the hue of the shape gradually changes so that it can be distinguished from the background.

[0037] The reproduction of the color plate continues until a figure button 202 on the information processing terminal 30 is tapped (S18; YES) and the figure displayed on the tapped figure button 202 matches the figure on the color plate being reproduced (S19; YES). When it is determined that the figure displayed on the tapped figure button 202 matches the figure on the color plate being reproduced (S19; YES), the reproduction of the color plate is stopped (S20).

[0038] In the next step S21, the reaction time is measured from the starting point t start when the playback of the colored illustration animation begins, until the subject identifies the figure from the background and taps one of the plurality of figure buttons 202 (t ope) (S21). If there is a next colored illustration (S22; YES), the process returns to step S15, and steps S15-S21 are executed again.

[0039] For example, when a test using a video of three color plates is completed (S22; NO), the average of the three reaction times is calculated (S23). The average reaction time is referenced to the "correspondence between reaction time and each of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, and non-onset" shown in Figure 9, and it is determined whether the subject is likely to exhibit mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, or dementia, or is healthy (non-onset) and will not develop any of these conditions (S24).

[0040] For example, if a subject is in their 70s and their average reaction time is 9 seconds, it is estimated that they are likely to have developed dementia. If their average reaction time is 6.5 seconds, it is estimated that they are likely to have mild cognitive impairment.

[0041] The estimation result (mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment or dementia, or non-onset) is transmitted to the information processing terminal 30 (S25).

[0042] The probability density distribution is updated based on the reaction time of the subject, and the updated probability density distribution is stored in the storage unit 27 (S26), after which the program ends.

[0043] Thus, according to this embodiment, whereas in the normal SPP test method, only a distinction is made between visible and invisible still images, by presenting color plates as moving images in which the hue of the figure changes and the hue of the background is fixed, it is possible to use a new parameter, namely the reaction time required to be able to identify the figure against the background, to estimate whether the subject is currently exhibiting mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, or dementia, or whether they are healthy and have not developed any of the above.

[0044] In addition, the subject's age and measured reaction time may be input into a neural network that has been trained using as training data the correspondence between the subject's age and reaction time and the subject's condition (mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, dementia, non-onset) to estimate the subject's condition.

[0045] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10...information processing device, 11...processor, 13...RAM, 15...ROM, 17...input controller, 19...input device, 20...internet line, 21...video controller, 23...display, 25...I / O controller, 27...memory unit, 29...communication device, 30...information processing terminal, 111...test screen creation means, 112...test color plate (video) playback means, 113...graphic judgment means, 114...reaction time measurement means, 115...dementia etc. / reaction time correspondence relationship generation means, 116...dementia etc. estimation means, 117...estimation result transmission means, 118...reaction time probability density distribution update means.

Claims

1. A means for storing data of color plates for dementia risk testing, in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols or pictures are configured together with a background, and the hue of the figures is changed over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figures is the same as the hue of the background; means for reproducing the color plate data; means for receiving a response from the subject indicating that the figure has been identified from the background; and means for estimating the possibility that the subject has developed dementia based on the reaction time from the starting point to the response.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the possibility of the subject developing dementia and the possibility of the subject exhibiting mild cognitive impairment or moderate cognitive impairment are estimated.

3. a means for creating an inspection screen in which the color plate is laid out together with a plurality of buttons each having a plurality of types of numbers, letters, symbols or pictures written thereon; and a means for creating an inspection screen in which the number, letter, symbol or picture written on one of the plurality of buttons matches the number, letter, symbol or picture represented by the figure constituting the color plate; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising means for determining, when said response is received by said subject operating one of said plurality of buttons, whether or not a number, letter, symbol or picture written on any of said plurality of buttons matches a number, letter, symbol or picture represented by a figure constituting said color plate.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising means for generating a correspondence relationship between the reaction time and the incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia by integrating a probability density distribution that continuously represents the occurrence frequency of reaction times obtained for a plurality of subjects with statistical data regarding the incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, and dementia.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising means for updating the probability density distribution based on the reaction time of the received response.

6. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for updating said probability density distribution and said statistical data in accordance with an administrator's operation.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the possibility of the subject developing dementia is estimated based on an average value of a plurality of reaction times measured using the color plates.

8. In an information processing device having a processor and a storage unit for storing data of color plates for dementia risk testing, in which figures representing numbers, letters, symbols or pictures are configured together with a background, and the hue of the figures is changed over time while the hue of the background remains fixed, starting from a state in which the hue of the figures is the same as the hue of the background, the processor is means for reproducing the color plate data; means for receiving a response from the subject indicating that the figure has been identified from the background; A program that functions as a means for estimating the possibility that the subject will develop dementia based on the reaction time from the starting point to the response.

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