Cognitive Function Evaluation Using TMT Residence and Movement Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for estimating Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores using Trail Making Test (TMT) results have low accuracy and require multiple TMT executions, making it difficult to achieve high-accuracy cognitive function evaluation in a short time.
Innovation Solution
A cognitive function evaluation method that extracts 'residence time', 'movement time', 'position', and 'direction' parameters from TMT data, using these parameters in a stepwise analysis to improve correlation between TMT and MMSE, allowing for high-accuracy evaluation with fewer TMT executions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MMSE score estimation is performed based on TMT implementation time only, then the evaluation process is simple and fast, but the estimation accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for TMT evaluation from simple implementation time to multiple detailed parameters including residence time, movement time, position coordinates, and movement direction. This parameter transformation enables more accurate cognitive function assessment while maintaining evaluation efficiency through automated data processing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple TMT executions are performed to improve estimation accuracy, then the MMSE score estimation accuracy improves, but the evaluation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional evaluation (implementation time only) to multi-dimensional evaluation by incorporating residence time, movement time, position, and direction parameters. This dimensional expansion enables high-accuracy cognitive function assessment with a single TMT execution, eliminating the need for multiple repetitions.
3Device complexity
If only implementation time is used for TMT evaluation, then the evaluation process is simple and quick, but the correlation with MMSE score is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TMT evaluation process into multiple independent measurement components: residence time at each passing point, movement time between points, position coordinates, and movement direction. This segmentation allows comprehensive cognitive function assessment while enabling automated processing that maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cognitive function evaluation method includes executing an inspection based on a TMT for urging a subject to connect passing points by a line, extracting, from the obtained inspection data, first inspection value data related to a residence time during which a line drawn by the subject sequentially tracking the passing points stagnates at a first passing point that is any one of the passing points from when the drawn line reaches the first passing point until when the drawn line starts moving to a second passing point, and second inspection value data related to a movement time required from when the drawn line starts moving from the first passing point until when the drawn line reaches the second passing point; and evaluating a cognitive function of the subject based on the first inspection value data and the second inspection value data which have been extracted.