Cognition assessment: A framework for episodic measurement

This paper presents a framework for episodic cognition assessment to augment the current discrete assessment methods used to diagnose Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)/dementia. Physicians currently rely on patient history and clinical assessments to identify changes in memory or functional cognitive ability as indications of MCI/dementia in conjunction with exclusionary tests. They are limited in these discrete assessments by their accuracy and infrequent occurrence. The episodic cognition assessment framework proposed will allow better ongoing information about the true well-being of the patient through assessment of memory and functional cognitive ability between appointments. The paper presents three emerging cognitive assessment techniques through the application of sensors, signal processing and data analytics: [i]Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Event Related Potential (ERP) with Neuropsychological Behavioural Testing (NBT) that has the potential to provide a novel bio-marker for MCI/dementia; [ii]Driving and [iii] Computer game use as two Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The latter are presented within the episodic assessment framework as both are complex functional cognitive tasks and provide rich insight into the patient's ability and changes in ability. The paper shows results of the measures possible from an instrumented word search game and for driving using location tracking sensors. It shows data for an example participant and how the framework would allow these results to be combined.