Keller Jürgen, Gorges Martin, Aho-Özhan Helena E A, Uttner Ingo, Schneider Erich, Kassubek Jan, Pinkhardt Elmar H, Ludolph Albert C, Lulé Dorothée
Department of Neurology, Ulm University.
Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg.
J Vis Exp. 2016 Oct 13(116):54634. doi: 10.3791/54634.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with pathological involvement of upper and lower motoneurons, subsequently leading to progressive loss of motor and speech abilities. In addition, cognitive functions are impaired in a subset of patients. To evaluate these potential deficits in severely physically impaired ALS patients, eye-tracking is a promising means to conduct cognitive tests. The present article focuses on how eye movements, an indirect means of communication for physically disabled patients, can be utilized to allow for detailed neuropsychological assessment. The requirements, in terms of oculomotor parameters that have to be met for sufficient eye-tracking in ALS patients are presented. The properties of stimuli, including type of neuropsychological tests and style of presentation, best suited to successfully assess cognitive functioning, are also described. Furthermore, recommendations regarding procedural requirements are provided. Overall, this methodology provides a reliable, easy to administer and fast approach for assessing cognitive deficits in patients who are unable to speak or write such as patients with severe ALS. The only confounding factor might be deficits in voluntary eye movement control in a subset of ALS patients.
肌萎缩侧索硬化症（ALS）是一种神经退行性疾病，上下运动神经元均有病理改变，随后导致运动和言语能力逐渐丧失。此外，部分患者的认知功能也会受损。为评估严重身体功能受损的ALS患者的这些潜在缺陷，眼动追踪是进行认知测试的一种有前景的方法。本文重点关注如何利用眼动（身体残疾患者的一种间接交流方式）来进行详细的神经心理学评估。文中介绍了在ALS患者中进行充分眼动追踪所需满足的眼动参数要求。还描述了最适合成功评估认知功能的刺激特性，包括神经心理学测试类型和呈现方式。此外，还提供了关于程序要求的建议。总体而言，这种方法为评估无法说话或书写的患者（如重度ALS患者）的认知缺陷提供了一种可靠、易于实施且快速的途径。唯一的混杂因素可能是一部分ALS患者存在自主眼动控制缺陷。
