Open AccessComputer mouse movement patterns: A potential marker of mild cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Seelye Adriana,
Hagler Stuart,
Mattek Nora,
Howieson Diane B.,
Wild Katherine,
Dodge Hiroko H.,
Kaye Jeffrey A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia: diagnosis, assessment and disease monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.497
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2352-8729
DOI - 10.1016/j.dadm.2015.09.006
Subject(s) - cognition , cognitive impairment , computer mouse , pointer (user interface) , movement (music) , audiology , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , neuroscience , computer science , artificial intelligence , human–computer interaction , philosophy , aesthetics
Subtle changes in cognitively demanding activities occur in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but are difficult to assess with conventional methods. In an exploratory study, we examined whether patterns of computer mouse movements obtained from routine home computer use discriminated between older adults with and without MCI. Methods Participants were 42 cognitively intact and 20 older adults with MCI enrolled in a longitudinal study of in‐home monitoring technologies. Mouse pointer movement variables were computed during one week of routine home computer use using algorithms that identified and characterized mouse movements within each computer use session. Results MCI was associated with making significantly fewer total mouse moves ( P < .01) and making mouse movements that were more variable, less efficient, and with longer pauses between movements ( P < .05). Mouse movement measures were significantly associated with several cognitive domains ( P values <.01–.05). Discussion Remotely monitored computer mouse movement patterns are a potential early marker of real‐world cognitive changes in MCI.