Unobtrusive monitoring of computer interactions to detect cognitive status in elders

Holly Jimison, Misha Pavel, James McKanna, Jesse Pavel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

The U.S. has experienced a rapid growth in the use of computers by elders. E-mail, Web browsing, and computer games are among the most common routine activities for this group of users. In this paper, we describe techniques for unobtrusively monitoring naturally occurring computer interactions to detect sustained changes in cognitive performance. Researchers have demonstrated the importance of the early detection of cognitive decline. Users over the age of 75 are at risk for medically related cognitive problems and confusion, and early detection allows for more effective clinical intervention. In this paper, we present algorithms for inferring a user's cognitive performance using monitoring data from computer games and psychomotor measurements associated with keyboard entry and mouse movement. The inferences are then used to classify significant performance changes, and additionally, to adapt computer interfaces with tailored hints and assistance when needed. These methods were tested in a group of elders in a residential facility.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)248-252
Number of pages5
JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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