Cognitive function evaluation of dementia patients using P300 speller: Studies on spelling error and counting task

Abstract

The character-input BCI has been studying as a communication aid for neuromuscular illness patients such as ALS. We focused on input-error in the character-input BCI. It is necessary that the subject has to concentrate high attention to input correct characters in the character-input BCI. On the other hand, it causes an input-error of far character when the subject is distractedness. Hence, we considered that the number of input error of far character may increase when the dementia patient uses the character-input BCI. Therefore, we conducted a character gazing experiment using the character-input BCI to the elderly. Then, we quantified the result of the character estimation of gazed character by calculating the SEDV (Spelling-Error Distance Value). As a result, in the Modarate1 group, the SEDV was 0.41 characters farther than the Questionably significant group. Hence, there is possibility that the character-input BCI may be able to screening dementia.