Modern approach to neuropsychological assessment as a predictor of computerized cognitive rehabilitation

Abstract

Neuropsychological tests are specially designed tasks used to assess cognitive function, known to be related to a particular brain structure or pathway. The modern approach in neuropsychological assessment involves the application of the test in a computer application. This approach has many advantages, simple application of other technology and sensors, to get as informative the data. The purpose of this research was to analyze the possibilities for realization of certain neuropsychological tests in the form of computer applications, with the use of an additional sensor and application of the data obtained in rehabilitation. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test - WCST, a card sorting test, was used as an example of the test. The survey included 20 respondents from the regular population, ages 17-29, selected by the random sample method, who voluntarily accepted to participate in the research. Respondents solved the test in a computer application with an additional sensor attached to an Emotiv Epoc Electroencephalograph. The results show that it takes less time to solve the test in a computer application and that errors that the examiner may make are excluded. Moreover, the additional sensor provides accurate data on registered features that can be used in diagnostics as well as in rehabilitation. All this information cannot otherwise be obtained by the usual test method.