Methods for diagnosing mental disorders using neurometrics
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Publication Number
US-10420482-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described are novel methods for the diagnosis of specific mental disorders using neurometrics. EEG parameters are compared to thresholds to determine if a person is suffering from autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.
Core Innovation
The patent describes neurometric EEG-based diagnostic methods for multiple mental disorders, using neurometric metrics derived from EEG recordings. EEG signals are measured using an EEG recording device from at least one frontal EEG channel and at least one occipital-parietal EEG channel in a person being awake with eyes closed. The described metrics are calculated by a processor in operable communication with the EEG recording device.
For Alzheimer’s Disease, the patent calculates an average dominant frequency between about 5 Hz and 15 Hz from the EEG signals of the frontal and occipital-parietal channels. The patent also calculates an average coherence at the average dominant frequency between the EEG signals from the frontal channels and the occipital-parietal channels. These neurometric metrics are presented as diagnostic parameters.
The patent further provides diagnostic threshold rules tied to the neurometric metrics, including diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease when the average dominant frequency is less than about 8 Hz and the average coherence is less than about 10%. The description links these neurometric thresholds to characteristic spectral and coherence-related patterns illustrated in figures for the discussed disorders.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claim focuses specifically on diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease using neurometric measures computed from frontal and occipital-parietal EEG channels. The inventive features include (i) measuring awake, eyes-closed EEG from defined channel regions, (ii) computing an average dominant frequency in the 5–15 Hz band, and (iii) computing an average coherence at that dominant frequency, with diagnosis triggered by specified threshold conditions.
Awake eyes-closed frontal and occipital-parietal EEG measuring
Measuring EEG signals, using an EEG recording device, from at least one frontal EEG channel and at least one occipital-parietal EEG channel in a person being awake with eyes closed.
Average dominant frequency in 5 to 15 Hz band
Calculating an average dominant frequency between about 5 Hz and 15 Hz of the EEG signals from the at least one frontal EEG channel and the at least one occipital-parietal EEG channel.
Average coherence at the average dominant frequency
Calculating an average coherence at the average dominant frequency between the EEG signals from the at least one frontal EEG channel and the at least one occipital-parietal EEG channel.
Alzheimer’s diagnosis by dominant frequency and coherence thresholds
Diagnosing the person with Alzheimer’s Disease if the average dominant frequency is less than about 8 Hz and the average coherence is less than about 10%.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis based on neurometric EEG measurements from frontal and occipital-parietal channels, using an average dominant frequency (5–15 Hz) together with an average coherence at that dominant frequency, with diagnosis triggered by specified dominant-frequency and coherence thresholds.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Neurometric EEG-based diagnostic methods for multiple mental disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, anxiety disorder, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia.
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