EP 47. Direct assessment of psychosocial measures using Eye Tracking Technology in advanced ALS – Can preserved autonomy and psychological wellbeing modify disease course?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a terminal motor neuron disease, with progressive paralysis, dysarthria, dysphagia and respiratory disabilities. Eye Tracking based computer systems (ETCS) facilitate communication and participation in advanced quadriplegic and anarthric disease state. The impact of ALS on patients and caregivers wellbeing is controversial, with patients showing surprisingly preserved psychological functioning in some studies. Quality of Life, depression and the impact of communicative functioning, especially ETCS usage in the advanced, quadriplegic disease state has not yet been investigated in a direct, fully independent manner, using ETCS technology.

Source: Clinical Neurophysiology - August 5, 2016 Category: Neuroscience Authors: K. Linse, W. R üger, M. Joos, H. Schmitz-Peiffer, A. Storch, A. Hermann Source Type: research