Home-Based Attentional Bias Modification with Webcam-Based Eye Tracking with Persons with Cognitive Impairment: A...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Attentional bias modification (ABM) is a promising intervention for mood disorders.
• Studies on remotely delivered ABM for individuals with cognitive impairment are scarce.
• Exploring adapted ABM paradigms with webcam-based eye tracking is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of a remotely delivered, adapted attentional bias modification (ABM) paradigm.
• To assess the potential benefits of ABM for individuals experiencing cognitive impairment.
• To investigate the use of webcam-based eye tracking in delivering ABM remotely.

Main Methods:

• Eight participants (3 Alzheimer's disease, 1 mild cognitive impairment) were recruited.
• Four participants completed up to four daily ABM sessions.
• Intervention included mood, anxiety, rumination, cognitive, and attentional bias measures.

Main Results:

• The adapted ABM intervention was found to be feasible based on completion rates.
• A small sample indicated potential mood improvements post-intervention.
• Challenges included session length, task access, and participant adherence.

Conclusions:

• The remotely delivered ABM intervention requires further adaptation for optimal use.
• Limitations include participant self-selection, loss to follow-up, and lack of a control group.
• ABM may serve as an effective mood disorder treatment for those with cognitive impairment.