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Abstract

Grant Number:	5R44HD037728-03
PI Name:	GEVINS, ALAN S.
PI Email:	alan@eeg.com
PI Title:	PRESIDENT
Project Title:	Children's Attention and Performance Evaluation System

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A primary goal of research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is to identify and evaluate interventions that improve a child?s ability to control attention and working memory. However, there is no standardized efficient means for measuring neurological signals and systems of attention with which to objectively assess treatment-related improvements in this fundamental cognitive ability. We have been developing a self-contained system, the Children?s Attention and Performance Evaluation System (CAPESYS) to address this need. Our prior research suggests that sensitive and specific indices of sustained attention and working memory, functions disrupted in ADHD, can be derived from multivariate combinations of EEG and behavioral performance measures. During Phase I, analysis of data from children with ADHD being treated with stimulant medication suggested that our approach could efficiently identify those who responded positively to such treatment. Progress was also made in identifying aspects of EEG signal processing algorithms requiring adaptation for use with children?s data, and on the ongoing design and implementation of an automated clinical testing system that will provide the infrastructure for the CAPESYS. In Phase II we propose to extend and further validate our procedures, implement a prototype system and evaluate it in collaborative studies with ADHD specialists. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: ADHD is a common childhood neurological disorder. It is frequently treated pharmacologically with stimulants, yet there is no neurological instrument for measuring treatment-related improvements in child's attention functions. The proposed device would provide a critical technology for evaluation of neurophysiological and behavioral aspects of sustained focused attention. It would facilitate research and permit more effective and economical management of individual patients. There is a large potential market for it among pediatric neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals involved with treatment of ADHD in children.

Thesaurus Terms:
attention deficit disorder, biomedical equipment development, child (0-11), electroencephalography, mental disorder diagnosis, neuropsychological test
Internet, attention, behavior test, computer program /software, evoked potential, mental disorder chemotherapy, mental health information system, neurophysiology, personal computer, short term memory
bioengineering /biomedical engineering, bioimaging /biomedical imaging, clinical research, human subject

Institution:	SAM TECHNOLOGY, INC.
	425 BUSH ST, 5TH FL
	SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	01-APR-1999
Project End:	31-AUG-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
IRG:	ZRG1

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