PP1418 - The Use of Saccades as a Screener for Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract:
The rapidly increasing life expectancy has increased the prevalence of cognitive decline in older adults. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are at the forefront. Although new to the field of Audiology, several studies have been published regarding how different saccadic parameters can be used to screen for cognitive decline in older adults. Different saccadic patterns associated with cognitive decline, underlying central changes, and future clinical considerations will be discussed.

Summary:
Purpose
To investigate the extent of the evidence present and determine whether different saccade parameters can be used by Audiologists to effectively screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). 

Methods
The Arksey and O’Malley approach for scoping reviews was adopted for our scoping review. Electronic English databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EBSCO, PubMed, etc.) were utilized. Any study that identified a change in saccadic parameters in patients with cognitive decline, or the use of saccades as a screening tool for cognitive decline was eligible for inclusion. Study and participants’ characteristics, sample size, saccade procedure, and metrics were excluded from the included studies.

Results
Thirty studies involving 1,739 participants and eight systematic reviews were included. Results demonstrated that patients with cognitive decline exhibited longer latencies and lower accuracy rates in prosaccades and antisaccade tasks. Also, corrected error rates in antisaccade tasks were significantly lower in patients with cognitive decline. 

Conclusion
Saccades, especially antisaccades, are a potential screening and assessment tool to be used by Audiologists for distinguishing older adults with cognitive decline from those with normal cognition.