In this paper, we present a clinical study of computerised tracking in the
evaluation of cognitive and motor function. We investigate its use in the a
ssessment of effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as well as in the
process of following the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To simplify
the experiments, we introduce real-time adaptation of the target speed. In
the study with epileptic patients, three result groups are compared: blood
levels of AEDs, scores on standard neuropsychological tests, and scores on
computerised tracking and reaction time tests. It is found that the compute
rised tests are repeatable, reliable and sensitive and may therefore be use
ful in the evaluation of epilepsy treatment For example, while the blood le
vels associated with AEDs lie in the therapeutic range, variations in the o
ptimal speed (OSI between 0.9 and 1.1 (expressed in relative units) are rec
orded. To significantly simplify the protocol for AD patients while preserv
ing its main features, we introduce signal-processing techniques into the d
ata analysis. Local signal property characteristics for AD are found which
indicate that the preview tracking of an AD patient is similar to the non-p
review tracking of a healthy control. This result is expected since the wor
king memory, which is involved in movement planning, is impaired in AD. In
non-preview tracking, healthy control subjects are mostly in tracking mode
1 and have a mean mode duration of 600 ms. In preview tracking, AD patients
are mostly in mode 2 with a mean mode duration of 600 ms.