An eye-tracking-based Stroop test: an efficient method for evaluating frontal lobe function

IntroductionAssessing attention and frontal lobe function is essential for diagnosing dementia. The Stroop test is widely used for these purposes, and its validity and reliability have been verified. Nevertheless, test-related burdens and procedural complexity have prevented their use as a screening tool. We developed a novel Stroop test using eye-tracking technology and evaluated its validity and utility in a clinical setting.MethodsThe study included 97 older adults at a memory clinic. Participants completed both the eye-tracking-based and conventional paper-based Stroop tests, along with MMSE, FAB, and TMT-A/B.ResultsScores on the eye-tracking-based Stroop test significantly correlated with the paper-based test (r = 0.634), FAB (r = 0.480), and TMT-B (r = −0.536). It achieved an AUC–ROC of 0.701 for frontal lobe dysfunction and 0.708 for dementia.DiscussionThe eye-tracking-based Stroop test has the potential to efficiently assess frontal lobe function and serve as a screening tool for dementia.