Cognitive Empowerment with New Technologies Improves Neuropsychological and Neurophysiological Parameters in Rett Syndrome

The aim of the present study is to investigate if cognitive empowerment through Eye Tracker technologies increases both neuropsychological and neurophysiological measures in patients with RS. Since the residual capacity of the girls with Rett Syndrome to move the eye to communicate, eye tracker is a new technology that helps researchers to better study attention and cognitive processes in RS girls and can supply the lack of appropriate tests. Rett Syndrome (RS) is ain severe mental retardation and neuro-behavioral disability. Currently there are several attempts to improve RS cognitive processes through new technologies. The aim of this study is to investigate whether cognitive empowerment through eye tracking technology increases neuropsychological and neurophysiological measures in patients with RS. 12 girls with Rett Syndrome were trained to discriminate five stimuli of different semantic categories. Results show that all the parameters of discrimination task became more efficient. Neurophysiological parameters show an enhancement of vigilant state. Results were discussed in terms of the efficacy of cognitive empowerment.