WO2024099561A1

WO2024099561A1 - Head-wearable sensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024099561A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/081393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leila AYOUBIAN; Saeed Khoshfetrat Pakazad
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-11-10
Filing date: 2022-11-10
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

Head-wearable sensing apparatus (104) comprising at least one head-wearable base apparatus (106, 202) supporting a sensor arrangement (601, 1001) that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes (603, 604), and at least one ear-wearable apparatus (107, 201) supporting a sensor arrangement (602, 901) that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes (605, 606). Processing of first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus (104) by an individual during a wakeful period, and second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus (104) by the same individual during a sleepful period, processed to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

Description

HEAD- WEARABLE SENSING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to head-wearable sensing apparatus and more particularly to using head-wearable sensing apparatus in the determination of an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to use wearable sensing apparatus to monitor one or more biomarkers, for example heart rate. Data obtained from such wearable sensing apparatus can be processed to determine, for example, an extent that the wearer was physically active during a particular period. As a specific example, fitness trackers that are wearable on the wrist are known that incorporate sensors for detecting physical changes, for example in skin temperature and/or in heart rate, and that include other sensors for detecting positional changes, for example, in geographical location and/or in altitude.

There is increasing interest in using wearable sensing apparatus to monitor one or more biomarkers for the purpose of determining whether an indication of a neurodegenerative condition is present. The brain controls the heart directly through the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising electrodes for sensing electrical activity in the brain is known.

Currently there are limited solutions that feature brain-heart interactions and biomarkers for neuro-health applications.

It is desirable to provide a head-wearable sensing apparatus that offers improvements over existing designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect there is provided a system, comprising: a sensing module comprising head-wearable sensing apparatus, and a processing module comprising a data processor; the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising: at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes; and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, the data processor configured to: receive first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual during a wakeful period, receive second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the same individual during a sleepful period, and process received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

In an example, the least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

The head-wearable sensing apparatus may further comprise at least one of a processor and a computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to carry out a sensing routine using at least one sensor arrangement of the head-wearable sensing apparatus; a temperature sensor; a light sensor; a microphone; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a speaker; a camera; and an illuminator.

In an example, the at least one ear-wearable apparatus comprises an ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing behind-the-ear. In an example, the at least one ear- wearable apparatus comprises an ear-wearable apparatus is configured for wearing in-the-ear.

Ear-wearable apparatus for wearing behind-the-ear or in-the-ear may comprise a left-side component apparatus for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus for right ear wearing.

In an example, the system comprises at least a first ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing behind-the-ear and a second ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing in-the-ear.

In an example, the plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes of a behind-the-ear earwearable apparatus comprises spring-loaded dry electrodes. This type of electrode can beneficially accommodate inter-individual anatomical differences and therefore provide optimal skin contact. In an example, the at least one head-wearable base apparatus comprises a head-wearable base apparatus that is a pair of glasses. In an example, the at least one head-wearable base apparatus comprises a head-wearable base apparatus that is a headband. Thus, forms of head-wearable base apparatus that are likely to be familiar to a user may be utilised.

In an example, the system comprises at least a first head-wearable base apparatus that is a pair of glasses and a second head-wearable base apparatus that is a headband.

In an example, the system comprises at least a first ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing behind-the-ear and a second ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing in-the-ear and at least a first head-wearable base apparatus that is a pair of glasses and a second head-wearable base apparatus that is a headband, in which each of the first ear-wearable apparatus and the second ear-wearable apparatus is selectively usable with the first headwearable base apparatus, and the first ear-wearable apparatus is selectively usable with the second head-wearable base apparatus.

In an example, the one ear-wearable apparatus is physically and communicatively connected to the one head-wearable base apparatus.

An advantage of the head-wearable sensing apparatus being provided in modular form is the ability to make different combinations of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus to adapt the physical form of the apparatus for when it will be used (e.g., during daytime/awake periods and night-time/sleep periods). Another benefit is the ability to make different combinations of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus to adapt the sensing capability of the apparatus for when it will be used (e.g., during daytime/awake periods and night-time/sleep periods) and/or for what purpose the apparatus is being used (e.g., which neurodegenerative condition or group of conditions will be the subject of the data processing). A further advantage is the possibility of using modules (head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus) thereof independently.

The disclosed head-wearable sensing apparatus advantageous enables sensed data to be obtained from an individual “round-the-clock” and for “day-and-night” monitoring to be performed (whether periodic or continuous). This facilitates detection of detection of neurodegenerative disease at prodromal stage. In an example, the sensor arrangement of each of the first head-wearable base apparatus and the second head-wearable base apparatus comprises: a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone. In an example, the sensor arrangement of the further head-wearable base apparatus further comprises at least one of: an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a speaker; a camera; and an illuminator.

In an example, the at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises at least one biomarker based on: Oxygen saturation; Heart Rate Variation; EEG band power; Pupillary reflex; Eye movement; Eye blink rate; Sleep pattern; Speech; Hearing sensitivity; Gross motor function. The at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker may comprise one or more biomarkers based on: Oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during a verbal fluency task; Pupil dilation during a cognitive task or a verbal task or a visual-spatial working memory task; Slow-wave activity (SWA) during deep sleep.

In an example, the system comprises an audio output device for outputting audio to be detected by the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the data processor is remote from the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the sensing module comprises memory for storing sensed data obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus and a wireless communication unit for transmitting stored sensed data for processing.

According to another aspect, a method of determining an evaluation score for at least one heartbrain interaction biomarker comprises: receiving sensed data obtained from use of a headwearable sensing apparatus by an individual; the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising: at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes; and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes; and the sensed data comprising: first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a wakeful period, and second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a sleepful period, and processing first sensed data and second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

In an example, the method comprises processing received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises determining an evaluation score for a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

In an example, the method further comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a verbal fluency task, and sensing oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during performance of the verbal fluency task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the method further comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a specific task that is one of: a cognitive task, a verbal task, and a visual-spatial working memory task; and sensing pupil dilation during performance of the specific task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the method further comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting output of a sequence of auditory signals, comprising auditory signals of different frequencies and amplitude, and sensing evoked potentials in response to output auditory signals of the sequence of auditory signals.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic of a system comprising head-wearable sensing apparatus that comprises at least one head-wearable base apparatus and at least one ear-wearable apparatus; Figure 2 illustrates possible combination options of head-wearable base apparatus and earwearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a first combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a second combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a third combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows sensing arrangements of the combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear- wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus Figure 3;

Figure 7 illustrates a feature of the ear- wearable apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an example sensor of the head-wearable base apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 9 illustrates sensing arrangements of the combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear- wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus Figure 4;

Figure 10 shows sensing arrangements of the combination of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus of head-wearable sensing apparatus Figure 5;

Figure 11 shows steps in an example hearing test routine;

Figure 12 shows example results from the example hearing test routine of Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows example processes performable to determine an evaluation score or at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker; and

Figure 14 shows steps in an example method of determining an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

DESCRIPTION

Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus, systems and/or processes described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and/or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially, and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has” and/or “having” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Processing first sensed data, obtained from use of a head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual during a wakeful period, and second sensed data, obtained from use of the headwearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a sleepful period, to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker, is disclosed herein. Headwearable sensing apparatus is disclosed herein that comprises at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes, and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes. A system comprising a sensing module comprising the head-wearable sensing apparatus, and a processing module comprising a data processor, is disclosed herein. A method of receiving and processing first sensed data and second sensed data obtained using the head-wearable sensing apparatus is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

Further disclosure follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With reference to Figure 1, system 101 comprises a sensing module 102 and a processing module 103. The sensing module 102 comprises head-wearable sensing apparatus 104. The processing module 103 comprises a data processor 105.

The head-wearable sensing apparatus 104 comprises at least one head-wearable base apparatus, such as head-wearable base apparatus 106, and at least one ear- wearable apparatus, such as ear- wearable apparatus 107. Ear- wearable apparatus 107 is usable with head-wearable base apparatus 106.

As will be described further, each of the at least one head-wearable sensing apparatus and the at least one ear-wearable apparatus supports a sensor arrangement. As will also be described further, the data processor is configured to process received data obtained from use of the headwearable sensing apparatus by an individual during two different periods, to determine an evaluation score or index for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

In an example, the data processor 105 is remote from the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104. In an example, the sensing module 102 comprises memory 108 for storing sensed data obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104. In an example, the sensing module 102 additionally comprises and a communication unit 109 for transmitting stored sensed data for processing. In a specific example, the communication unit 109 is a wireless communication unit.

The data processor 105 may have any suitable form and comprise any suitable device or devices, for example a microprocessor. The data processor 105 may be arranged to output data to a screen of another device (not shown).

In Figure 2, a second ear- wearable apparatus 201 and a second head-wearable base apparatus 202 are indicated. As indicated, second ear- wearable apparatus 201 is selectively usable with head-wearable base apparatus 106 and with second head-wearable base apparatus 104. It should be appreciated that an ear-wearable apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus may be usable with only one, or more than one, head-wearable base apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus. The ability to create different combinations of head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus is beneficial, as will be discussed below. An ear-wearable apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus may be configured for wearing behind-the-ear or for wearing in-the-ear. An ear-wearable apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus may comprise a component for one ear only or a component for each ear. A specific example of head-wearable sensing apparatus 104 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 11. It is to be appreciated that forms of head-wearable base apparatus that are likely to be familiar to a user may be utilised.

In Figure 3, a head-wearable base apparatus 106 that is a pair of glasses is shown. Also shown in Figure 3 is an ear- wearable apparatus 107 that is configured for wearing behind-the-ear. As indicated, the ear- wearable apparatus 107 comprises a left-side component apparatus 107A for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus 107B for right ear wearing (according to this illustrated example, in the manner of the ends of the arms of a pair of glasses passing). The one ear- wearable apparatus 107 is shown connected, both physically and communicatively, to the one head-wearable base apparatus 106. In this specific example, the left-side and right-side component apparatus 107 A, 107B are mounted (for example, by being clipped) to respective arms of the head-wearable base apparatus 106. In this specific illustrated example, the earwearable apparatus 107 is connected to the head-wearable base apparatus 106 by a wired connection. In an example, a cable connects between the ear-wearable apparatus and the headwearable base apparatus and allows at least data transfer and optionally also allows power to be provided from the head-wearable base apparatus to the ear-wearable apparatus. A wireless connection between the ear-wearable apparatus and the head-wearable base apparatus is however envisaged as an alternative. In examples in which a such a wireless connection is utilised, a physical connection between the ear-wearable apparatus and the head-wearable base apparatus may be omitted/not present.

In Figure 4, the head-wearable base apparatus 106 that is a pair of glasses is shown. Also shown in Figure 4 is a second ear- wearable apparatus 201 that is configured for wearing in-the-ear. As indicated, the second ear- wearable apparatus 201 comprises a left-side component apparatus 201 A for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus 201B (not visible in this Figure) for right ear wearing (according to this illustrated example, in the manner of earbuds). The second ear- wearable apparatus 201 is shown connected, both physically and communicatively, to the head-wearable base apparatus 106. In this specific example, the left-side and right-side component apparatus 201 A, 201B are attached (for example, by clipping) to respective arms of the head-wearable base apparatus 106. In this specific illustrated example, the second earwearable apparatus 201 is connected to the head-wearable base apparatus 106 by a wired connection. However, a wireless connection between the second ear- wearable apparatus 201 and the head-wearable base apparatus 106 is envisaged as an alternative (as discussed above). In Figure 5, a second head-wearable base apparatus 202 that is a headband is shown. Also shown in this Figure is the second ear-wearable apparatus 201 that is configured for wearing in-the-ear. In this specific example, the left-side and right-side component apparatus 201 A, 20 IB are attached to respective sides of the head-wearable base apparatus 202. In this specific illustrated example, the second ear- wearable apparatus 201 is connected to the head-wearable base apparatus 202 by a wired connection. However, a wireless connection between the second ear- wearable apparatus 201 and the head-wearable base apparatus 202 is envisaged as an alternative (as discussed above).

In this specific illustrated example, the headband is flexible and envisaged to be more comfortable for an individual to wear during sleep than the glasses.

In Figure 6, the combination of head-wearable base apparatus 106 and ear- wearable apparatus 107 of Figure 3 is shown, with an example sensor arrangement 601 of the head-wearable base apparatus 106 and an example sensor arrangement 602 of the ear- wearable apparatus 107 indicated. The head-wearable base apparatus 106 and ear- wearable apparatus 107 are shown in combination in Figure 7 also.

As will be described further, the sensor arrangement of the or each head-wearable base apparatus of the system comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes and the sensor arrangement of the or each ear-wearable apparatus of the system comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes.

The head-wearable sensing apparatus may further comprise one or more of a processor and a computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to carry out a sensing routine using at least one sensor arrangement of the head-wearable sensing apparatus; a temperature sensor; a light sensor; a microphone an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a speaker; a camera; and an illuminator. In an example, the sensor arrangement of at least one head-wearable base apparatus of the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprises a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone. In an example, the sensor arrangement of a headwearable base apparatus comprises a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone, and further comprises at least one of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a speaker, a camera; and an illuminator. In an example, the system comprises an audio output device for outputting audio to be detected by the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

Sensor arrangement 601 of the head-wearable base apparatus 106 comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes, such as NIRS optodes 603, 604 shown on a lefthand side of the pair of glasses (a corresponding pair of NIRS optodes being located on the right-hand side of the pair of glasses but not visible in this Figure). NIRS optode 603 is shown on the left-hand side of a nose bridge of the glasses and NIRS optode 604 is shown on the lefthand side arm of the glasses (with corresponding NIRS optodes on the right-hand side of the nose bridge and the right-hand side arm of the glasses respectively). It is to be appreciated that any suitable number and arrangement of NIRS optodes may be utilised. In this specific illustrated example, four NIRS optodes are utilised (two on each side of the head-wearable base apparatus 106).

Sensor arrangement 602 of the ear- wearable apparatus 107 comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, such as EEG electrodes 605, 606 shown on the leftside component apparatus 107 A (a corresponding pair being located on the right-side component apparatus 107B but not visible in this Figure).

It is to be appreciated that any suitable number and arrangement of EEG electrodes may be utilised. In this specific illustrated example, sixteen EEG electrodes are utilised (eight on each of the left-side and the right-side component apparatus 107A, 107B).

With reference to Figure 8, in a specific example, the EEG electrodes of the ear-wearable apparatus 107 are spring-loaded dry electrodes, such as spring-loaded dry electrode 801. This type of electrode can accommodate inter-individual anatomical differences and therefore provide optimal skin contact. Additionally, or alternatively, the ear- wearable apparatus 107 can be physically formable (for example, bendable to a degree) to adapt to a particular individual.

Referring again to Figure 6, in this specific illustrated example, sensor arrangement 601 further comprises: an ambient monitoring unit 607, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 608, at least two cameras, such as camera 609, and at least two illuminators, such as illuminator 610. In a specific example, the ambient monitoring unit 607 comprises a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone. Ambient monitoring unit 607 is shown located on the main body of the glasses, and IMU 608 is shown located on an arm of the glasses, the arm pivotally connected to the main body. Camera 609 is shown located at an upper left-hand side corner of the main body of the glasses, with a second camera (not visible in this Figure) at a corresponding position on the right-hand side of the glasses. Illuminator 610 is shown located at a lower left-hand side corner of the main body of the glasses, with a second illuminator (not visible in this Figure) at a corresponding position on the right-hand side of the glasses.

It is to be appreciated that each component of the sensor arrangement of a head-wearable base apparatus may be positioned at any suitable location of the head-wearable base apparatus.

With reference to Figure 6 again, in this specific illustrated example, sensor arrangement 602 further comprises: at least two speakers, such as speaker 611. Speaker 611 is shown on the leftside component apparatus 107A, with a second speaker (not visible in this Figure) located at a corresponding position on the right-side component apparatus 107B.

It is to be appreciated that each component of the sensor arrangement of an ear-wearable apparatus may be positioned at any suitable location of the ear-wearable apparatus.

In Figure 9, the combination of head-wearable base apparatus 106 and ear- wearable apparatus 201 of Figure 4 is shown, with the example sensor arrangement 601 of the head-wearable base apparatus 106 and an example sensor arrangement 901 of the ear- wearable apparatus 201 indicated.

Sensor arrangement 901 of the ear- wearable apparatus 201 comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, such as EEG electrode 902 shown on the left-side component apparatus 201 A (a corresponding one being located on the right-side component apparatus (not visible in this Figure)). It is to be appreciated that any suitable number and arrangement of EEG electrodes may be utilised. In this specific illustrated example, two EEG electrodes are utilised (one on each of the left-side and the right-side component apparatus).

Each component of the sensor arrangement of an ear-wearable apparatus may be positioned at any suitable location of the ear-wearable apparatus. In Figure 10, the combination of head- wearable base apparatus 202 and ear-wearable apparatus 201 of Figure 6 is shown, with an example sensor arrangement 1001 of the head-wearable base apparatus 202 and the example sensor arrangement 901 of the ear- wearable apparatus 201 indicated.

Sensor arrangement 1001 of the head-wearable base apparatus 202 comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes, such as NIRS optode 1002 shown towards the front of the headband and to the left-hand side (a corresponding one being located to the righthand side but not visible in this Figure). It is to be appreciated that any suitable number and arrangement of NIRS optodes may be utilised. In this specific illustrated example, two NIRS optodes are utilised.

In this specific illustrated example, sensor arrangement 1001 further comprises: an ambient monitoring unit 1003, In a specific example, the ambient monitoring unit 1003 comprises a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone. Ambient monitoring unit 1003 is shown located on a left-hand side of the headband. It is to be appreciated that the headband is configured to encircle, or substantially encircle, the head (so that it extends across the forehead and rear of the head). The headband may be fabricated from a stretchable material and/or have an adjustable circumference.

As already mentioned, each component of the sensor arrangement of a head-wearable base apparatus may be positioned at any suitable location of the head-wearable base apparatus.

The data processor 105 of system 101 is configured to receive and process sensed data obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104 by an individual, and more particularly sensed data from both wakeful and sleepful periods. One benefit therefore of providing the head-wearable sensing apparatus in modular form is the ability to make different combinations of head-wearable base apparatus and ear- wearable apparatus to adapt the physical form of the apparatus for when it will be used (e.g., during daytime/awake periods and night-time/ sleep periods).

Another benefit of providing the head-wearable sensing apparatus in modular form is the ability to make different combinations of head-wearable base apparatus and ear- wearable apparatus to adapt the sensing capability of the apparatus for when it will be used (e.g., during daytime/awake periods and night-time/sleep periods) and/or for what purpose the apparatus is being used (e.g., which neurodegenerative condition or group of conditions will be the subject of the data processing).

Another benefit of providing the head-wearable sensing apparatus in modular form is the possibility of using modules (head-wearable base apparatus and ear-wearable apparatus) thereof independently.

An advantage of the disclosed head-wearable sensing apparatus is the ability to obtain sensed data “round-the-clock” and to perform “day-and-night” monitoring. This facilitates detection of detection of neurodegenerative disease at prodromal stage.

The data processorl05 is configured to receive first sensed data, obtained from use of the headwearable sensing apparatus 104 by an individual during a wakeful period, to receive second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104 by the same individual during a sleepful period, and to process received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

In an example, the received first sensed data and received second sensed data is processed to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker, in which the at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises at least one biomarker based on: oxygen saturation; heart Rate Variation; EEG band power; pupillary reflex, eye movement; eye blink rate; sleep pattern; speech; hearing sensitivity; gross motor function.

In an example, the at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises one or more biomarkers based on: oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during a verbal fluency task; pupil dilation during a cognitive task or a verbal task or a visual- spatial working memory task; slow-wave activity (SWA) during deep sleep.

In a specific example, the at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power. This heart-brain interaction biomarker is presented herein as associated with attention, memory, cognitive flexibility. Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV and EEG spectral power

Sample Entropy (SampEn) is a method to measure the HRV entropy quantifying the unpredictability and complexity of interbeat interval (IBI) series. Higher entropy indicates a more unpredictable and diverse heartbeat sequence, and lower entropy indicates a more regular and predictable heartbeat. Multiscale entropy (MSE) investigates the information content in non-linear signals at different temporal scales (coarse-graining), generally using Sample Entropy.

The Complexity Index (CI) is a measure of the entropy calculated from the MSE measures. It is defined as the sum of the entropies computed for different scales, providing a scalar score that allows insights into the integrated complexity of the measured system.

The measure of the HRV entropy has been shown to be a marker of a biological systems’ health status, where higher entropy indicates better reactivity to the extemal/internal stimulus. Furthermore, HRV was associated with the functioning of the prefrontal-subcortical circuits, with higher HRV in resting-state conditions linked to more effective prefrontal-subcortical inhibitory circuits.

Positive correlation between the Complexity Index (CI) and EEG spectral power indicates more effective inhibitory control and better performance. Inhibitory control is a core executive function - it involves controlling our automatic urges (attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions). Deterioration of inhibitory control abilities is shown in such conditions as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep quality and inhibitory control performance are also linked.

Example specific uses/applications will now be described.

The head-wearable sensing apparatus can be used to monitor sleep. The head-wearable sensing apparatus can be used to test hearing, The head-wearable sensing apparatus can be used to determine whether an indication of a neurodegenerative condition or other disorder is present, for example an indication of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or a disorder such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, a psychiatric or mood disorder. The head-wearable sensing apparatus can be used for neuro-health detection, monitoring and improvement.

The brain controls the heart directly through the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) describes the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) functional setup and reflects higher brain functions, and - at least to some extent - is an independent indicator of autonomic nervous system - central nervous system (CNS- ANS) interaction.

HRV measurements reflect the activity of physiological factors modulating the heart rhythm and its adaptation to changing conditions. In particular, Sample Entropy is a method to measure the HRV entropy, quantifying the unpredictability and complexity of the inter-beat intervals. Higher entropy indicates a more unpredictable and diverse heartbeat sequence and lower entropy indicates a predictable and regular heartbeat. Higher HRV entropy indicates a better reactivity to the extemal/internal stimulus while HRV in resting-state (sleep) is linked to more effective prefrontal-subcortical inhibitory circuits. Prefrontal cortex, plays a central role in cognitive control functions, influencing attention, impulse inhibition, prospective memory, and cognitive flexibility.

As already indicated above, the modular form factor of the head-wearable sensing apparatus facilitates use of the apparatus at the user’s convenience, during the day and during the night, or during both for a continuous monitoring (depending on the application). It has been found that monitoring sleep is an important aspect of detecting early signs of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the head-wearable sensing apparatus being easy to use, and being usable over a period of 24-hours or more, is beneficial.

Correlations between biomarkers for which data may be sensed using the head-wearable sensing apparatus and neuro-health include:

1. Oxygen saturation (NIRS optodes): Lower oxygen saturation is associated with memory impairment.

2. HRV (NIRS optodes): Lower HRV is an indicator of autonomic dysfunction, which is also associated with poor cognitive performance (for example, cognitive function, attention, working memory, mental stress and social cognition). 3. Pupillary reflex (Camera and Light Sensor): Lower pupil constriction velocity and acceleration is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

4. Eye movement in reading (Camera and Light sensor): Reduced number of words per fixation and increased number of words skipped is an indicator of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

5. Eye blink rate (Camera and Light Sensor): Higher blink rate is associated with mild cognitive impairment.

6. Sleep pattern (EEG electrodes): Night time wakening is correlated with less time in REM sleep.

7. Speech (Microphone): Syntactic and semantic qualities (anomia), utterance pauses, periodic and aperiodic segment lengths can indicate a speech difficulty or voice problem, which can be associated with a neurodegenerative disease, for example Parkinson’s disease.

8. Gross motor function (IMU): Gait characteristics/quality (speed, stride length, symmetry, stand/swing, step count) decreases are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

For sleep monitoring, the second head-wearable base apparatus 201 (headband module) with the second ear-wearable apparatus 202 (in-the ear module) is usable.

Sleep has been shown to be a great indicator of early stages of neurodegenerative diseases before any clinical signs appears.

Sleep is the state in which biomarkers such as HRV can best diagnose autonomic disturbances. Slow wave activity (SWA) (0-0.5 Hz) during deep sleep reflects glymphatic pathology, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage and memory deficit in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The glymphatic system is a macroscopic waste clearance system of central nervous system that promote efficient elimination of soluble proteins and metabolites from the central nervous system. Besides waste elimination, the glymphatic system may also function to help distribute non-waste compounds, such as glucose, lipids, amino acids, and neurotransmitters related to volume transmission, in the brain. Glymphatic system function mainly during sleep and is largely disengaged during wakefulness. Glymphatic activity decreases sharply during aging. Glymphatic function contribute to pathology in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Disturbed sleep, especially decreased percentage of stage 3 non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM III), represents decreased homeostatic drive for sleep. Non-random eye movement (NREM) III serves as a deep and recovery sleep, playing a vital role in the operation of the glymphatic system, and clearance of metabolic wastes. Altered heart rate variability during sleep in mild cognitive impairment.

Sleep disorders are overrepresented in patients with minor cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to the general population. It is a risk factor for the progression of the disease to the stage of major cognitive impairment (dementia).

Sleep disorders can mimic a minor cognitive impairment or even major cognitive impairment (dementia) but are reversible, so it is important to detect sleep disorders at an early stage. It is also important to screen for sleep disorders as early as possible since altered sleep patterns are seen in prodromal stages of Alzheimer's’ disease (AD) before cognitive decline. People with Alzheimer's’ disease (AD) have shown decreased sleep efficiency (95%) and greater intradaily circadian variability (95%) than controls.

As a polysomnography (PSG, a type of sleep study) is not feasible in all cases, overall, detection of a sleep disorder may show value for an easy screening of MCIs in whom a PSG should be planned.

Target application: for detecting an indication of neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia etc), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

For investigating cognitive impairment or dementia, the head-wearable base apparatus 106 (glasses module) with the ear- wearable apparatus 107 (behind-the ear module) can be used during the day/wakeful period and the second head-wearable base apparatus 201 (headband module) with the second ear-wearable apparatus 202 (in-the ear module) used during the night sleepful period for monitoring sleep. Day time monitoring performed using NIRS sensors by performing a task is outlined below:

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a central role in cognitive control functions, and dopamine in the PFC modulates cognitive control, thereby influencing attention, impulse inhibition, prospective memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Using the near-infrared spectrum (650-850 nm wavelength), changes of regional cerebral blood volume can be detected based on changes in the levels of oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] and deoxyhaemoglobin [HbR],

The amplitude of changes in the oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform during a verbal fluency test task is expressed as the activation index (A-Index) which is detected at prefrontal cortex.

For investigating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the head-wearable base apparatus 106 (glasses module) with either the ear- wearable apparatus 107 (behind-the ear module) or the second head-wearable base apparatus 201 (headband module) is usable.

Biomarkers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. It is generally characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is believed to affect up to 5-8% of school-aged children, with 60-85% of those diagnosed as children continuing to meet the criteria for the disorder in adolescence, and up to 60% continuing to be symptomatic into adulthood. It is generally understood to have affect the individual’s education and social life negatively. Current diagnosis is subjective, involving clinical observations that are so sensitive that they may not be able to differentiate abnormal patterns from normal patterns. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) has been used as a diagnostic tool in many studies. Using the theta/beta (0/p) ratio, qEEG could differentiate unmedicated ADHD from a control with an 81% accuracy; theta-gamma (0-y coupling) could differentiate with 71.7% accuracy, and absolute delta and theta (6 and 0) power could differentiate with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 83.3%. Increased delta and theta power, decreased alpha and beta power, reduce coherence in the cortical area in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. The mean frequency range computed in AD subjects considered as a whole are: delta 2.9- 4.9 Hz; theta 4.9-6.9 Hz; alphal 6.9-8.9 Hz; alpha2 8.9-10.9 Hz; alpha3 10.9-12.9 Hz; betal 12.9-19.2 Hz; beta2 19.2-32.4; gamma 32.4- 45. Sub rhythms within alpha, where the power ratio of alpha3/alpha2 is used as an early marker for prognosis of MCI and the increase in this ratio is correlated with hippocampal atrophy in both MCI and AD patients, whereas theta/alphal ratio could be as a reliable index for cerebrovascular damage.

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been associated with impulsive behaviour in subjects with early cognitive impairment; grey matter (GM) changes of basal ganglia have been demonstrated to be involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The alpha3/alpha2 ratio was associated with increase of grey matter density inside the NAc in MCI subjects at major risk to develop AD .

Target application: day and night monitoring, for both AD and ADHD.

Pupil size reaction is related to memory function. Pupil dilation can be a reliable and valid physiological marker of cognitive effort devoted to working memory. Significant correlation is reported between Amyloid-P and tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and pupil size in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients. Pupil dilation during cognitive tasks reflects cognitive effort until compensatory capacity is surpassed and performance declines are manifested, and reflects activation in the locus coeruleus, where degenerative changes have been found in the earliest stages of AD.

Digit Span (DGS) is a measure of verbal short term and working memory that can be used in two formats, Forward Digit Span and Reverse Digit Span. This is a verbal task, with auditory stimulation presented, and responses spoken by the participant and scored automatically by the software.

Pupil diameter changes during a visual-spatial working memory task may be a useful biological marker of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Target application: day time monitoring, for AD and ADHD:

For investigating dyslexia, the head-wearable base apparatus 106 (glasses module) is usable.

For testing hearing, the second ear- wearable apparatus 202 (in-the ear module) is usable.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) is gold standard for hearing threshold test. The ABR is evoked by short-duration auditory stimuli, such as auditory clicks or tone bursts. To obtain a waveform that can be interpreted, the evoked response is generally recorded for 15ms to 25ms following onset of the auditory stimulus, averaged over thousands of trials and filtered to eliminate unwanted neuromuscular or environmental electrical activity. The ABR is recorded from electrodes, which are strategically placed on or in the vicinity of the forehead and mastoids, creating differentials in potential (i.e., dipoles). Although ABR is a well-established and time-tested objective audiological test for early identification of hearing loss, it provides limited frequency specific information. To overcome the limitation of ABR, a relatively new audiological method is gaining popularity, which provides detailed frequency specific thresholds information known as Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR). ASSR are scalp- recorded potentials using EEG elicited by continuous amplitude and/or frequency-modulated of pure tone to the ear of the participant, at various intensities. These can be recorded by using two stimulation techniques: single frequency and multifrequency stimulation. Unlike the ABR, the ASSR does not require a time-locked averaging to the onset of the acoustic stimulus, as the modulation and hence the occurrence of the modulation is steady-state. Because of their reproducibility, and involuntary nature, ASSRs have been considered a valid objective biomarker for auditory system disorders that feature abnormal sound processing, as well as for evaluating primary and non-primary auditory cortex function.

Figure 11 shows steps in a hearing test routine 1101 performable using the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104, and Figure 12 shows example results from the hearing test routine.

The hearing test routine 1101 is initiated at step 1102. Step 1103 is then entered, and a tone is emitted at a first frequency and first volume (for example, 0.5 KHz tone at 40 dB HL). At step 1104 a question is asked as to whether a response has been received. If this question in answered in the affirmative, step 1105 is entered, and a tone is emitted at the same frequency but at an incrementally lower volume (for example, decrease by 20 dB). Step 1104 is again entered and the question whether a response has been received asked again. If this question in answered in the negative, step 1106 is entered, and a tone is emitted at the same frequency but at an incrementally higher volume (for example, decrease by 10 dB). At step 1107 a question is asked as to whether a response has been received. If this question in answered in the negative, step 1106 is again entered. However, if the question in answered in the affirmative, step 1108 is entered, and a tone is emitted at the same frequency but at an incrementally lower volume (for example, decrease by 10 dB). At step 1109 a question is asked as to whether a response has been received. If this question in answered in the affirmative, step 1108 is again entered. However, if the question in answered in the negative, step 1110 is entered, and a tone is emitted at the same frequency but at an incrementally higher volume (for example, increase by 5 dB). At step I l l a question is asked as to whether a response has been received. If this question in answered in the negative, step 1110 is again entered. However, if the question in answered in the affirmative, step 1112 is entered, and a question is asked whether there the number of responses at the same level volume is a predetermined number (for example, 3.) If this question in answered in the negative, step 1108 is again entered. However, if the question in answered in the affirmative, step 1113 is entered, at which progress is saved and the routine steps through to emitting tones at the next frequency in a series of frequencies to be tested. Step 1114 is entered, and a question is asked as to is made whether all frequencies to be tested have now been tested. If this question in answered in the negative, the frequency us changed at step 1105 and step 1103 is re-entered. However, if the question in answered in the affirmative, step 1116 is entered, and the hearing test routine 1101 ends.

For improving sleep, the second ear- wearable apparatus 202 (in-the ear module) is usable. Auditory stimulation of slow wave sleep (SWA) is proposed as effective in increasing SWA and improvement of memory consolidation as well as cognitive functions. In an example, an auditory stimulation method is based on use of “pink noise” (50-millisecond bursts) that is synchronized with neural cortical activity of delta band and increases the time of SWA.

Target application: night time monitoring, neurofeedback system for improving sleep quality.

One of a left-side component apparatus for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus for right ear wearing can be used for responses, and the other for a reference channel. Figure 13 shows example processes performable, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus 104 of the system 101, to determine an evaluation score or at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

The processes roughly divide between “active” processes performed during the day/a wakeful period and “passive” processes performed during the night/a sleepful period.

Multiple outcomes may be input to one or more fusion layers before an evaluation score is determined, such as activation index 1302 and pupil index 1303 from “active” processes being performed being input to fusion layer 1304 and correlation of CI and EEG alpha/theta ratio 1305 and cerebral oxygen 1306 from “passive” processed being input to fusion layer 1307, from which a final decision 1308 is made.

Figure 14 shows steps in a method 1401 of determining an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker, in which sensed data, obtained from use of a head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising: at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes; and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, is received and processed. At 1402, first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a first period, is received, and at 1403 second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a second period; one of the first and second periods is a wakeful period and the other and the other of the first and second periods is a sleepful period. Data sensed while the individual is awake may be provided to a data processor before or after data sensed while the individual is sleep, and with any suitable duration between.

At 1404, the first sensed data and the second sensed data is processed to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

The first sensed data and the second sensed data is processed according to the heart-brain interaction biomarker(s) for which an evaluation score is to be determined, and hence can vary between examples/applications. The nature of a determined evaluation score can therefore also vary between examples/applications. Further, the way that a determined evaluation score is presented to a user can also vary between examples/applications.

In an example the processing received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises determining an evaluation score for a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

In an example, the method comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a verbal fluency task, and sensing oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during performance of the verbal fluency task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the method comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a specific task that is one of: a cognitive task, a verbal task, and a visual-spatial working memory task; and sensing pupil dilation during performance of the specific task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

In an example, the method comprises: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting output of a sequence of auditory signals, comprising auditory signals of different frequencies and amplitude, and sensing evoked potentials in response to output auditory signals of the sequence of auditory signals.

Thus, head-wearable sensing apparatus that comprises at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement) that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes, and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, and processing of first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual during a wakeful period, and second sensed data, obtained from use of the headwearable sensing apparatus by the same individual during a sleepful period, processed to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker, is disclosed herein.

Although illustrative embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment and examples shown and/or described and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a sensing module comprising head-wearable sensing apparatus, and a processing module comprising a data processor; the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising: at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes; and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, the data processor configured to: receive first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual during a wakeful period, receive second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the same individual during a sleepful period, and process received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the head-wearable sensing apparatus further comprises at least one of: a processor and a computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the processor to carry out a sensing routine using at least one sensor arrangement of the headwearable sensing apparatus; a temperature sensor; a light sensor; a microphone; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a speaker; a camera; and an illuminator.

4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one ear-wearable apparatus comprises a first ear-wearable apparatus that is configured for wearing behind-the-ear.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first ear- wearable apparatus comprises a leftside component apparatus for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus for right ear wearing.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one ear-wearable apparatus comprises a second ear-wearable apparatus is configured for wearing in-the-ear.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second ear-wearable apparatus comprises a leftside component apparatus for left ear wearing and a right-side component apparatus for right ear wearing.

8. The system of claims 4 or 5 and claims 6 or 7.

9. The system of any one of claims 4, 5 and 8, wherein the plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes of the first ear-wearable apparatus comprises spring loaded dry electrodes.

10. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one head-wearable base apparatus comprises a first head-wearable base apparatus that is a pair of glasses.

11. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one head-wearable base apparatus comprises a second head-wearable base apparatus that is a headband.

12. The system of claims 10 and 11.

13. The system of claims 8 and 12, wherein each of the first ear-wearable apparatus and the second ear-wearable apparatus is selectively usable with the first head-wearable base apparatus, and the first ear-wearable apparatus is selectively usable with the second head-wearable base apparatus.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the sensor arrangement of each of the first head-wearable base apparatus and the second head-wearable base apparatus comprises: a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a microphone.

15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the sensor arrangement of the first head-wearable base apparatus further comprises at least one of: an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a speaker; a camera; and an illuminator.

16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises at least one biomarker based on:

Oxygen saturation;

Heart Rate Variation;

EEG band power;

Pupillary reflex;

Eye movement;

Eye blink rate;

Sleep pattern;

Speech;

Hearing sensitivity;

Gross motor function.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises one or more biomarkers based on:

Oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during a verbal fluency task;

Pupil dilation during a cognitive task or a verbal task or a visual-spatial working memory task;

Slow-wave activity (SWA) during deep sleep.

18. The system of claim 16 or claim 17, comprising an audio output device for outputting audio to be detected by the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

19. The system of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the data processor is remote from the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

20. The system of 19, wherein the sensing module comprises memory for storing sensed data obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus and a wireless communication unit for transmitting stored sensed data for processing.

21. A method of determining an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker, comprising: receiving sensed data obtained from use of a head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual; the head-wearable sensing apparatus comprising: at least one head-wearable base apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) optodes; and at least one ear-wearable apparatus supporting a sensor arrangement that comprises at least a plurality of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes; and the sensed data comprising: first sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a wakeful period, and second sensed data, obtained from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by the individual during a sleepful period, and processing first sensed data and second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein processing received first sensed data and received second sensed data to determine an evaluation score for at least one heart-brain interaction biomarker comprises determining an evaluation score for a biomarker based on Complexity Index of Heart Rate Variation (HRV(CI)) and EEG spectral power.

23. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a verbal fluency task, and sensing oxyhaemoglobin [HbO2] waveform variation during performance of the verbal fluency task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

24. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting the individual to perform a specific task that is one of: a cognitive task, a verbal task, and a visual-spatial working memory task; and sensing pupil dilation during performance of the specific task, using the head-wearable sensing apparatus.

25. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: executing a sensing routine to obtain sensed data from use of the head-wearable sensing apparatus by an individual, the sensing routine comprising: prompting output of a sequence of auditory signals, comprising auditory signals of different frequencies and amplitude, and sensing evoked potentials in response to output auditory signals of the sequence of auditory signals.