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Relationship between plasticity, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline
M Dolores Calero1, Elena Navarro
1Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, School of Psychology, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Granada, Campus La Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain. mcalero@ugr.es
Summary
Plasticity exists in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), suggesting it may protect against significant cognitive decline. A lack of plasticity could be a risk factor for dementia progression.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- Predicting cognitive deterioration from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia is crucial in gerontology.
- Brain plasticity is believed to differentiate healthy aging from dementia risk.
- Understanding plasticity in MCI is key to identifying risk factors for cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the existence of plasticity in individuals with MCI.
- To investigate if a lack of plasticity is a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an adapted Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) to assess plasticity.
- Included 203 older adults with pre-determined cognitive status via screening tests.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the presence of plasticity in individuals diagnosed with MCI.
- Found that plasticity is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Plasticity is present in individuals with MCI.
- The presence of plasticity correlates with less pronounced cognitive deterioration, suggesting a protective role.