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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

Prevalence and persistence of mild cognitive impairment among elderly patients in general hospitals

H Bickel1, E Mosch, E Seigerschmidt

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik fur Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der Technischen Universitat Munchen, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Deutschland. h.bickel@lrz.tum.de

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
|February 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects over a third of elderly hospital patients. These cognitive deficits often persist, highlighting hospitals as key sites for early dementia detection.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a growing concern in aging populations.
  • Early detection of cognitive decline is crucial for timely intervention and management.
  • General hospitals serve a large elderly demographic, potentially including individuals with undiagnosed MCI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MCI in elderly patients admitted to general hospitals.
  • To assess the persistence of cognitive deficits in these patients post-discharge.
  • To evaluate the potential of general hospitals for early identification of dementia.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 794 non-demented patients aged 65-85 years was recruited from general hospitals.
  • Cognitive function was assessed during hospitalization and at a follow-up approximately 3.5 months after discharge.
  • Prevalence rates and positive predictive values for cognitive impairment were calculated.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of MCI among elderly general hospital patients was found to be 36.1%.
  • The positive predictive value for cognitive impairment at 3.5 months post-discharge was 61.0%.
  • Multiple-domain MCI showed particular stability, with a positive predictive value of 82.9%.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients in general hospitals represent a high-risk population for MCI.
  • General hospitals provide a valuable setting for the early detection of MCI and potential incipient dementia.
  • Cognitive deficits, especially in multiple domains, tend to be persistent, underscoring the need for follow-up.

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