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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

Mild cognitive impairment subtypes and vascular dementia in community-dwelling elderly people: a 3-year follow-up

Mariella Zanetti1, Claudia Ballabio, Carlo Abbate

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatric Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|May 12, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment with multiple impaired cognitive domains (mcd-MCI) may indicate an early stage of vascular dementia (VaD). This finding suggests mcd-MCI could be a prodromal sign for VaD, distinct from Alzheimer's disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia.
  • Differentiating subtypes of MCI is crucial for predicting dementia progression.
  • Vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have distinct pathological pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if MCI with multiple impaired cognitive domains (mcd-MCI) is a prodromal manifestation of vascular dementia (VaD).
  • To investigate the relationship between MCI subtypes and subsequent dementia diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 400 community-dwelling subjects aged 65 and older.
  • Standardized clinical evaluation, neuroimaging (CT scan), and comprehensive neuropsychological testing.
  • Assessment of cardiovascular comorbidity and vascular disease markers.

Main Results:

  • MCI was diagnosed in 65 subjects (31 amnestic MCI, 34 mcd-MCI).
  • mcd-MCI was associated with dysexecutive syndrome, higher vascular comorbidity, and vascular disease signs.
  • 31% of MCI subjects progressed to dementia within 3 years: 11 to AD (from a-MCI) and 9 to VaD (from mcd-MCI).

Conclusions:

  • All individuals who developed subcortical VaD were initially classified with mcd-MCI.
  • mcd-MCI may represent an early, prodromal stage of subcortical vascular dementia.
  • This suggests distinct trajectories for a-MCI towards AD and mcd-MCI towards VaD.

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