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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Mild cognitive impairment: coping with an uncertain label
Liesbeth Joosten-Weyn Banningh1, Myrra Vernooij-Dassen, Marcel Olde Rikkert
1Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Medical Psychology, the Netherlands. l.joosten@ger.umcn.nl
Background:
The recently introduced diagnostic label of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) identifies patients with a cognitive decline that is more pronounced than is usual for a person's age and educational level but does not notably interfere with activities of daily living (ADL). The natural course of the syndrome is uncertain although MCI sufferers have a higher risk of developing dementia.
Objectives:
To investigate how patients fulfilling MCI criteria experience and cope with their cognitive decline with the secondary aim to derive key themes for a prospective MCI support-group programme.
Methods:
The grounded theory approach.
Results:
Analysis of guided interviews with eight MCI patients revealed four common themes. Changes related to cognitive abilities, mobility, affect, vitality and somatic complaints. Attributions were numerous and concerned aetiologies such as personality traits and overload of information. Consequences were all negative and concerned the patients themselves such as anxiety and loss of self-confidence, others such as feelings of irritation and anger towards others or activities like abandoning leisure activities. Patients applied emotion-oriented, problem-focused and avoidant coping strategies.
Conclusion:
MCI patients encounter stress-inducing practical, social and psychological difficulties. Based on the current preliminary findings, the key themes for an MCI support-group programme should include the provision of information about the syndrome's causes, course, concomitant symptoms, attributions, social consequences, and available treatments. The impact of receiving an MCI label warrants further investigation.
Insights
Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) experience significant challenges and utilize various coping strategies. Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing effective support programs for MCI.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
Background:
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a diagnostic label for cognitive decline exceeding age-expected norms, without significant impact on daily living.
- MCI patients face an uncertain prognosis, with an elevated risk of progressing to dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of patients diagnosed with MCI.
- To identify key themes for developing a support group program for individuals with MCI.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory approach.
- Guided interviews with eight MCI patients.
Main Results:
- Identified four common themes: changes in cognition, mobility, affect, vitality, and somatic complaints.
- Attributions for cognitive decline included personality traits and information overload.
- Negative consequences reported by patients included anxiety, loss of self-confidence, irritability, and abandonment of leisure activities.
- Patients employed emotion-oriented, problem-focused, and avoidant coping strategies.
Conclusions:
- MCI patients face practical, social, and psychological difficulties.
- Support group themes should cover causes, course, symptoms, attributions, social impact, and treatments for MCI.
- Further research is needed on the impact of the MCI diagnosis itself.
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