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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

Possible therapeutic value of melatonin in mild cognitive impairment: a retrospective study

Analía M Furio1, Luis I Brusco, D P Cardinali

  • 1Departmento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, and Instituto de Neurosciencias Aplicadas, Hospital de Clinicas José de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Journal of Pineal Research
|October 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin supplementation may improve cognitive function and mood in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study found that MCI patients taking melatonin showed better cognitive test scores and reduced depression symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome preceding dementia, with a significant annual conversion rate to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Understanding interventions to slow or reverse MCI progression is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of melatonin as an add-on therapy for patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
  • To assess the impact of melatonin on cognitive performance, mood, and sleep quality in MCI patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of neuropsychological assessments from 50 MCI outpatients.
  • Comparison between 25 patients receiving daily melatonin (3-9 mg) and 25 controls over 9-18 months.
  • Utilized Mini Mental State Examination, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale, Mattis' test, Digit-symbol test, Trail A and B, Rey's verbal test, Beck Depression Inventory, and sleep quality assessments.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin-treated patients demonstrated significantly improved scores on the Mini Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale.
  • Enhanced performance was observed in most neuropsychological tests, with the exception of the Digit-symbol test.
  • Melatonin administration led to a reduction in high Beck Depression Inventory scores and improvements in wakefulness and sleep quality.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin may serve as a beneficial adjunctive treatment for managing mild cognitive impairment in a clinical setting.
  • The findings suggest melatonin's potential to positively influence cognitive function, mood, and sleep disturbances associated with MCI.

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