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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: searching for the prodrome of Alzheimer's disease
Paul B Rosenberg1, Constantine Lyketsos
1Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5300 Alpha Commons Drive, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Abstract:
The concept of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) identifies persons who are neither cognitively normal nor demented. There is increasing evidence that MCI defines a group of persons who are at near-term risk of developing dementia and particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). MCI thus constitutes an attractive target population for preventive treatments of AD. MCI is associated with aging and is more prevalent than dementia. There are several clinical and biological markers that are predictive of MCI prognosis, including depressive symptoms, cognitive deficits, brain imaging and neurochemical findings. The clinician needs to be especially alert to depressive and other mood symptoms which are common in MCI and potentially treatable. Trials of current medications for prevention of MCI progression to dementia have been largely negative. There are observational data suggesting that lifestyle modifications including exercise, leisure activities, cognitive stimulation, and social activities may be effective for prevention of MCI progression. There are many novel therapies currently in trials for early AD, and if effective they may prove to be helpful in prevention of MCI progression as well.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) signals a high risk for dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). While medications show limited success, lifestyle changes may help prevent MCI progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia.
- MCI is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- MCI is more prevalent than dementia and is closely linked to the aging process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight MCI as a key target population for Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention strategies.
- To review clinical and biological markers associated with MCI prognosis.
- To discuss current and potential interventions for preventing the progression of MCI to dementia.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical and biological markers predictive of MCI prognosis.
- Analysis of clinical trial outcomes for medications aimed at preventing MCI progression.
- Examination of observational data on lifestyle modifications for MCI prevention.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms, cognitive deficits, and specific neuroimaging/neurochemical findings are predictive of MCI prognosis.
- Current medication trials for preventing MCI progression to dementia have yielded largely negative results.
- Observational data suggest lifestyle interventions like exercise, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement may be beneficial.
Conclusions:
- MCI is a critical stage for early intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention.
- Mood symptoms in MCI are common and potentially treatable, requiring clinical attention.
- Lifestyle modifications show promise for preventing MCI progression, alongside novel therapies in development for early AD.
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