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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

Elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are associated with mild cognitive impairment and its

Martha Dlugaj1, Marcus Gerwig, Natalia Wege

  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. Martha.Dlugaj@uk-essen.de

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|October 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are linked to a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Elevated hsCRP, even years before diagnosis, indicates an increased probability of developing MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inflammatory marker associated with increased risk of cognitive decline.
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hsCRP levels and MCI at different time points.
  • To determine if hsCRP measured years before diagnosis predicts MCI development.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study involving 148 MCI cases and 148 matched controls from a cohort of 4,359 participants (aged 50-80).
  • HsCRP levels were measured at baseline (5 years prior) and follow-up (at diagnosis).
  • Logistic regression analyses adjusted for cardiovascular covariates were used to calculate odds ratios for hsCRP quartiles.

Main Results:

  • Baseline hsCRP levels were significantly associated with MCI and amnestic MCI (aMCI).
  • At follow-up, elevated hsCRP (fourth quartile) was associated with MCI, aMCI, and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI).
  • Odds ratios for MCI and aMCI at baseline were 2.29 and 2.73, respectively, for the highest hsCRP quartile.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated hsCRP levels, detected up to five years before diagnosis, are associated with a significantly increased probability of MCI.
  • Inflammation, as indicated by hsCRP, plays a crucial role in the development and manifestation of cognitive impairment.

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