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Reduced mismatch negativity in mild cognitive impairment: associations with neuropsychological performance
Loren Mowszowski1, Daniel F Hermens, Keri Diamond
1Ageing Brain Centre, Brain and Mind Research Institute, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
Abstract:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a transitory state between healthy aging and dementia. Biomarkers are needed to facilitate early identification of MCI and predict progression to dementia. One potential neurophysiological biomarker, mismatch negativity (MMN), is an event-related potential reflecting fundamental, pre-attentive cognitive processes. MMN is reduced in normal aging and dementia and in neuropsychiatric samples and is associated with verbal memory deficits and poor executive functioning. This study aimed to investigate auditory MMN and its relationship to neuropsychological performance in MCI. Twenty-eight MCI participants and fourteen controls, aged ≥50 years, underwent neurophysiological and neuropsychological assessment, and completed questionnaires pertaining to disability. Relative to controls, the MCI group demonstrated reduced temporal MMN amplitude (p < 0.01). Reduced right temporal MMN was significantly associated with poorer verbal learning (r = 0.496; p < 0.01) and reduced left temporal MMN was significantly associated with increased self-reported disability (r = -0.419; p < 0.05). These results indicate that patients with MCI exhibit altered pre-attentive information processing, which in turn is associated with memory and psychosocial deficits. These findings overall suggest that MMN may be a viable neurophysiological biomarker of underlying disease in this 'at risk' group.
Insights
Mismatch negativity (MMN) brain responses are reduced in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This auditory biomarker correlates with memory deficits and disability, aiding early detection of cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional phase between normal aging and dementia, necessitating reliable biomarkers for early identification and progression prediction.
- Mismatch negativity (MMN), an event-related potential, reflects pre-attentive cognitive processing and is implicated in aging and neuropsychiatric conditions, often correlating with cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) in individuals with MCI.
- To examine the relationship between MMN and neuropsychological performance in MCI patients.
Main Methods:
- Auditory MMN and neuropsychological assessments were conducted in 28 MCI participants and 14 controls (aged ≥50).
- Questionnaires on disability were administered to all participants.
Main Results:
- The MCI group exhibited significantly reduced temporal MMN amplitude compared to controls (p < 0.01).
- Reduced right temporal MMN correlated with poorer verbal learning (r = 0.496; p < 0.01).
- Reduced left temporal MMN was associated with increased self-reported disability (r = -0.419; p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Individuals with MCI demonstrate altered pre-attentive auditory information processing.
- MMN alterations are linked to memory impairments and psychosocial deficits in MCI.
- MMN shows potential as a neurophysiological biomarker for identifying individuals at risk for cognitive decline.
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