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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

Engagement in social activities and progression from mild to severe cognitive impairment: the MYHAT study

Tiffany F Hughes1, Jason D Flatt, Bo Fu

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. hughest2@upmc.edu

International Psychogeriatrics
|December 22, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Maintaining social engagement may help delay cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Reduced social activity could signal impending cognitive decline in individuals with MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preventing progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to severe cognitive impairment is a significant public health concern.
  • This study investigates the link between social activity engagement and MCI progression in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the risk of MCI progression based on social activity levels.
  • To assess if changes in social engagement predict cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 816 older adults with MCI (mean age 78.0 years).
  • Discrete time survival analyses used to estimate progression risk over three years.
  • Social activity variety and frequency were primary predictors.

Main Results:

  • Higher frequency of social activities while mildly impaired was associated with lower MCI progression risk (OR = 0.72).
  • A slower decline in the variety of social activities over time also correlated with reduced progression risk (OR = 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Increased social engagement may help delay cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.
  • Lower social activity engagement might serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline in MCI patients.

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