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Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
The connection between MCI and Alzheimer disease: neurocognitive clues
Background/Aim:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as a pathological stage between 'healthy aging' and 'dementia' In this study, cases of MCI were compared with early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) and age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) in terms of cognitive profiles in order to find a connection between MCI and AD.
Materials And Methods:
Patients who were comparable in terms of age and sex and who met the criteria of MCI, ARCD, or early-stage AD were included in the study retrospectively. Wechsler memory scale, executive function, visuospatial, language, and memory tests were applied to all subjects. Additionally, all patients completed a mini-mental state examination test, geriatric depression scale, and activities of daily living scale.
Results:
Complex attention tests and long-term memory tests were more impaired in MCI patients when compared with ARCD. However, there were no significant differences between the MCI and ARCD cases in activities of daily living. Memory and executive functions were more deteriorated in patients with AD in comparison to MCI.
Conclusion:
During the follow-up period of ARCD, impairment in orientation, complex attention, and long-term memory should suggest the diagnosis of MCI. When personal information and executive functions are affected in MCI, AD should be carefully considered.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) shows deficits in attention and memory compared to age-related cognitive decline. Further decline in personal information and executive functions may indicate early Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
- Distinguishing MCI from age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) and early Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive profiles of MCI, early AD, and ARCD.
- To identify key differences that aid in the differential diagnosis of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients meeting MCI, ARCD, or early AD criteria.
- Assessment using Wechsler memory scale, executive function, visuospatial, language, and memory tests.
- Inclusion of Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Activities of Daily Living scales.
Main Results:
- MCI patients exhibited greater impairment in complex attention and long-term memory compared to ARCD.
- No significant differences in activities of daily living were observed between MCI and ARCD.
- Alzheimer's disease patients showed more pronounced memory and executive function deficits than MCI patients.
Conclusions:
- Impairments in orientation, complex attention, and long-term memory during ARCD follow-up may indicate MCI.
- Progression of MCI with affected personal information and executive functions warrants consideration for early Alzheimer's disease.
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