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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Weight Loss Predicts Progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease
Ilaria Cova1, Francesca Clerici1, Annalia Rossi1
1Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions, Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department, "Luigi Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Weight loss is common in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it could be a marker of impending AD in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and improve prognostic accuracy, if accelerated progression to AD would be shown.
Aims:
To assess weight loss as a predictor of dementia and AD in MCI.
Methods:
One hundred twenty-five subjects with MCI (age 73.8 ± 7.1 years) were followed for an average of 4 years. Two weight measurements were carried out at a minimum time interval of one year. Dementia was defined according to DSM-IV criteria and AD according to NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Weight loss was defined as a ≥4% decrease in baseline weight.
Results:
Fifty-three (42.4%) MCI progressed to dementia, which was of the AD-type in half of the cases. Weight loss was associated with a 3.4-fold increased risk of dementia (95% CI = 1.5-6.9) and a 3.2-fold increased risk of AD (95% CI = 1.4-8.3). In terms of years lived without disease, weight loss was associated to a 2.3 and 2.5 years earlier onset of dementia and AD.
Conclusions:
Accelerated progression towards dementia and AD is expected when weight loss is observed in MCI patients. Weight should be closely monitored in elderly with mild cognitive impairment.
Insights
Significant weight loss in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) predicts a faster progression to dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Monitoring weight is crucial for early detection and intervention in MCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Weight loss is a common symptom in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- It may serve as an early marker for AD in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), potentially improving prognostic accuracy.
- Investigating weight loss as a predictor in MCI is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if weight loss predicts the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in individuals with MCI.
- To assess the prognostic value of weight changes in MCI patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 125 MCI subjects (mean age 73.8 years) was followed for approximately 4 years.
- Weight was measured at least one year apart, with weight loss defined as a ≥4% decrease from baseline.
- Dementia and AD diagnoses followed established criteria (DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA, respectively).
Main Results:
- Over 42% of MCI participants progressed to dementia, with half diagnosed with AD.
- Weight loss was linked to a 3.4-fold increased risk of dementia and a 3.2-fold increased risk of AD.
- Weight loss was associated with an earlier onset of dementia (2.3 years) and AD (2.5 years).
Conclusions:
- Weight loss in MCI patients indicates an accelerated progression to dementia and AD.
- Close monitoring of weight in elderly individuals with MCI is recommended.
- Weight changes can be a valuable indicator for predicting dementia risk in MCI.
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