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Marianne M Flak^1,2, Haakon R Hol^3,4, Susanne S Hernes^4,5

¹Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

|December 7, 2018

Abstract:

In this cross-sectional study, we sought to describe cognitive and neuroimaging profiles of Memory clinic patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). 51 MCI patients and 51 controls, matched on age, sex, and socio-economic status (SES), were assessed with an extensive neuropsychological test battery that included a measure of intelligence (General Ability Index, "GAI," from WAIS-IV), and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MCI subtypes were determined after inclusion, and z-scores normalized to our control group were generated for each cognitive domain in each MCI participant. MR-images were scored by visual rating scales. MCI patients performed significantly worse than controls on 23 of 31 cognitive measures (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.001), and on 8 of 31 measures after covarying for intelligence (GAI). Compared to nonamnestic MCI patients, amnestic MCI patients had lower test results in 13 of 31 measures, and 5 of 31 measures after co-varying for GAI. Compared to controls, the MCI patients had greater atrophy on Schelten's Medial temporal lobe atrophy score (MTA), especially in those with amnestic MCI. The only structure-function correlation that remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons was the MTA-long delay recall domain. Intelligence operationalized as GAI appears to be an important moderator of the neuropsychological outcomes. Atrophy of the medial temporal lobe, based on MTA scores, may be a sensitive biomarker for the functional episodic memory deficits associated with MCI.

Insights

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients show significant cognitive deficits and medial temporal lobe atrophy compared to controls. Intelligence moderates cognitive performance, with medial temporal lobe atrophy being a biomarker for memory decline.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Gerontology

Background:

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
Understanding the cognitive and neuroimaging profiles of MCI is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the cognitive and neuroimaging features of Memory clinic patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
To investigate the relationship between cognitive performance, intelligence, and brain structure in MCI.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study involving 51 MCI patients and 51 matched controls.
Comprehensive neuropsychological testing, including intelligence assessment (General Ability Index, GAI).
Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with visual rating scales for medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA).

Main Results:

MCI patients exhibited significant deficits across 23 of 31 cognitive measures compared to controls.
Cognitive performance was significantly impacted by intelligence (GAI), with 8 measures remaining significant after covariate adjustment.
Amnestic MCI subtypes showed poorer performance and greater MTA compared to nonamnestic MCI and controls.
Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was significantly correlated with episodic memory deficits (long delay recall).

Conclusions:

Intelligence (GAI) plays a significant role in moderating neuropsychological outcomes in MCI.
Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) serves as a potential biomarker for episodic memory impairment in MCI.
These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive and neuroimaging data for a comprehensive understanding of MCI.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

MCI brain pathology cognitive dysfunction intelligence memory clinic patients neuropsychological functioning neuropsychological tests structural magnetic resonance imaging

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