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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

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Breadth and depth of working memory and executive function compromises in mild cognitive impairment and their

Leticia Garcia-Alvarez1,2,3, Jesus J Gomar2,4,5, Amber Sousa4

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|March 27, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) significantly impacts working memory (WM) and executive functions (EF), affecting daily activities. These cognitive deficits are linked to frontal cortex changes and have serious consequences, even in early stages.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The precise nature and extent of working memory (WM) and executive function (EF) deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remain unclear.
  • Understanding these impairments is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively characterize WM/EF impairments in MCI patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between WM/EF deficits, frontal lobe integrity, and functional outcomes in MCI.

Main Methods:

  • Compared WM/EF performance, frontal lobe integrity, and functioning in 48 MCI patients, 124 healthy controls, and 57 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.
  • Utilized factor analysis to identify core WM/EF constructs.
  • Assessed associations between cognitive measures and prefrontal cortical thickness.

Main Results:

  • MCI patients exhibited widespread WM/EF impairments compared to controls.
  • Factor analysis revealed three key WM/EF constructs: storage, speed/search, and manipulation/problem-solving.
  • EF impairments correlated with reduced prefrontal cortical thickness, and WM/EF explained over 50% of functional competence variance.

Conclusions:

  • WM/EF impairments are prevalent in MCI, stemming from compromised frontal cortex circuitry.
  • These cognitive deficits are directly linked to diminished everyday functioning.
  • Even at this early stage, WM/EF impairments in MCI have significant clinical repercussions, potentially indicating prodromal AD.
Keywords:
Executive functionFrontal cortexFunctional competenceMild cognitive impairment (MCI)Working memory

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