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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
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Informant-based hearing difficulties and the risk for mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Maria Vassilaki1, Jeremiah A Aakre1, David S Knopman2
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Age and Ageing
|August 23, 2019
Summary
Hearing difficulties reported by partners significantly increase the risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. This study highlights informant-based hearing difficulties as a potential early marker for cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Audiology
Background:
- Hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.
- Previous research has not examined if partner-reported hearing difficulties (HD) interfering with daily life predict cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between informant-based hearing difficulties (HD) and the risk of developing MCI and dementia.
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between HD and cognitive decline over time.
Main Methods:
- The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging included 4812 participants without dementia.
- Informant-based reports of HD interfering with daily activities were collected at baseline and every 15 months.
- Cox proportional hazards models and mixed-effects models were used to analyze the risk of MCI/dementia and cognitive decline.
Main Results:
- Approximately 981 participants reported HD. Those with HD had a higher risk for MCI (HR=1.29) and dementia (HR=1.39) after adjusting for sex and education.
- In participants without dementia at baseline, HD was associated with increased risk for both MCI and dementia.
- Individuals with MCI and HD experienced a modestly greater rate of cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Hearing difficulties, as reported by a study partner, are associated with an increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.
- Informant-reported HD may serve as a valuable indicator for cognitive decline and impairment in older adults.
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