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Updated: Nov 10, 2025

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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Mild cognitive impairment and major depressive disorder are associated with molecular senescence abnormalities in

Breno S Diniz1,2,3, Erica M Vieira1, Ana Paula Mendes-Silva1

  • 1Platform for Peripheral Biomarkers Discovery Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Toronto Ontario Canada.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia (New York, N. Y.)
|April 5, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show increased molecular senescence. This suggests accelerated biological aging may underlie MDD and cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The relationship between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and major depressive disorder (MDD) is not fully understood.
  • Investigating molecular senescence in older adults with a history of MDD or MCI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if molecular senescence changes are associated with MDD or MCI in older adults.
  • To explore the link between senescence markers and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • 371 participants were analyzed: MCI, cognitively normal with MDD history, MDD+MCI, and cognitively unimpaired controls.
  • Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) biomarkers were measured in plasma using a customized LUMINEX assay.

Main Results:

  • The MDD+MCI group exhibited a significantly higher SASP index compared to other groups (P < .001).
  • Elevated SASP index correlated with poorer global cognitive performance, executive dysfunction, slower processing speed, and episodic memory deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Increased molecular senescence is linked to cognitive impairment in older adults with MDD.
  • Accelerated biological aging appears to be a key feature underlying MDD.
Keywords:
SASPagingbiomarkerscognitive impairmentlate‐life depressionmajor depressive disorder

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