Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients
Published on: December 16, 2022
Blink Rate Study in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Cognitive Decline
Fabrizia D'Antonio1, Maria I De Bartolo2, Gina Ferrazzano1
1Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Background:
Blink rate (BR) is considered a marker of dopaminergic activity in humans. BR is increased in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), but no study has yet investigated whether BR changes with the progression of cognitive decline from MCI to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and whether BR abnormalities are present in subjects with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD).
Objective:
The aim of our study was to assess BR in patients with AD, MCI, and SCD and to correlate BR with demographic and clinical features of cognitive decline.
Methods:
We enrolled 22 subjects with SCD, 23 with MCI, and 18 with AD and a group of 20 age-matched healthy controls (HCs). Cognitive function was assessed by testing global cognitive status and frontal, attentional, memory, verbal, and visuospatial functions. BR was measured by counting the number of blinks per minute.
Results:
MCI subjects had an increased BR (p <0.001), whereas AD subjects had a lower BR than HCs (p <0.05). Conversely, SCD subjects had a BR similar to HCs. No significant correlations emerged between neuropsychological scores and BR in SCD, MCI, and AD subjects.
Conclusion:
Increased BR in MCI likely reflects early compensatory mechanisms occurring before AD, whereas decreased BR in AD suggests dopaminergic system involvement in this condition.
Insights
Blink rate (BR) increases in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) but decreases in Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting changes in dopaminergic activity during cognitive decline. Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) showed normal blink rates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dopaminergic System Research
- Cognitive Decline Biomarkers
Background:
- Blink rate (BR) is a known indicator of human dopaminergic activity.
- Previous research indicates elevated BR in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
- The relationship between BR and cognitive decline progression (MCI to Alzheimer's disease [AD]) and its presence in Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) remain unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare BR in individuals with AD, MCI, and SCD.
- To examine the correlation between BR and clinical/demographic factors associated with cognitive decline.
- To understand BR as a potential biomarker across different stages of cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Recruited participants included 22 SCD, 23 MCI, 18 AD, and 20 healthy controls (HCs).
- Cognitive function was comprehensively assessed, evaluating global status, memory, attention, and visuospatial abilities.
- Blink rate (BR) was quantified by counting blinks per minute.
Main Results:
- MCI participants exhibited significantly increased BR (p <0.001) compared to HCs.
- AD participants displayed a significantly reduced BR (p <0.05) compared to HCs.
- SCD participants showed BR comparable to HCs, with no significant correlation found between BR and neuropsychological scores across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated BR in MCI may represent early compensatory mechanisms preceding AD.
- Decreased BR in AD suggests potential dopaminergic system dysfunction in the disease.
- BR shows distinct patterns across cognitive decline stages, highlighting its potential as a biomarker.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
01:30Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment