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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Apathy and depression in amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Alfonsina D'Iorio1, Gabriella Santangelo1
1Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy.
Introduction:
The information regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the main subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is inadequate. Indeed, it is unclear whether patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and those with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) are characterized by a different behavioral profile and whether the decline in the activities of daily living (ADL) is different between the two groups. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to describe the behavioral and functional profile of the two MCI subgroups and to determine whether apathy and depression are associated with functional autonomy.
Methods:
Sixty-eight patients with MCI were enrolled. Out of these, 37 were classified as aMCI while 31 as naMCI according to an extensive neuropsychological evaluation assessing memory, attention, executive functions, visuospatial abilities and language. Moreover, questionnaires assessing apathy, depression and functional autonomy were administered.
Results:
aMCI patients showed more severe depressive symptoms when compared to naMCI ones, whereas no difference was found on apathy scores. The two subgroups achieved similar results in questionnaires assessing functional autonomy.
Conclusion:
Our results supported the clinical utility of the amnestic and non-amnestic distinction since a different cognitive and behavioral profile characterized the two MCI subtypes and, as a consequence, different treatments are needed.
Insights
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes, amnestic MCI (aMCI) and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI), exhibit distinct behavioral profiles. Depression is more common in aMCI, but functional autonomy is similar across both groups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes are not well-defined.
- It remains unclear if amnestic MCI (aMCI) and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI) differ in behavioral patterns and daily living (ADL) decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the behavioral and functional profiles of aMCI and naMCI subgroups.
- To investigate the association between apathy, depression, and functional autonomy in MCI patients.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-eight MCI patients were evaluated using neuropsychological tests.
- Participants were classified as aMCI (n=37) or naMCI (n=31).
- Apathy, depression, and functional autonomy were assessed via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- aMCI patients exhibited more severe depressive symptoms than naMCI patients.
- No significant differences in apathy scores were observed between the two MCI subtypes.
- Both aMCI and naMCI groups demonstrated comparable functional autonomy.
Conclusions:
- The distinction between amnestic and non-amnestic MCI is clinically relevant due to differing cognitive and behavioral profiles.
- Tailored treatment strategies may be necessary for each MCI subtype.
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