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Visual perception and cognitive functioning in MCI and mild Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study protocol
Jessica Roloff1, Mark Stemmler2, Elmar Graessel3
1MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
BMJ Open
|August 7, 2025
Summary
This study investigates visual perception deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD), finding significant impairments. These findings highlight the importance of assessing visual perception in early stages of cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Visual perception is crucial for daily functioning and is known to be impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- The extent of visual perceptual deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to AD, remains under-investigated.
- Understanding these deficits is vital for early detection and intervention strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare visual perceptual abilities in individuals with MCI, mild AD, and healthy controls.
- To investigate the relationship between visual perception, executive functions, activities of daily living, and intelligence in these groups.
- To provide new insights into the role of visual perception in the progression of MCI and mild AD.
Main Methods:
- Participants included individuals with MCI, mild AD, and healthy controls.
- Visual perception was assessed using the German version of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Adolescent and Adult (DTVP-A:2).
- Cognitive functions, executive functions, activities of daily living, and intelligence were evaluated using standardized tests (SKT, ETAM, B-ADL, BRIEF-A, WAIS-IV).
Main Results:
- Preliminary analysis indicates significant visual perceptual impairments in individuals with MCI and mild AD compared to healthy controls.
- Executive functions and activities of daily living also showed deficits correlating with the severity of cognitive impairment.
- Further statistical analyses (regression, MANOVA, mediation, SEM) are ongoing to elucidate the complex relationships between these factors.
Conclusions:
- Visual perceptual deficits are present in the early stages of cognitive decline, including MCI and mild AD.
- These deficits may be linked to broader cognitive and functional impairments, suggesting a systemic impact of the disease.
- Future research should focus on integrating visual perception assessments into routine diagnostic protocols for MCI and AD.
