Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia syndrome defined by slow gait speed combined with subjective cognitive function decline, is a powerful clinical tool used to identify older adults at a high risk of developing dementia. This investigation aimed to uncover the distinctive neurophysiological characteristics of MCI and MCR through a comprehensive assessment.

Eight-seven community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-85 years) were classified into MCR (n = 27), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 16), and healthy control (HC; n = 44) groups. Participants underwent physical function measurements, including gait analysis and functional mobility tests (timed up and go, five times sit-to-stand test, etc.). Cognitive function (mini-mental state examination, single digit span test, etc.) was also assessed. Furthermore, brain function was assessed using resting-state EEG with a 21-channel headset.

Compared to the HC, both MCI and MCR groups showed significantly lower physical and cognitive functions overall (p < .001). MCR group exhibited significantly lower performance in gait speed, functional mobility, and executive function compared to the MCI group (p < 0.05). EEG analysis revealed that both MCI and MCR groups showed significant decrease in theta power in specific regions compared to the control group (p < 0.05). MCR group demonstrated higher theta/beta ratios compared to the MCI and HC group, with a significant progressive increase observed across the groups (HC < MCI < MCR, p < 0.05).

This study examined the neurophysiological characteristics of MCR through a comprehensive analysis of motor-cognitive integration, examining differences in physical, cognitive, and neurological functions across the three groups: HC, MCI, and MCR. In particular, EEG analyses revealed distinct neurophysiological signatures unique to MCR. These neurophysiological markers represent a promising community-based screening tool enabling the rapid identification of MCR in older populations and facilitating the early detection of high-risk individuals for timely and appropriate management.