Beyond traditional tests: Assessing face recognition in mild cognitive impairment

Objective: Face recognition ability is critical for social interaction and daily functioning, yet remains understudied in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The present study examined face recognition performance in MCI using a novel assessment tool incorporating dynamic stimuli, better reflecting the demands of real-world face recognition, and compared its neuropsychological correlates to those of a widely used static test. Method: Individuals with MCI (n = 46) and cognitively intact (CI) older adults (n = 42) completed two face recognition measures: EGEFACE, a recently developed test employing dynamic and static stimuli, and the Benton Face Recognition Test (B-FRT). A comprehensive neurocognitive battery was also administered. Results: Individuals with MCI performed significantly worse than CI group on both tests. The easy block of EGEFACE yielded a larger effect size in differentiating the groups (d = 0.65) than the B-FRT (d = 0.52). While B-FRT scores were linked to a broad range of functions, EGEFACE performance showed a more focused relationship with specific cognitive domains. However, these associations underscore the inherent interdependence of functions, consistent with the interactive organization of the brain. Conclusions: EGEFACE, particularly its easy block, offers a novel approach to assessing face recognition with enhanced real-world applicability. The correlational profiles suggest that while dynamic stimuli may provide a more refined perspective on face-specific processing, this ability remains fundamentally embedded within an integrated neurocognitive network. Dynamic assessment serves as a valuable complement to traditional tools for evaluating the multifaceted cognitive changes in older adults at risk for decline.