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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Annual wellness visits, cognitive function, and early dementia diagnosis
Elizabeth Kim1, Mukaila A Raji2, Efstathia Polychronopoulou3
1John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) are linked to earlier detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This may help identify modifiable factors contributing to cognitive decline and dementia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Neurology
Background:
- Early dementia diagnosis is crucial for optimizing care and interventions.
- The impact of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) detection rates is not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between AWVs and the timeliness of diagnosing MCI and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD).
- To adjust for various confounding factors not previously accounted for in similar research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data linked with Medicare claims (2011-2019).
- Created propensity score-matched cohorts comparing AWV and non-AWV participants.
- Employed Kaplan-Meier and Cox models to assess MCI/ADRD diagnosis risk within two years.
Main Results:
- The AWV group showed higher cognitive scores pre- and post-visit compared to the non-AWV group.
- MCI diagnoses were more frequent in the AWV cohort.
- Time to ADRD diagnosis was similar between groups, unaffected by behavioral or health determinant factors.
Conclusions:
- AWVs are associated with earlier detection of MCI.
- This earlier detection can inform patient-provider decisions regarding evaluations for modifiable factors impacting cognitive health.
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