Beyza Bezci, Shams Farhad.
Volume 2 Special Issue 1 (Feb) 2025, Article 22 (pp.55-56)
Key Points
Question：
What are the benefits of detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in an ageing population? How do biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments contribute to early diagnosis and management?
Findings:
MCI is a transitional stage between normal ageing and Alzheimer’s dementia, with 10-15% of amnestic MCI cases progressing to Alzheimer’s annually. Biomarkers (amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, APOE-e4 allele) and structural brain changes (perirhinal cortex aid in early detection. Neuropsychological assessments measuring memory, executive function, and attention help diagnose MCI.
Meaning:
Early detection of MCI allows timely intervention, delaying dementia progression and improving patient outcomes. Advancements in imaging and molecular techniques will enhance prevention and management strategies for cognitive ageing. MCI diagnosis supports treatment planning, psychosocial support, and improved quality of life for ageing individuals.
Abstract
Importance:
The global rise in ageing populations is linked to an increased prevalence of cognitive decline, making the early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) crucial. MCI serves as a transitional stage between normal ageing and Alzheimer’s dementia, where timely intervention can help preserve cognitive function. Given the lack of disease-modifying treatments for dementia, early diagnosis plays a vital role in delaying progression and improving patient outcomes.
Objective:
This study explores the significance of detecting MCI using potential biomarkers and neuropsychological assessments to enhance treatment strategies for cognitive disorders.
Evidence Review:
A review of studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar from 2015 to 2024 highlights the impact of MCI diagnosis on cognitive health. Biomarkers such as amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and the APOE-e4 allele have been associated with MCI. Additionally, structural and functional changes in the perirhinal cortex show promise in identifying amnestic MCI. Clinical symptoms, including depression and anxiety, are more common in individuals with MCI than in healthy older adults.
Findings:
Each year, 10-15% of individuals with amnestic MCI progress to Alzheimer’s disease, compared to 1-2% of healthy older adults. Neuropsychological assessments evaluating memory, executive function, and attention are widely used for diagnosis. Studies indicate that lifestyle modifications, including exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, and psychosocial education, provide cognitive benefits for individuals diagnosed with MCI.
Conclusions and Relevance:
Early detection of MCI enables timely intervention, facilitating treatment, life planning, and psychosocial support. Diagnosing MCI before significant cognitive and functional decline occurs can help delay progression to dementia. Advancements in imaging and molecular techniques will further enhance our understanding of MCI and cognitive ageing, contributing to improved prevention and management strategies.