Neurocognitive features of mild cognitive impairment and distress symptoms in older adults without major depression

Abstract

BackgroundTwo distinct symptom dimensions were identified in older adults who did not have major depressive disorder (MDD): a) a dimension associated with mild cognitive dysfunction, and b) a dimension related to distress symptoms of old age (DSOA). It is uncertain whether previous findings regarding the features of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) remain valid when patients with MDD are excluded.ObjectivesTo examine, in participants without MDD, the neurocognitive characteristics of aMCI and the objective cognitive characteristics of DSOA. Neurocognition was evaluated utilizing the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and memory tests.ResultsThis research demonstrated that CANTAB tests have the capability to differentiate between aMCI and controls. The One Touch Stockings of Cambridge, probability solved on first choice (OTS_PSFC), Rapid Visual Information Processing, A prime, and the Motor Screening Task, mean latency (MOT_ML), were identified as the significant discriminatory CANTAB tests. 37.6% of the variance in the severity of aMCI was predicted by OTS_PSFC, RVP_A’, word list recognition scores, and education. Psychosocial stressors (adverse childhood experiences, negative life events), subjective feelings of cognitive impairment, and RVP, probability of false alarm, account for 40.0% of the DSOA score.DiscussionWhen MDD is ruled out, aMCI is linked to deficits in attention, executive functions, and memory. Psychosocial stressors did not have a statistically significant impact on aMCI or its severity. Enhanced false alarm response bias coupled with heightened psychological stress (including subjective perception of cognitive decline) may contribute to an increase in DSOA among the elderly.Keys word: depression, mild cognitive impairment, adverse childhood experiences, stress, anxiety

Is amnestic mild cognitive impairment a neuro-immune condition?

“…Among older adults, the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is quite significant, affecting approximately 10-15% of individuals aged 65 and above (Anderson, 2019). Amnestic MCI (aMCI) is characterized by mild deficits in various cognitive domains, such as episodic memory, executive functions, visuospatial skills, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving ability (Nantachai et al, 2023; Tran-Chi et al, 2024; Tunvirachaisakul et al, 2018). Nevertheless, individuals with aMCI generally demonstrate intact abilities related to everyday tasks, as observed in various studies (Dwolatzky et al, 2004; Gualtieri & Johnson, 2005; Hemrungrojn et al, 2021).…”