Neuropsychiatric symptoms and faster progression of cognitive impairments as predictors of risk of conversion of mild cognitive impairment to dementia

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this research, based on 7 years of observations, was to assess the relationship between the dynamics of changes in the realm of cognitive functions in the early stages of observations and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as further progression of cognitive function impairments in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Material and methodsOne hundred and ninety three individuals were included in the study, all of whom referred themselves to the Mental Health Clinic and were diagnosed with MCI based on the criteria of the Working Group on MCI. It was assumed that these individuals would be subjected to systematic psychiatric and neuropsychological observation until they were diagnosed with dementia. This report concerns a completed 7-year period of these observations. Participants were assessed based on the following scales: MMSE, NPI and GDS.ResultsThe obtained results indicate statistically significant differences between groups of subjects at the time of inclusion in the study, regarding the frequency of occurrence and severity of the following categories of impairments: thought impairments (p < 0.001), arousal/aggression (p < 0.001), depression/dysphoria (p < 0.001), disinhibition (p < 0.03), irritability/lability (p < 0.001), abnormal motor behaviors (p < 0.02), as well as sleep and night-time behavior disorders (p < 0.01) Moreover, individuals who developed dementia during observation exhibited greater progression in cognitive function impairment assessed with the MMSE scale in the first year of observation (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe accruing of cognitive function impairments and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms seem to be important risk factors for the development of dementia.

Vascular Factors and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease

“…This observation is in accordance with the results of previous research, carried out according to a different methodology and pertaining to earlier phases in the development of dementia, where it was shown that vascular factors increase the risk of developing dementia, but do not speed up the progression of cognitive disturbances [ 22 ].…”

Neuropsychological comparison of incident MCI and prevalent MCI

“…However, this construct has not been empirically investigated in the context of neurocognitive research involving subjects with MCI and may account, in part, for discrepancies between various studies in rates of conversion from MCI to dementia. In addition, in most research studies focused on identification of predictors of progression from MCI to dementia (such as FDG-PET or CSF biomarkers [17] , neuropsychiatric symptoms and speed of cognitive impairment progression [18] , and white matter hyperintensities [19] ), the MCI cohorts were recruited from prevalent MCI cases. It is unclear if these predictors would have the same strength or timing if evaluated in cohorts of incident MCI.…”

The association between health‐related factors, physical and mental diseases, social activities, and cognitive function in elderly Koreans: a population‐based cross‐sectional study

“…21 One of the representative neuropsychiatric symptoms related to cognitive impairment is depression, and many cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have examined the effects of depressive symptoms on cognitive impairment. [22][23][24] Variables associated with unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity (as measured by body mass index (BMI)), are closely associated with physical and mental disorders and, consequently, may be positively related to cognitive decline. Numerous studies have identified the relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive decline.…”