The connection between MCI and Alzheimer disease: neurocognitive clues

Abstract

Background/aim: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as a pathological stage between 'healthy aging' and 'dementia'. In this study, cases of MCI were compared with early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) and age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) in terms of cognitive profiles in order to find a connection between MCI and AD. Materials and methods: Patients who were comparable in terms of age and sex and who met the criteria of MCI, ARCD, or early-stage AD were included in the study retrospectively. Wechsler memory scale, executive function, visuospatial, language, and memory tests were applied to all subjects. Additionally, all patients completed a mini-mental state examination test, geriatric depression scale, and activities of daily living scale. Results: Complex attention tests and long-term memory tests were more impaired in MCI patients when compared with ARCD. However, there were no significant differences between the MCI and ARCD cases in activities of daily living. Memory and executive functions were more deteriorated in patients with AD in comparison to MCI. Conclusion: During the follow-up period of ARCD, impairment in orientation, complex attention, and long-term memory should suggest the diagnosis of MCI. When personal information and executive functions are affected in MCI, AD should be carefully considered.