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A new and short protocol to achieve the early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment

Neurological Sciences volume 42, pages 3687–3694 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurocognitive disorder which involves cognitive impairments beyond those expected for the age and education of the subject but are not significant enough to interfere with instrumental activities of daily living. The identification of individuals with MCI is particularly important for those who might benefit from new therapies. The aim of this work is to propose a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol to achieve early diagnosis of MCI.

Methods

A neuropsychological battery was created and administered to a sample of patients with MCI (n = 25) and healthy matched controls (n = 25).

Results

Although memory decline is often the first sign preceding the appearance of MCI, significant differences in visuospatial tasks, naming abilities, and executive function can be demonstrated as well between MCI and controls.

Conclusions

A proper selection of cognitive measures within those included in the already-available neuropsychological batteries may provide a thorough assessment of MCI and allow its timely diagnosis.

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Funding

This work has been supported by the FC-15-GRUPIN14-021 project from the Asturias Regional Government and the CTQ2014-58826-R project from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO).

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo, s/n, 33003, Oviedo, Spain

    Sara García, Fernando Cuetos & Antonello Novelli

  2. Institute of Biotechnology, University of Oviedo, Campus del Cristo, Edificio Santiago Gascón, 33006, Oviedo, Spain

    Antonello Novelli

  3. Institute for Sanitary Research of the Princedom of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain

    Antonello Novelli

  4. University Hospital of Cabueñes, Calle Los Prados, n° 395, 33203, Gijón, Spain

    Carmen Martínez

Authors
  1. Sara García
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  2. Fernando Cuetos
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  3. Antonello Novelli
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  4. Carmen Martínez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sara García.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethical Committee of Asturias, and all subjects gave informed written consent for the participation in this study.

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García, S., Cuetos, F., Novelli, A. et al. A new and short protocol to achieve the early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Neurol Sci 42, 3687–3694 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05044-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05044-1

Keywords

  • Mild cognitive impairment
  • Early diagnosis
  • Neuropsychological protocol
  • Cognitive impairments