Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people in the United States alone. Following a diagnosis, predicting the progression of the disease can be challenging. Researchers in Amsterdam have developed a model that can forecast cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is to create an app that clinicians can use to personalize treatments and predictions for patients. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more common, with one in three seniors in the United States expected to die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a precursor to dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but it is difficult to predict whether an individual with MCI will develop dementia. The Amsterdam University Medical Center research team has created a model that can anticipate cognitive decline in individuals with MCI or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The model aims to provide patients with individualized care and prognosis based on their specific needs. This research is significant as it indicates that researchers can create a model to predict how symptoms associated with MCI or early Alzheimer’s disease may change over time, allowing individuals and their caregivers to better prepare for the future.
The researchers recruited participants from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort for their study, including individuals with MCI and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The participants were amyloid-positive, indicating the presence of amyloid biomarkers in their cerebrospinal fluid or on PET scans. Using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) as a measure of cognitive impairment, the researchers observed a decline in cognitive abilities in all participants over the study period. Both groups experienced cognitive decline over time, with those with mild dementia showing a greater decline compared to those with MCI.
The researchers used MRI scan results, biomarkers, and MMSE scores to model cognitive decline over time for individuals with MCI and mild dementia. The models projected time to reach specific MMSE scores, such as mild or moderate dementia, and estimated the potential impact of treatment interventions on cognitive decline. While the model provides valuable information for clinicians and patients to discuss treatment options and potential outcomes, there is still uncertainty in predicting individual trajectories of cognitive decline.
The research team has also developed a prototype app for clinicians to use in conjunction with the predictive model. The app, called adappt.health, includes a communication sheet for clinicians to share predictions with patients and caregivers, as well as patient-facing information about the disease, diagnosis, and prognosis. While this is an early model for predicting cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, the research represents a step forward in providing individuals with dementia and their caregivers with valuable information about what to expect following diagnosis.
Overall, the development of a predictive model for cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease is a significant advancement in Alzheimer’s research. By offering personalized forecasts and treatment recommendations, clinicians can better support patients and their caregivers as they navigate the progression of the disease. Despite the uncertainties involved in predicting individual trajectories, research like this lays the foundation for future advancements in Alzheimer’s care and treatment options.
