Project 462242

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a phase in which a person exhibits cognitive decline worse than expected for their age but otherwise maintains functional independence in daily activities. Individuals with MCI can be divided into two major groups: amnestic MCI (aMCI) and non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). In aMCI, memory problems are predominant and are also associated with a greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). In naMCI, cognitive abilities other than memory are impaired. Individuals with naMCI are most likely to progress into non-AD dementias. In addition, not all people afflicted with MCI will eventually progress to dementia. Understanding individual difference in MCI symptoms and progression to dementia is crucial to advancing pharmacological or behavioral interventions to prevent age-related cognitive impairment. Our research aims to improve clinical assessment and management of MCI by leveraging new advances in electroencephalography (EEG). It is motivated by the findings from a recent study suggesting that aMCI and naMCI involve changes in different brain areas. We will compare the sensitivity of different auditory tests designed to examine perception, attention, and memory. This study will compare brain responses of older adults who have received a diagnosis of aMCI or naMCI, and age-matched controls. We will establish the test-retest reliability of our auditory tests by comparing recordings from two test sessions spaced one month apart. The proposed study has the capacity to transform the diagnosis and management of MCI using quick, objective, and widely available brain measures. Our EEG measures have the potential to improve MCI diagnosis through commercialization into a low-cost, easy-to-use tool that can supplement current diagnostic tests. Moreover, these measures can also further the treatment of cognitive impairment by monitoring evidence-based intervention programs that improve memory function.