Mild cognitive impairment estimation based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at a high risk of developing future dementia. However, early identification and active intervention could potentially reduce its morbidity and the incidence of dementia. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been proposed as a noninvasive modality for detecting oxygenation changes in the time-varying hemodynamics of the prefrontal cortex. This study sought to provide an effective method for detecting patients with MCI using fNIRS and the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) to evaluate changes in blood oxygenation. The results revealed that all groups with a lower mini-mental state examination grade had a higher increase in HHb concentration during a modified WCST (MCST). The increase in the change in oxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the stroke group was smaller than that in the normal group due to weak cerebrovascular reactivity. Our study explores the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy in identifying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) early, offering a crucial window for intervention to reduce the risk of dementia. By analyzing changes in blood oxygenation during cognitive tasks, we found that individuals with lower cognitive scores exhibited distinct patterns. This noninvasive approach, combined with cognitive assessments like the Wisconsin card sorting test, may hold promise for effective MCI detection, offering hope for proactive dementia prevention.image

Automated summary

This study explores the potential of using fNIRS and the WCST to detect MCI patients. The results show that individuals with lower cognitive scores have greater changes in blood oxygenation during the WCST. This noninvasive approach combined with cognitive assessments may effectively detect MCI, offering hope for proactive dementia prevention.