Clinical referral patterns and cognitive profile in mild cognitive impairment.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: There is current interest in exploring the different subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in terms of both their epidemiology and their cognitive profile. AIMS: To examine the frequency of MCI subtypes presenting to a memory clinic and to document detailed neuropsychological profiles of patients with the amnestic subtype. METHOD: Consecutive tertiary referrals (n=187) were psychiatrically evaluated; 45 patients met criteria for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). A subgroup of 33 patients with aMCI as well as 21 healthy controls took part in a thorough neuropsychological examination. RESULTS: Of the patients who were examined in greater neuropsychological detail, ten had pure aMCI (none with visual memory impairment only). Fifteen met criteria for non-amnestic MCI. Fifteen had normal neuropsychological profiles. Using more than one test increased sensitivity to detect episodic memory impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Amnestic MCI is an important diagnosis in secondary and tertiary memory clinics. There is scope to improve the efficacy and sensitivity of the clinical assessment of this impairment.

Authors: Lonie, J; Herrmann, L; Donaghey, C; Ebmeier, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science
• Volume: 192
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 59-64
• Publication date: 2008-01-01
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.107.035642
• EISSN: 1472-1465
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• Language: English
• Keywords: Humans; Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Referral and Consultation; Cognition Disorders; Female; Sensitivity and Specificity; Case-Control Studies; Memory Disorders