Background: Numerous risk factors for dementia have been identified, but the concern of how cognitive functions in the mild Neurocognitive Impairment (mild NCI) stage predict dementia occurrence and incidence is still a matter of debate. The present paper aims to fill this gap by conducting an updated meta-analysis of studies examining the probability over time of developing dementia in relation to measures of global cognitive functioning, long-term verbal memory, complex attention, visuoconstructional ability, and language in the mild NCI stage. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search up to March 2024 in PubMed, PsycINFO (PROQUEST), and Scopus databases. We used random-effects models to pool the ratio measure (odds, hazard, or risk ratios) for the association between cognitive domains and the risk of developing dementia in people with mild NCI. Results: The systematic search in electronic databases identified 44 relevant studies. Results showed that better performance in long-term verbal memory, visuoconstructional, and language abilities in individuals with mild NCI were associated with a lower risk of progression to dementia. Discussion: These findings might suggest that interventions aimed at preserving or enhancing these cognitive domains could be beneficial in delaying or preventing dementia onset, offering a potential therapeutic target for clinicians working with at-risk populations.

Cognitive markers of resilience to dementia in mild Neurocognitive Impairment: a meta- analysis

Raimo S.
;
Gaita M.;Malangone D.;Torchia V.;
2025-01-01

Abstract

Background: Numerous risk factors for dementia have been identified, but the concern of how cognitive functions in the mild Neurocognitive Impairment (mild NCI) stage predict dementia occurrence and incidence is still a matter of debate. The present paper aims to fill this gap by conducting an updated meta-analysis of studies examining the probability over time of developing dementia in relation to measures of global cognitive functioning, long-term verbal memory, complex attention, visuoconstructional ability, and language in the mild NCI stage. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search up to March 2024 in PubMed, PsycINFO (PROQUEST), and Scopus databases. We used random-effects models to pool the ratio measure (odds, hazard, or risk ratios) for the association between cognitive domains and the risk of developing dementia in people with mild NCI. Results: The systematic search in electronic databases identified 44 relevant studies. Results showed that better performance in long-term verbal memory, visuoconstructional, and language abilities in individuals with mild NCI were associated with a lower risk of progression to dementia. Discussion: These findings might suggest that interventions aimed at preserving or enhancing these cognitive domains could be beneficial in delaying or preventing dementia onset, offering a potential therapeutic target for clinicians working with at-risk populations.
2025
Cognitive functions
Dementia
Meta-analysis
Mild neurocognitive impairment
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12317/106160
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