Neurocognitive features of mild cognitive impairment and distress symptoms in older adults without major depression

Abstract Background Two distinct symptom dimensions were identified in older adults who did not have major depressive disorder (MDD): a) a dimension associated with mild cognitive dysfunction, and b) a dimension related to distress symptoms of old age (DSOA). It is uncertain whether previous findings regarding the features of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) remain valid when patients with MDD are excluded. Objectives To examine, in participants without MDD, the neurocognitive characteristics of aMCI and the objective cognitive characteristics of DSOA. Neurocognition was evaluated utilizing the Cambridge Neurological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and memory tests. Results This research demonstrated that CANTAB tests have the capability to differentiate between aMCI and controls. The One Touch Stockings of Cambridge, probability solved on first choice (OTS_PSFC), Rapid Visual Information Processing, A prime, and the Motor Screening Task, mean latency (MOT_ML), were identified as the significant discriminatory CANTAB tests. 37.6% of the variance in the severity of aMCI was predicted by OTS_PSFC, RVP_A’, word list recognition scores, and education. Psychosocial stressors (adverse childhood experiences, negative life events), subjective feelings of cognitive impairment, and RVP, probability of false alarm, account for 40.0% of the DSOA score. Discussion When MDD is ruled out, aMCI is linked to deficits in attention, executive functions, and memory. Psychosocial stressors did not have a statistically significant impact on aMCI or its severity. Enhanced false alarm response bias coupled with heightened psychological stress (including subjective perception of cognitive decline) may contribute to an increase in DSOA among the elderly. Keys word: depression, mild cognitive impairment, adverse childhood experiences, stress, anxiety