Language performance: An indicative marker for subtle changes in MCI subtypes

Abstract

This study aims at investigating morhpo-syntactic variables perception by MCI subtypes patients beyond memory impairment. Novel language tasks have been introduced and conducted in a computerized environment in order to prove language as a sensitive indicator of MCI. In the present study 40 amnestic MCI single domain (aMCI-SD), 53 amnestic type of multiple domain, (aMCI-MD) and 22 healthy controls (HC) have been recruited. Linguistic activities processing has been correlated to well established neuropsychological tests and language exercises granted. Statistically significant differences were found by non-parametric tests (One-way ANOVA on ranks) with p = .05 in the scores of sentence and word -level tasks that required the perception of different morpho-syntactic variables (verb aspect, tense etc.) and p=.012 in the durations of the above tasks (time needed to complete the tasks). More specifically, more time was needed for the aMCI-MD than the HC. In conclusion, the systematic use of language in diagnostic computing environments could play a critical role in complementing the cognitive profile of the elderly with different subtypes of the MCI. © 2018 P.Ziti and Co. All rights reserved.