Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Catching it early can make a big difference, as early treatment may help slow memory loss.
However, diagnosing MCI can be difficult, especially for people living in rural areas where there are fewer specialists available.
To make testing more accessible, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a simple, portable device that can measure how a person moves. It is affordable and easy to use, consisting of a depth camera, a force plate, and a small computer interface. This device can pick up small changes in balance and movement that might signal cognitive problems.
The research team included experts from both health sciences and engineering. They wanted to see if their device could help detect MCI. In their study, they tested a group of older adults, some with MCI and some without.
The participants were asked to complete three basic activities: standing still, walking, and standing up from a bench. However, they had to do these tasks while also counting backwards by sevens—a challenge meant to test both their movement and thinking skills at the same time.
The device recorded their movements, and the data was analyzed using artificial intelligence. The results were promising: the system correctly identified 83% of the participants who had MCI.
Dr. Trent Guess, one of the researchers, explained why this method works. “The parts of the brain that control movement and the parts that control thinking are closely connected. When memory starts to decline, people’s balance and walking may also be affected, even in very subtle ways. Our device can detect these changes, even when they are too small for the human eye to notice.”
This new system could be a game-changer, especially as the number of people with Alzheimer’s is expected to more than double by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since MCI often comes before Alzheimer’s, early detection could allow for earlier treatment and better planning for the future.
Dr. Jamie Hall, another researcher on the team, highlighted the urgency of this issue. “In the U.S., only about 8% of people with MCI actually get a diagnosis. That means many people miss the chance to get help early. If we can make testing easier and more available, we can improve those numbers and help more people.”
The researchers hope to place their device in places where older adults frequently visit, such as senior centers, community clinics, and physical therapy offices. Since new medications for MCI are becoming available, it’s even more important for people to get tested so they can qualify for treatment.
“Our system picks up on small signs,” Hall said. “For example, if someone is walking more slowly or taking smaller steps while thinking hard, that could be a sign of MCI. Some people might sway more, lose balance, or take longer to stand up from a chair. These are small differences, but our technology can measure them accurately—something that can’t be done with just a stopwatch.”
The researchers are continuing their work to see if the device can also help predict other health issues, such as fall risk and frailty. Dr. Guess added that the system could be useful for other conditions, including concussions, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and even rehabilitation after knee or hip surgery.
Many study participants felt personally connected to the research. “Some of them have MCI themselves, and others have family members with Alzheimer’s,” Hall said. “They really want to help move this research forward because they know how important early detection is.”
Review and Analysis of the Study
This study shows that simple and affordable technology can be used to detect MCI in older adults. The results are promising, with an accuracy rate of 83% in identifying cognitive impairment. However, more research is needed with a larger group of participants to confirm these findings.
The study also highlights the link between movement and brain function. The idea that small changes in walking, balance, and coordination could indicate cognitive decline is valuable because it offers a new way to identify MCI without complex medical tests.
If this portable system becomes widely available, it could make early screening easier, especially in areas with limited access to specialists. Earlier diagnosis means more people could get treatment sooner, which may help slow memory decline and improve quality of life.
However, while the device shows great potential, it is not a replacement for a full medical evaluation. It is a screening tool, meaning that people who show signs of MCI would still need further testing by a doctor. But overall, this study is a step forward in making cognitive screening easier and more accessible for many people.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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