Computer mouse movement patterns: A potential marker of mild cognitive impairment

AbstractIntroductionSubtle changes in cognitively demanding activities occur in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but are difficult to assess with conventional methods. In an exploratory study, we examined whether patterns of computer mouse movements obtained from routine home computer use discriminated between older adults with and without MCI.MethodsParticipants were 42 cognitively intact and 20 older adults with MCI enrolled in a longitudinal study of in-home monitoring technologies. Mouse pointer movement variables were computed during one week of routine home computer use using algorithms that identified and characterized mouse movements within each computer use session.ResultsMCI was associated with making significantly fewer total mouse moves (P < .01) and making mouse movements that were more variable, less efficient, and with longer pauses between movements (P < .05). Mouse movement measures were significantly associated with several cognitive domains (P values <.01–.05).DiscussionRemotely monitored computer mouse movement patterns are a potential early marker of real-world cognitive changes in MCI

Memory complaints in older adults: Prognostic value and stability in reporting over time

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the prognostic value of subjective memory complaints in 156 cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 83 years. Methods: Participants were assessed for subjective memory complaints, cognitive performance, functional status, and mood at annual evaluations with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years. Results: Subjective memory complaint at entry (n = 24) was not associated with impaired memory performance and did not predict memory decline or progression to incipient dementia. Memory complaints were inconsistent across examinations for 62% of participants who reported memory problems. Conclusion: Memory complaints by older adults are inconsistent over time. Memory complaints’ value as a research criterion for selecting people at risk of dementia is weak among community-dwelling older adults. Age, length of follow-up, and other population characteristics may affect the implication of self-reported memory problems