Mild Cognitive Impairment : Evolutionary profile of 40 patients

Introduction: Patients with pre-dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have a memory complaint with normal global cognitive functioning and preserved autonomy. Several outcome frameworks are possible, from normal cognitive aging, through stable MCI, to dementia (in unstable MCI).  The aim of this work is to appreciate the different outcome profiles of MCI patients, in order to introduce care as early as possible.Material and methods: Retrospective study with analysis of demographic data, assessment of cognitive functions. This measurement was performed at the time of diagnosis and several times during the 5-year follow-up. A detailed neurological examination as well as an exhaustive paraclinical assessment (biological and radiological) were also performed. 6 patients underwent a lumbar puncture with study of the biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Results: 40 patients studied, 11 (27.5%) had a stable MCI. 13 patients (32.5%) had an unstable form that evolved into dementia. Eight patients (20%) had normal cognitive aging, 3 (7.5%) a depressive syndrome and 3 (7.5%) a vascular form (VCI). 1 patient (2.5%) had a vitamin B12 deficiency and 1 (2.5%) a probable para-neoplastic form associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Conclusion: The results of this Algerian series demonstrate the heterogeneity of the evolution of MCI patients, and raise the interest to diagnose them early in order to eventually propose an early management.