Prediction of future cognitive impairment among the community elderly: A machine-learning based approach

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 4;9(1):3335. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39478-7.

Abstract

The early detection of cognitive impairment is a key issue among the elderly. Although neuroimaging, genetic, and cerebrospinal measurements show promising results, high costs and invasiveness hinder their widespread use. Predicting cognitive impairment using easy-to-collect variables by non-invasive methods for community-dwelling elderly is useful prior to conducting such a comprehensive evaluation. This study aimed to develop a machine learning-based predictive model for future cognitive impairment. A total of 3424 community elderly without cognitive impairment were included from the nationwide dataset. The gradient boosting machine (GBM) was exploited to predict cognitive impairment after 2 years. The GBM performance was good (sensitivity = 0.967; specificity = 0.825; and AUC = 0.921). This study demonstrated that a machine learning-based predictive model might be used to screen future cognitive impairment using variables, which are commonly collected in community health care institutions. With efforts of enhancing the predictive performance, such a machine learning-based approach can further contribute to the improvement of the cognitive function in community elderly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning*
  • Male