Distinguishing age-related cognitive decline from dementias: A study based on machine learning algorithms

Abstract Background and aim This study aims to examine the distinguishability of age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) from dementias based on some neurocognitive tests using machine learning. Materials and methods 106 subjects were divided into four groups: ARCD ( n  = 30), probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) ( n  = 20), vascular dementia (VD) ( n  = 21) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) ( n  = 35). The following tests were applied to all subjects: The Wechsler memory scale-revised, a clock-drawing, the dual similarities, interpretation of proverbs, word fluency, the Stroop, the Boston naming (BNT), the Benton face recognition, a copying-drawings and Oktem verbal memory processes (O-VMPT) tests. A multilayer perceptron, a support vector machine and a classification via regression with M5-model trees were employed for classification. Results The pairwise classification results show that ARCD is completely separable from AD with a success rate of 100% and highly separable from MCI and VD with success rates of 95.4% and 86.30%, respectively. The neurocognitive tests with the higher merit values were O-VMPT recognition (ARCD vs. AD), O-VMPT total learning (ARCD vs. MCI) and semantic fluency, proverbs, Stroop interference and naming BNT (ARCD vs. VD). Conclusion The findings show that machine learning can be successfully utilized for distinguishing ARCD from dementias based on neurocognitive tests.