Work

Cognitive health on the fingertips: Fine motor deficiencies for assessing the risk of mild cognitive impairment in the aging adults.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a critical prodromal stage associated with Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurocognitive conditions in middle-old aging adults, yet research exploring its association with fine motor skill deficits remains relatively limited.This study explores the specific characteristics of fine motor function in middle-old aging adults with MCI using the latest wearable inertial motion capture technology.Method: A computerized system with wearable inertial motion capture technology captured and assessed fine motions.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-based machine learning algorithm was utilized to construct a nomogram.The discriminatory ability of the model was determined by calculating the area under the curve.Decision curve analysis, clinical impact curve analysis, and bootstrap validation were used to evaluate and validate the stability of models.Results: A total of 289 participants aged ≥50 were recruited, of which 140 participants experienced MCI.Compared with the control group, patients with MCI showed significantly poorer fine motor performance in hand function assessment tasks.Spearman correlation analysis revealed a stronger correlation between fine motor function and visuospatial/executive function.A multivariable nomogram model based on fine motion parameters showed satisfactory discrimination, with an area under the curve of .773.Decision curve analysis, clinical impact curve analysis, and bootstrap validation demonstrated the good clinical utility and stability of the model.Conclusions: Poor motor functioning was associated with MCI status.The nomogram model, based on fine motion parameters, demonstrated moderate discriminative performance in assessing the risk of MCI, serving as a valuable clinical supplement. Key Points Question:Is there an association between poor fine motor function and mild cognitive impairment in middle-old aging adults?Findings: Poor fine motor function was associated with the risk of mild cognitive impairment.The nomogram model, based on fine motion parameters, demonstrated moderate discriminative performance in assessing the risk of mild cognitive impairment.Importance: Fine motor assessment using wearable motion capture technology offers a practical, noninvasive tool to aid early detection of cognitive decline.Next Steps: Future research should validate these findings in larger, longitudinal cohorts and explore interventions targeting fine motor skills to delay cognitive decline.

Source: Neuropsychology

DOI: 10.1037/neu0001074