Aim of the present review study was to describe and compare the neurocognitive features of MCI which could predict its progression to DLB vs AD.

Progression of MCI to AD or DLB is a relatively recent field of study with emphasis on the clinical or neuropsychological features of MCI which could potentially predict its progression to specific types of dementia.

A literature review in the Pubmed database has been made, after the year 2005, using the key- words: neuropsychological assessment; MCI; AD; DLB; progression to dementia. Seventeen relevant articles have been found.

Data from most studies supports that, in MCI, impairment in executive, attentional and visuospatial functions, as well as letter fluency and fluctuating concentration are mainly related to progression to DLB. In contrast, prominent episodic and recognition memory deficits are mostly found in MCI which progresses in AD. Furthermore, non-amnestic MCI has been related most often to progression in DLB, whereas the amnestic type to AD, although memory loss may not necessarily predict the development of AD. Nevertheless, fewer studies suggest that MCI-DLB is related to cognitive profile similar to that of MCI-AD, while cognitive scoring alone does not accurately predict MCI-DLB vs MCI-AD. Interestingly, quantitative electroencephalogram has been found to help in predicting the progression of MCI to DLB, while preservation of hippocampal volume is associated with increased risk of DLB vs AD, especially in non-amnestic MCI. Moreover, specific patterns on neuroimaging MCI may predict progression to AD in contrast to DLB.

Predicting the progression of MCI to AD or DLB based on neuropsychological profiles is challenging and useful for early therapeutic interventions. More studies are needed, since there are some conflicting findings and, at present, the combination of clinical symptoms with neurocognitive assessment and neuroimaging is the ideal method for the prediction of MCI progression to various types of dementia.