Question
Question Posted 08/14/26:
I am working with MRI and fMRI data from the ADNI dataset. I came across an FAQ stating that, in ADNI-1, the MCI category corresponds to late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI). However, I am confused about the MCI category in ADNI-GO and ADNI-2. Could you please clarify whether the MCI category in ADNI-GO and ADNI-2 corresponds to early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI), late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), or includes both? I would also appreciate it if you could provide an official ADNI document or supporting PDF that confirms this classification. Thank you.
I am working with MRI and fMRI data from the ADNI dataset. I came across an FAQ stating that, in ADNI-1, the MCI category corresponds to late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI). However, I am confused about the MCI category in ADNI-GO and ADNI-2. Could you please clarify whether the MCI category in ADNI-GO and ADNI-2 corresponds to early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI), late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), or includes both? I would also appreciate it if you could provide an official ADNI document or supporting PDF that confirms this classification. Thank you.
Response posted 08/14/26 by Adam Diaz:
The criteria for MCI in ADNI1 correspond to the LMCI criteria in ADNI2, and MCI criteria in ADNIGO correspond to the LMCI criteria in ADNI2. Operationally, the difference between the categories is performance on the Wechsler Logical Memory II subscale, with the LMCI cutoff corresponding to the one used in ADNI1, and the EMCI cutoff matching the one used in ADNIGO. The distinction was dropped in subsequent phases.
I'm unable to attach PDFs here, but sources for this information can be found in the procedures manuals for the 1, GO, and 2 phases, which are available to download on the IDA (Search & Download [on the top navigation bar] -> Study Files -> Study Info [on the left-hand navigation menu] -> Study Protocols and CRFs), on pages 21, 83, and 27 for 1, GO, and 2 respectively. Alternatively, the specific excerpts can be found in the 'Diagnostic Cohorts' section of the data user guide available here: https://adni.loni.usc.edu/help-faqs/adni-data-user-guide/
I'm unable to attach PDFs here, but sources for this information can be found in the procedures manuals for the 1, GO, and 2 phases, which are available to download on the IDA (Search & Download [on the top navigation bar] -> Study Files -> Study Info [on the left-hand navigation menu] -> Study Protocols and CRFs), on pages 21, 83, and 27 for 1, GO, and 2 respectively. Alternatively, the specific excerpts can be found in the 'Diagnostic Cohorts' section of the data user guide available here: https://adni.loni.usc.edu/help-faqs/adni-data-user-guide/
Response posted 08/18/26 by Piyali:
As you mentioned "The criteria for MCI in ADNI1 correspond to the LMCI criteria in ADNI2, and MCI criteria in ADNIGO correspond to the LMCI criteria in ADNI2. ..., with the LMCI cutoff corresponding to the one used in ADNI1, and the EMCI cutoff matching the one used in ADNIGO."
I think there is a little inconsistency or typing error here. Can you please confirm if the MCI from ADNIGO belong to EMCI or LMCI category precisely?
I think there is a little inconsistency or typing error here. Can you please confirm if the MCI from ADNIGO belong to EMCI or LMCI category precisely?
Response posted 08/18/26 by Adam Diaz:
Yes, apologies for the typo - the MCI criteria in ADNIGO correspond to the EMCI criteria in ADNI2. To be very specific, the MCI cohorts in all phases have the following inclusion criteria in common: (1) subjective memory complaint supported by informant and/or clinician, (2) MMSE score in the 24-30 range, (3) CDR global 0.5 with a minimum of 0.5 in the memory box, (4) clinician judgment that a diagnosis of dementia is inappropriate, and (5) scoring within a particular range on the delayed paragraph recall section of the Wechsler Logical Memory II subscale. The specific range is the criteria that varied between ADNI1 and ADNIGO, and is also the criteria that distinguishes the LMCI and EMCI cohorts in ADNI2. For example, an ADNI1 participant with 16 or more years of education would need to score an 8 or lower to meet the inclusion criteria for the MCI cohort, while in ADNIGO a participant with the same level of education would need to score in the 9-11 range. In ADNI2, the same participant would be categorized as LMCI with a score of 8 or lower (the ADNI1 criteria), and as EMCI with a score in the 9-11 range (the ADNIGO criteria). Please let me know if any further clarification would be helpful; all information here is drawn from the procedures manuals for the relevant phases.
