Behavioral marker-based predictive modeling of functional status for older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: Study protocol.

Objective: This study describes a research protocol for a behavioral marker-based predictive model that examines the functional status of older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.

Methods: A total of 130 older adults aged ≥65 years with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment will be recruited from the Dementia Relief Centers or the Community Service Centers. Data on behavioral and psychosocial markers (e.g. physical activity, mobility, sleep/wake patterns, social interaction, and mild behavioral impairment) will be collected using passive wearable actigraphy, in-person questionnaires, and smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments. Two follow-up assessments will be performed at 12 and 24 months after baseline. Mixed-effect machine learning models: MErf, MEgbm, MEmod, and MEctree, and standard machine learning models without random effects [random forest, gradient boosting machine] will be employed in our analyses to predict functional status over time.

Results: The results of this study will be fundamental for developing tailored digital interventions that apply deep learning techniques to behavioral data to predict, identify, and aid in the management of functional decline in older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. These older adults are considered the optimal target population for preventive interventions and will benefit from such tailored strategies.

Conclusions: Our study will contribute to the development of self-care interventions that utilize behavioral data and machine learning techniques to provide automated analyses of the functional decline of older adults who are at risk for dementia.