BRIDGE: A Novel Integrated Motor–Cognitive Screening Protocol for Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment — A Pilot Feasibility Study

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents a transitional clinical state between normal aging and dementia, characterized by measurable cognitive decline without significant functional impairment. Increasing evidence suggests that motor performance—particularly under dual-task conditions—reflects early executive dysfunction and may serve as a sensitive biomarker of incipient neurodegeneration. Therefore, exploring novel motor and cognitive dual-task approaches, including those involving both upper and lower limb functions, may offer enhanced diagnostic precision for early-stage cognitive decline compared to traditional screening methods Objective : To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary discriminative performance of the BRIDGE protocol, an integrated motor–cognitive screening tool. This pilot study aims to address the challenges in early MCI detection, which is often misdiagnosed in primary care settings due to multidimensional assessment barriers. Methods : Prospective pilot feasibility study integrating cognitive (MoCA), motor (gait speed), and dual-task paradigms (TUG-DT, TTHP-DT). Outcomes include feasibility metrics and preliminary discriminative capacity. Conclusion: The BRIDGE protocol may provide a scalable and cost-effective screening strategy and function as a gatekeeping tool for advanced diagnostics. This approach could facilitate earlier identification of individuals at risk for cognitive decline, thereby enabling timely intervention and management strategies.