Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Mexican Older Adults: Data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS)

INTRODUCTIONWe estimated the prevalence and risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its subtypes in Mexican population using the cognitive aging ancillary study of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. METHODSUsing a robust norms approach and comprehensive neuropsychological criteria, we determined MCI in a sample of adult Mexicans (N=1,807;55-97years). Additionally, we determined prevalence rates using traditional criteria. RESULTSPrevalence of amnestic MCI was 5.9%. Other MCI subtypes ranged 4.3% to 7.7%. MCI with and without memory impairment was associated with older age and rurality. Depression, diabetes and low educational attainment were associated with MCI without memory impairment. Using traditional criteria, prevalence of MCI was lower (2.2% amnestic MCI, other subtypes ranged 1.3%-2.4%). DISCUSSIONOlder age, depression, low education, diabetes, and rurality were associated with increased risk of MCI among older adults in Mexico. Our findings suggest that the causes of cognitive impairment are likely multifactorial and may vary by MCI subtype. Research in ContextO_ST_ABSSystematic reviewC_ST_ABSWe reviewed the literature using Google Scholar and PubMed. Few studies have reported prevalence rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Mexican population. These studies have primarily relied on limited cognitive assessments, and diverse MCI criteria. Evaluating the prevalence of MCI with a robust neuropsychological approach can help understand the rates and risk factors associated with MCI across a large and representative sample of the aging Mexican population. InterpretationVarious sociodemographic and health factors such as older age, depression, low education, diabetes, and rurality were significant correlates of MCI and differed by MCI subtype. Future directionsLongitudinal studies will be needed to evaluate the diagnostic stability of MCI over time, and its association with incident dementia. Future work will evaluate the casual path of these sociodemographic and health factors on cognitive impairment to develop effective interventions.