Chinese researchers have investigated the global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the general population at a specific point in time. In their review, they analyzed data from 66 studies involving more than 242,000 participants.
Accordingly, the prevalence, meaning the frequency of MCI in the total population at a specific point in time, was 15.56 percent worldwide. Adults over 50 years of age who do not live in residential facilities were included. The average age ranged from 62.1 to 86.34 years.
The study published in September 2022 found that the prevalence of MCI increased with age, from just under 11 percent in the 50- to 59-year-old age group to about 21 percent in those over 80. Conversely, the prevalence rate decreased with increasing educational attainment. Among individuals with less than six years of education, it was 19.75 percent, compared to 11.33 percent for those with more than six years of education.
East Asia most affected
In addition to education level, the authors also considered other sociodemographic factors, such as geographic region. Accordingly, people in East Asia and the Pacific region are most frequently affected by MCI, while those in Sub-Saharan Africa are least affected. „The different prevalence rates of MCI in the various regions can be partly explained by differences in socioeconomic status,“ write the researchers.
In the study, researchers pointed out that the link between gender and MCI prevalence is controversial. However, the data suggests that the prevalence of MCI is lower in men than in women.
The research findings support the authors' call for more resources for risk groups and for the development of appropriate prevention and treatment measures.
If you want to know whether a relative's memory performance has changed, we recommend our digiDEM Bavaria online questionnaire.
Here's the „Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly“ (IQCODE).
Here is the link to the study:
