Investigating the Prevalence and Determinants of Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly Population at Primary Care Facilities

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and determine profile of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults attended at the first level of care and the possible factors associated with MCI.

Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study.

Methodology: The study was conducted with Mexican patients attending the outpatient consultation of the Gerontology Speciality at the Family Medicine Clinic “División del Norte” (an Ambulatory Care Medical Unit), in Mexico City. Data was collected through a protective design using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and a structured survey on sociodemographic factors. A descriptive statistical analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed.

Results: The median age was 72 years old (IQR=66-78 years). The youngest participant was 60 years old and the oldest was 93 years old (range=33 years). The elderly population with MCI are female, septuagenarian, with a basic level of education. The prevalence of MCI was 28%, and 18% for dementia. The factors that increase the risk of MCI are: age (OR=1.072, 95% CI 1.034-1.111), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=13.709, 95%CI 1.267-148.294), peptic ulcer disease (OR=5.92, 95%CI 1.009-34.719), glaucoma (OR=4.048, 95%CI 1.051-15.596), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR=5.616, 95%CI 1.024-30.802), and asthma (OR=12.323, 95%CI 1.128-134.578). The high educational level was associated as a protective factor (OR=0.336, 95%CI 0.189-0.596).

Conclusion: Prevention programmes are necessary to avoid MCI, along with interventions to improve patients' quality of life, and the promotion of educational and engaging activities to support cognitive health in elderly people.