Risk factors for incident mild cognitive impairment--results from the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe)

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2010 Apr;121(4):260-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01481.x. Epub 2009 Oct 13.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide age- and gender-specific incidence rates of MCI among elderly general practitioner (GP) patients (75+ years) and to identify risk factors for incident MCI.

Method: Data were derived from the longitudinal German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe). Incidence was calculated according to the 'person-years-at-risk' method. Risk factors were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: During the 3-year follow-up period, 350 (15.0%) of the 2331 patients whose data were included in the calculation of incidence developed MCI [person-years (PY) = 6198.20]. The overall incidence of MCI was 56.5 (95% confidence interval = 50.7-62.7) per 1000 PY. Older age, vascular diseases, the apoE epsilon4 allele and subjective memory complaints were identified as significant risk factors for future MCI.

Conclusion: Mild cognitive impairment is frequent in older GP patients. Subjective memory complaints predict incident MCI. Especially vascular risk factors provide the opportunity of preventive approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alleles
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / genetics*
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / genetics
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control
  • Dementia / complications
  • Dementia / epidemiology*
  • Family Practice
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / complications
  • Memory Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Vascular Diseases / complications
  • Vascular Diseases / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4