Mild behavioral impairment and risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study of 358 patients

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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

Fernando E Taragano1, Ricardo F Allegri, Hugo Krupitzki

  • 1University Institute Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research, School of Medicine & Research Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ftaragano@cemic.edu.ar

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|March 28, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) may indicate a higher dementia risk than mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MBI, especially without cognitive symptoms, is a significant prodrome for dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Geriatrics
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a known transitional stage to dementia.
  • Behavioral symptoms in MCI correlate with increased dementia risk.
  • The dementia risk associated with mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in non-MCI patients is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Compare dementia risk in patients with MCI versus MBI.
  • Investigate MBI as a potential prodrome for dementia.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 358 elderly patients (aged >= 65) were recruited between 2001-2006.
  • Patients were classified as having MCI (n=239) or MBI (n=119).
  • Follow-up was conducted for up to 5 years to track dementia conversion.

Main Results:

  • Over 70% of MBI patients developed dementia, compared to 34% of MCI patients (p=.011).
  • MBI patients without cognitive symptoms showed a significantly higher dementia risk (p<.001).
  • MBI patients were more prone to developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) than Alzheimer's type dementia (DAT).

Conclusions:

  • MBI represents a transitional state to dementia, similar to MCI.
  • MBI, particularly in individuals without cognitive symptoms, may pose a greater dementia risk than MCI.
  • MBI is strongly associated with frontotemporal dementia, suggesting its role as an FTD prodrome.

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