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Updated: May 11, 2026

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
12:18

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

Published on: January 11, 2020

Risk factors for mild cognitive impairment among Mexican Americans

Sid E O'Bryant1, Leigh Johnson, Joan Reisch

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; Institute for Aging & Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|May 7, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) differ by ethnicity. Advancing age is the primary risk factor for MCI in Mexican Americans, unlike in non-Hispanic populations. Further research is needed for this group.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology and Cognitive Aging Research
  • Neuroscience and Alzheimer's Disease Studies
  • Health Disparities and Minority Health Research

Background:

  • Extensive research exists on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk factors, predominantly in non-Hispanic populations.
  • Limited studies have investigated MCI risk specifically within the Mexican American demographic.
  • Understanding ethnic variations in MCI risk is crucial for targeted interventions and health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Mexican Americans.
  • To compare MCI risk factors between Mexican American and non-Hispanic cohorts.
  • To identify unique predictors of cognitive aging in the Mexican American population.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 1628 participants across two cognitive aging studies: Project FRONTIER and TARCC.
  • Inclusion of both non-Hispanic (n=1002) and Mexican American (n=626) participants.
  • Statistical examination of demographic, genetic (Apolipoprotein E ε4 status), and clinical factors associated with MCI diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Across the full cohort, age, education, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status, and gender were significant predictors of MCI.
  • Among Mexican Americans, only advancing age emerged as a consistent significant risk factor for MCI.
  • Established MCI risk factors in non-Hispanic populations showed limited predictive value in the Mexican American cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Traditional MCI risk factors may not be universally applicable across diverse ethnic groups.
  • Cognitive aging in Mexican Americans appears influenced by factors distinct from those in non-Hispanic populations.
  • Further research is imperative to understand and address the unique determinants of cognitive decline in underserved Mexican American communities.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseCognitionCross-culturalEthnicityMexican AmericanMild cognitive impairmentRisk factors

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