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Mortality in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Longitudinal Study in Memory Clinics

Michael H Connors1,2, David Ames3,4, Karyn Boundy5

  • 1Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|July 30, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Predictors of mortality in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients include older age and declining cognitive and functional abilities. Longitudinal assessments over time offer valuable insights into survival risk for individuals with MCI.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit higher mortality rates compared to the general population.
  • Limited research exists on mortality predictors in MCI, with no studies investigating the impact of time-varying factors like cognitive and functional changes on survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key predictors of mortality in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Main Methods:

  • 185 patients with MCI were recruited from nine memory clinics across Australia.
  • Cognition, function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed over three years.
  • Mortality data were collected from state registries eight years post-baseline.

Main Results:

  • Mortality was observed in 55 (30%) of the participants within the study period.
  • Predictors of mortality included older age, lower baseline cognitive and functional abilities, and a significant decline in functional ability over six months.

Conclusions:

  • Readily available clinical data can effectively predict mortality risk in MCI patients.
  • Longitudinal monitoring of cognitive and functional changes provides crucial additional information for risk assessment in MCI.
Keywords:
Lifespanlongitudinal studiesmild cognitive impairmentmortalityrisk factorssurvival

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