Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and incident dementia: results from a population-based prospective and observational

O Beauchet1,2,3,4, H Sekhon1,3,5, C P Launay6

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Abstract

Insights

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) predicts dementia. Slow gait speed, a key MCR component, is linked to increased dementia risk, including Alzheimer's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Gerontology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) represents a pre-dementia stage.
  • MCR is characterized by subjective cognitive complaints and impaired motor function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare characteristics of individuals with MCR using different motor components (gait speed, sit-to-stand time).
  • To assess the association of MCR and its components with incident dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational cohort study of 651 participants from the EPIDOS study.
  • MCR defined by subjective cognitive complaints plus slow gait speed and/or increased five-times-sit-to-stand (FTSS) time.
  • 7-year follow-up for dementia diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • MCR prevalence was 7% (exclusive motor criterion) and 20.9% (pooled subgroups).
  • MCR positively associated with all incident dementia types.
  • Slow gait speed MCR subgroup showed significant association with Alzheimer's disease (OR > 2.18).
  • No significant association found for MCR defined by increased FTSS time.

Conclusions:

  • MCR is confirmed as a predictor of incident dementia.
  • Slow gait speed is identified as the most appropriate motor criterion for dementia risk detection.

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