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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Prevalence and predictors of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome in a community-dwelling older Scottish population: A
Donncha S Mullin1,2,3,4, Lucy E Stirland1,2,3,4, Miles Welstead5
1Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Objectives:
Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) is a gait-based predementia syndrome that is easy to measure and prognostic of dementia and falls. We aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for MCR, and assess its overlap with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Prefrailty, and Frailty, in a cohort of older Scottish adults without dementia.
Methods:
In this longitudinal prospective study, we classified 690 participants (mean [SD] age 76.3 [0.8] years; wave 3) of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936) into non-MCR or MCR groups. We examined their baseline (age 69.5 [0.8] years; wave 1) risk factors for MCR at waves 3, 4, and 5 (6, 9, and 12 years later respectively).
Results:
MCR prevalence rate ranged from 5.3% to 5.7% across the three waves. The presence of MCR was associated with older baseline age (6 and 9 years later), lower occupational socioeconomic status (6 years later), and worse scores in a range of tests of executive function (6, 9 and 12 years later). Approximately 46% of the MCR group also had Mild Cognitive Impairment, and almost everyone in the MCR group had either Prefrailty or Frailty.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of MCR in this Scottish cohort is lower than the pooled global average, possibly reflecting the general good health of the LBC cohort. However, it is higher than the prevalence in two neighbouring countries' cohorts, which may reflect the younger average ages of those cohorts. Future LBC1936 research should assess the risk factors associated with MCR to validate previous findings and analyse novel predictive factors, particularly socioeconomic status.
Insights
Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR), a gait-based predementia syndrome, was studied in older Scottish adults. MCR prevalence was 5.3-5.7%, linked to older age, lower socioeconomic status, and poorer executive function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) is a gait-based syndrome predicting dementia and falls.
- Understanding MCR prevalence and risk factors in diverse populations is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors of MCR in older Scottish adults.
- To assess the overlap of MCR with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Prefrailty, and Frailty.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal prospective study of 690 participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936).
- Participants were classified as non-MCR or MCR.
- Baseline risk factors (at age 69.5) were examined for MCR development over 12 years.
Main Results:
- MCR prevalence ranged from 5.3% to 5.7% across three waves.
- MCR was associated with older baseline age, lower socioeconomic status, and worse executive function.
- 46% of the MCR group also had MCI; nearly all had Prefrailty or Frailty.
Conclusions:
- MCR prevalence in this Scottish cohort was lower than global averages but higher than some neighboring countries.
- Older age, lower socioeconomic status, and executive dysfunction are key risk factors for MCR.
- MCR significantly overlaps with MCI and physical frailty, highlighting its clinical importance.
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