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Updated: Jul 11, 2025

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Evidence from a meta-analysis and systematic review reveals the global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment
Wen-Xin Song1, Wei-Wei Wu1, Yuan-Yuan Zhao1
1The First Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Objective:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a preclinical and transitional stage between healthy ageing and dementia. The purpose of our study was to investigate the recent pooled global prevalence of MCI.
Methods:
This meta-analysis was in line with the recommendations of Cochrane's Handbook and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. We conducted a comprehensive search using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, WFD, VIP, and CBM from their inception to March 1, 2023. Quality assessment was guided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodology checklist. The pooled global prevalence of MCI was synthesized using meta-analysis via random effect model. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine considered factors potentially associated with MCI prevalence.
Results:
We identified 233 studies involving 676,974 individuals aged above 50 years. All the studies rated as moderated-to-high quality. The overall prevalence of MCI was 19.7% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 18.3-21.1%]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the global prevalence of MCI increased over time, with a significant rise [32.1% (95% CI: 22.6-41.6%)] after 2019. Additionally, MCI prevalence in hospitals [34.0% (95% CI: 22.2-45.7%)] was higher than in nursing homes [22.6% (95% CI: 15.5-29.8%)] and communities [17.9% (95% CI: 16.6-19.2%)], particularly after the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Conclusion:
The global prevalence of MCI was 19.7% and mainly correlated with beginning year of survey and sample source. The MCI prevalence increased largely in hospitals after 2019 may be related to the outbreak of COVID-19. Further attention to MCI is necessary in the future to inform allocation of health resources for at-risk populations.
Insights
The global prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is 19.7%. MCI rates significantly increased after 2019, particularly in hospitals, possibly due to COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Neuroscience and Epidemiology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a critical transitional phase between normal aging and dementia, necessitating accurate prevalence data.
- Understanding the global epidemiology of MCI is vital for developing targeted interventions and healthcare strategies.
Approach:
- A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, by searching multiple databases up to March 2023.
- Data from 233 studies encompassing 676,974 individuals over 50 years old were analyzed using a random-effects model.
- Quality assessment utilized the AHRQ methodology checklist, ensuring the reliability of the pooled prevalence estimates.
Key Points:
- The pooled global prevalence of MCI among individuals over 50 years old was found to be 19.7%.
- A significant increase in MCI prevalence was observed post-2019, with rates reaching 32.1%.
- MCI prevalence was notably higher in hospital settings (34.0%) compared to nursing homes (22.6%) and communities (17.9%), especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
- The global prevalence of MCI is 19.7%, influenced by survey year and sample source.
- The surge in MCI prevalence post-2019, particularly in hospitals, is potentially linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increased attention and resource allocation are crucial for populations at risk of MCI.
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