Prevalence and predictors of diagnosed mild cognitive impairment among Medicare beneficiaries

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a known risk factor for dementia and presents an opportunity for early engagement in preventative strategies, treatment, and advanced planning. However, little is known about MCI diagnosis rates among Medicare beneficiaries.

Using data from the 2014 to 2022 rounds of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) linked with Medicare claims data, we identified the proportion of beneficiaries with symptoms of MCI, as defined by an NHATS algorithm, who received a diagnosis according to International Classification of Diseases codes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of diagnosed MCI.

Of beneficiaries identified by the NHATS algorithm, 10.6% had a recorded diagnosis of MCI. Odds of diagnosis were higher among women and beneficiaries with a bachelor's degree or higher, and lower among beneficiaries who attended doctor visits alone.

Targeted initiatives are needed to increase MCI diagnosis rates, particularly in the era of novel diagnostic tests and therapies.

We linked National Health and Aging Trends Study data to Medicare claims to identify the prevalence of diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI).We identified 10.6% of Medicare beneficiaries with symptoms of MCI who have a diagnosis.Women and people with a bachelor's degree were more likely to have an MCI diagnosis.People who visited the doctor alone were less likely to have an MCI diagnosis.