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Mild Behavioral Impairment: A Population-Based Study
Maria Vassilaki1, Jeremy A Syrjanen1, Janina Krell-Roesch1,2
1Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Objective:
The authors conducted a population-based investigation of mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging setting. MBI refers to new onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) among adults ages ≥50 that is not due to a psychiatric disorder and that may be a precursor of cognitive decline or dementia.
Methods:
The Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study of participants ≥50 years without dementia to assess for NPS. Linear and logistic regression models were estimated and adjusted for age, sex, and education.
Results:
The study sample comprised 2,713 participants (mean±SD age=74.6±9.5 years, 47% women). Overall, 11% of the participants had MBI at the first follow-up; 2,498 were cognitively unimpaired (10% of whom had MBI), and 215 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI; 29% of whom had MBI). Having MBI was associated with significantly higher odds of MCI (OR=3.47, 95% CI=2.46-4.84) and lower cognitive scores. Severe MBI was associated with even higher MCI odds (OR=5.15, 95% CI=2.73-9.37) and lower cognitive scores.
Conclusions:
In this study of older adults, participants with MCI were almost three times more likely than cognitively unimpaired participants to have MBI. Having MBI was associated with increased odds of having MCI and lower cognitive scores.
Insights
Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is linked to a higher likelihood of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. This study found MBI significantly increases the odds of MCI and lower cognitive scores in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) involves new neuropsychiatric symptoms in adults over 50, not caused by psychiatric disorders.
- MBI may precede cognitive decline or dementia, making it a critical area of study in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and association of MBI with cognitive status in older adults.
- To determine if MBI predicts mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study using the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging cohort.
- Cross-sectional assessment of 2,713 participants (≥50 years) using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis with linear and logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, and education.
Main Results:
- 11% of participants exhibited MBI; 29% of those with MCI had MBI, compared to 10% of cognitively unimpaired individuals.
- MBI was significantly associated with higher odds of MCI (OR=3.47) and lower cognitive scores.
- Severe MBI showed even stronger associations with MCI (OR=5.15) and cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Older adults with MCI are nearly three times more likely to have MBI than cognitively unimpaired individuals.
- MBI is a significant indicator associated with increased odds of MCI and diminished cognitive performance.
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