Mild Cognitive Impairment: What Are the Odds for Later Dementia?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has affected an estimated 16% to 20% of individuals over age 60, and these patients may be at risk for developing full-blown Alzheimer disease (AD) or other dementias. Reported conversion rates from MCI to dementia vary considerably, partly related to different assessment methods. This community-based Spanish study prospectively followed adults aged ≤55; 3641 were free of dementia and MCI (54% women), and 416 had MCI (64% women) and were significantly older and less educated.

MCI was diagnosed according to DSM-5 (DSM5-MCI; n=139; the criteria exclude psychotic or severely depressed patients) or Petersen's criteria (P-MCI; n=303; no exclusions). Patients were assessed comprehensively for conversion to dementia …