Risk of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

the DePEC team, Andrea M. McGrattan*, Eduwin Pakpahan, Mario Siervo, Devi Mohan, Daniel D. Reidpath, Matthew Prina, Pascale Allotey, Yueping Zhu, Chen Shulin, Jennifer Yates, Stella‐Maria Paddick, Louise Robinson, Blossom C. M. Stephan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)
38 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: With no treatment for dementia, there is a need to identify high risk cases to focus preventive strategies, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) where the burden of dementia is greatest. We evaluated the risk of conversion from mild cognitive ompairment (MCI) to dementia in LMICs. Methods: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched from inception until June 30, 2020. The search was restricted to observational studies, conducted in population‐based samples, with at least 1 year follow‐up. There was no restriction on the definition of MCI used as long as it was clearly defined. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019130958. Results: Ten thousand six hundred forty‐seven articles were screened; n = 11 retained. Of the 11 studies, most were conducted in China (n = 7 studies), with only two studies from countries classified as low income. A qualitative analysis of n = 11 studies showed that similar to high‐income countries the conversion rate to dementia from MCI was variable (range 6 . $.$ 0%–44 . $.$ 8%; average follow‐up 3 . $.$ 7 years [standard deviation = 1 . $.$ 2]). A meta‐analysis of studies using Petersen criteria (n = 6 studies), found a pooled conversion rate to Alzheimer's disease (AD) of 23 . $.$ 8% (95% confidence interval = 15 . $.$ 4%–33.4%); approximately one in four people with MCI were at risk of AD in LMICs (over 3 . $.$ 0–5 . $.$ 8 years follow‐up). Risk factors for conversion from MCI to dementia included demographic (e.g., age) and health (e.g., cardio‐metabolic disease) variables. Conclusions: MCI is associated with high, but variable, conversion to dementia in LMICs and may be influenced by demographic and health factors. There is a notable absence of data from low‐income settings and countries outside of China. This highlights the urgent need for research investment into aging and dementia in LMIC settings. Being able to identify those individuals with cognitive impairment who are at highest risk of dementia in LMICs is necessary for the development of risk reduction strategies that are contextualized to these unique settings.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12267
Number of pages13
JournalAlzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions
Volume8
Issue number1
Early online date13 Mar 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • dementia
  • low‐ and middle‐income countries
  • mild cognitive impairment
  • risk factors

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