Prevalence and healthy life expectancy among elderly with mild cognitive impairment in Chinese rural areas

Abstract

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as an early manifestation of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, not only diminishes quality of life for the elderly but also imposes a substantial disease burden on society.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of MCI among rural elderly, and to utilize life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE) as metrics to assess quality of life.

Methods

This study involved 14,549 participants aged 60 years and older from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. LE and HLE were calculated using the Sullivan method. A meta-analysis, which included 16 published studies, was conducted to validate the findings from the cross-sectional survey.

Results

The crude and age-standardized prevalence of MCI were 32.96% and 34.14%, respectively. The prevalence of MCI was increased with age and was significantly higher among women than men. The results of the meta-analysis support the cross-sectional findings. Older age, being women, living alone, low income, low-level physical activity, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, night sleep duration ≥8 h, hypertension, dyslipidemia, T2DM, cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety, and underweight are associated with an increased risk of MCI. The HLE/LE ratio declined with increasing age, and the HLE/LE ratio of women in each age group is lower than men.

Conclusions

MCI is highly prevalent with multiple influencing factors. The HLE/LE ratio of elderly could increase from the reduction of MCI. Future research should focus on targeted screening and intervention approaches for MCI.