[Variability of epidemiological measures in mild cognitive impairment and dementia].
Variability in occurrence estimates is one of the basic features of the epidemiology of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This review will cover two levels of variability that affect epidemiological research on dementia and MCI: the conceptual and the operational level. More specifically, it is highlighted how the lack of a precise definition of MCI leads to a greater variability in the occurrence estimates of this condition, when compared to dementia. Variability will decrease only when more precise criteria and aims of the concept "MCI" will be specified.
Fratiglioni
Laura
L
Aging Research Center, Division of Geriatric Epidemiology, Neurotec Department, Karolinska Institutet, Box 6401, Olivecronasväg 4, SE-113 82 Stockholm, Sweden. laura.fratiglioni@neurotec.ki.se
Caracciolo
Barbara
B
Palmer
Katie
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results