Mild cognitive dysfunction: an epidemiological perspective with an emphasis on African Americans.
This review begins with a historical accounting of the evolution of the concept of mild cognitive dysfunction, including nomenclature and criteria from Kral to Petersen. A critical analysis of the main elements relating to assessment and diagnosis of mild cognitive dysfunction is provided. Methodological limitations in design, measurement, and characterization, especially as they relate to older African Americans, are identified. Data from a 15-year longitudinal study of community-dwelling African Americans in Indianapolis, Indiana, indicate a 23% prevalence of all-cause mild cognitive dysfunction, with approximately 25% progressing to dementia in 2 years and another 25% reverting to normal cognition in the same interval. Factors contributing to this longitudinal variability in outcomes are reviewed, including the role of medical health factors. The review closes with suggestions for next steps in the epidemiological research of mild cognitive impairment.
Unverzagt
Frederick W
FW
Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. funverza@iupui.edu
Sujuan Gao
Lane
Kathleen A
KA
Callahan
Christopher
C
Ogunniyi
Adesola
A
Baiyewu
Olusegun
O
Gureje
Oye
O
Hall
Kathleen S
KS
Hendrie
Hugh C
HC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007196:Indiana; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D001741:Black or African American