Neuropsychiatric symptoms in the community-based patients with mild cognitive impairment and the influence of demographic factors.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the pattern of neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI patients in the Thai population and the influence of demographic factors on the symptoms.


METHODS
One hundred and seven participants aged 50 and over diagnosed with MCI (n = 77) and normal (n = 30) were recruited from a community-based unit. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was used to assess behavioral disturbances in the subjects.


RESULTS
Compared to normal subjects, MCI patients had higher incidence of anxiety (53% vs 27%, p = 0.013), dysphoria (46% vs 17%, p = 0.006), and sleep problem (45% vs 23%, p = 0.035). Although marginally significant, apathy was more common in MCI patients (12% vs 0%, p = 0.059). The mean total NPI score and NPI distress score were higher in the MCI group (6.8 vs 1.9, p < 0.0005 and 2.9 vs 0.6, p = 0.01, respectively). The MCI patients aged over 65 had higher incidence of hallucinations (18.9% vs 0%, p = 0.018). Males and patients of poor financial status had higher percentage of dysphoria compared to female and patients with better financial status (65% vs 38.5%, p = 0.041 and 75% vs 37.9%, p = 0.008, respectively). Patients with poor financial status also had higher percentage of anxiety (81.3% vs 44.5%, p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
MCI is associated with significant neuropsychiatric symptoms which caused caregiver distress. In this study, the pattern of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a Thai MCI population was similar to those reported in western countries. Age, sex, educational level and financial status influenced the neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI patients.
Muangpaisan
W
W
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. siwmp@mahidol.ac.th
Intalapaporn
S
S
Assantachai
P
P
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology