Prevalence of minor neurocognitive disorder and sociodemographic, anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors in older adults.
Keywords:
Mild neurocognitive disorder, aging, Older adults, prevalence, risk factorsAbstract
Introduction and Objective: Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MNCD) is common among older adults and is characterized by mild cognitive impairment that may progress to dementia. Early detection is crucial to implement timely preventive interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MNCD and explore its association with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic factors in older adults from Antofagasta, Chile.
Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was conducted in a sample of 76 individuals aged 60 years and older, recruited from community centers. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to screen for MNCD, and sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric variables were collected using standardized protocols.
Results: The prevalence of MNCD was 80.3%. The most affected domains were memory, attention, and executive functions. A statistically significant association was found between advanced age (≥75 years) and MNCD (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02–1.10; p = 0.028). No significant associations were observed with educational level or marital status; however, a trend toward a protective effect of higher education was identified. Higher MNCD frequencies were observed in women, individuals without a partner, and those with obesity, hypertension, or prediabetes, although these associations were not statistically significant. Interestingly, a lower prevalence of MNCD was found in smokers and individuals with elevated triglyceride levels.
Conclusions: MNCD was highly prevalent and significantly associated with age. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive preventive strategies that include early detection, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and strengthening of social environments to preserve cognitive health in aging.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Margarita Fuentes Diaz, Marcia Pereira Álvarez, Jennyfer Muñoz Villalón, Alejandra Tapia Díaz
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