Identification of Mild Cognitive Impairments in Elderly Indian Subjects

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common condition in the elderly which is characterized by deterioration of memory, attention, and cognitive function that is beyond what is expected based on age and educational level. MCI does not interfere significantly with individuals’ daily activities. It can act as a transitional level of evolving dementia with a range of conversion of 10%–15% per year. Thus, an early detection is crucial to protect older people against MCI and developing dementia. A cross-sectional study with 75 participants of geriatric population to study the effect of advancing age on cognitive function in geriatric subjects by a memory questionnaire and MIDLANDS application. The p value of more than 0.5 was seen in attention (0.1>0.05), language comprehension (0.406>0.05), and agnosia (0.7>0.05) domains whereas a significance was seen in domains of memory(0.001<0.05), praxis (0.085<0.05) and visuospatial tasks(0.001<0.05). Thus amongst the three age groups, a notable decrease in memory as well as the other domains like praxis, visuospatial tasks and executive functions was seen. The young old and mid old were comparatively affected at a milder rate compared to the old geriatric population. Whereas in domains like language and attention no considerable decrease was noticed. It was also seen that co-morbid factors do a play a significant role in decrease of cognition with increase in age. Keywords Mild cognitive impairment, Geriatric population, Midlands application, Memory questionnaire, Dementia