The Influence of Chronic Diseases on Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome Development

Abstract

Introduction. Motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) identified during tests and accompanied by slow gait but without dementia or autonomy decline. The concept of MCR is relatively new, and its natural course has not been sufficiently studied to date.Objective. To estimate the prevalence of MCR, factors contributing to the risk of its development and the impact on mortality.Methods. A prospective cohort Crystal study, random sample of individuals aged 65 and older. The total follow-up period was 9 years. Evaluation covered: gait speed, the Mini-Mental State Examination, chronic disease, blood pressure, lab tests.Results. To diagnose the motor cognitive risk syndrome, the value of the gait speed was used, corresponding to the 2nd and 3rd quartiles — from 0.75 to 0.4 m/s. MCR was diagnosed in 16.7%. Type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased incidence of MCR [OR (95% CI) 7.275 (1.520–34.829)]. With an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) for every 30 mm Hg. the probability of detecting motoric cognitive risk syndrome increases by 6 times [OR (95% CI) 5.796 (1.388–24.200)]. After adjusting for sex, age, presence of type 2 diabetes, and blood pressure level, the addition of each component of the motoric cognitive syndrome increases the risk of all-cause death over 9 years of follow-up by 35% [HR (95% CI) 1.348 (1.001–1.814)].Conclusion. The main chronic diseases associated with the development of MCR were type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension. MCR is associated with a higher risk of mortality in older age, even with a slight decrease in gait speed. Gait speed within the 2nd and 3rd quarter may be a component of motoric cognitive risk syndrome.