Mild cognitive impairment is known to be a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or other mental function intense enough to be noticeable and show up on tests but not serious enough to hinder with daily life. A latest Mayo Clinic analysis reveals that the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment was apparently 1.5 times greater in men as compared to women.
The analysis also highlighted an incidence rate of 16 percent in the population-based study of people who were aged between 70 and 89 years and who were not affected with dementia. These individuals lived in Olmsted Country, Minn.
“The finding that the frequency of mild cognitive impairment is greater in men was unexpected, since the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease is actually greater in women. It warrants further study,” commented Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Experts share that 25 percent or more of the population who were 70 years and older may have dementia or are at greater risk of developing dementia in the future. According to the scientists, considering the 16 percent occurrence of mild cognitive impairment among individuals without dementia and the 10-11 percent of people who already suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease added contribute to this occurrence.
Scientists observe that these statistics are astounding and the effect on the health care economy, and individuals and their families may be remarkable. The need for initial diagnosis and therapeutic intervention may be significant.
These findings will be published in the September issue of Neurology.