Advancements in dementia research, diagnostics, and care in Latin America: Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International conference satellite symposium in Mexico City.

INTRODUCTION: While Latin America (LatAm) is facing an increasing burden of dementia due to the rapid aging of the population, it remains underrepresented in dementia research, diagnostics, and care. METHODS: In 2023, the Alzheimer's Association hosted its eighth satellite symposium in Mexico, highlighting emerging dementia research, priorities, and challenges within LatAm. RESULTS: Significant initiatives in the region, including intracountry support, showcased their efforts in fostering national and international collaborations; genetic studies unveiled the unique genetic admixture in LatAm; researchers conducting emerging clinical trials discussed ongoing culturally specific interventions; and the urgent need to harmonize practices and studies, improve diagnosis and care, and use affordable biomarkers in the region was highlighted. DISCUSSION: The myriad of topics discussed at the 2023 AAIC satellite symposium highlighted the growing research efforts in LatAm, providing valuable insights into dementia biology, genetics, epidemiology, treatment, and care.

The Mex-Cog cognitive assessment battery: discriminant analysis of the cognitive performance profile in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cognitive profile of a clinical sample using the Mex-Cog cognitive battery and establish which cognitive measures and domains contribute most to group separation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 145 older adults previously diagnosed with dementia (n= 47), mild cognitive impairment MCI (n= 47), or as cognitively normal (n= 51) were assessed with the Mex-Cog cognitive battery. Six linear discriminant analyses (LDA) were estimated to compare dementia vs. cognitively normal, MCI vs. cognitively normal, and MCI vs. dementia, using ten individual measures and six cognitive domains. We used a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure to evaluate the predictive capacity of LDA models. RESULTS: Discriminant functions using individual measures and domains distinguished correctly 100% of dementia and cognitively normal groups showing a memory and executive function profile. The predictive group membership for MCI versus cognitively normal varied between 82 and 85%, with a cognitive profile associated with attention-executive function followed by memory. Group separation between MCI and dementia was between 80 and 87%, characterized by orientation, memory, and visuospatial abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The Mex-Cog cognitive battery is useful for identifying cognitive impairment in older adults.

Factors associated with functional decline in COVID-19 elderly survivors hospitalized in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: The information on functional decline after hospitalization for COVID-19 is limited in older adults (OAs). OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of inflammation (ferritin) and coagulation markers (D-dimer) and clinical factors with the functional status of OAs who suffered from COVID-19 six months after hospital discharge in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ambispective cohort study of 158 patients older than 65 years hospitalized for moderate-severe COVID-19 with complete electronic records that would allow to collect information and to contact them six months after discharge. Functional impairment was defined as a decrease ≥ 10 points on the Barthel index. Using logistic regression analysis, the risk of association of biochemical and clinical factors with functional deterioration during follow-up was determined. RESULTS: 46.2% of participants exhibited functional decline. Associated factors included age ≥ 73 years (OR = 2.53), chronic kidney disease (OR = 4.57), an ABC-Goals score ≥ 8 (OR = 2.4), ferritin ≥ 605 ng/mL (OR = 3.94) and D-dimer ≥ 930 ng/mL (OR = 17.56). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection did not only represent a disease with a high risk of mortality during the acute phase, but is also associated with a high risk of functional impairment after hospital discharge.

ANTECEDENTES: La información acerca del deterioro funcional después de una hospitalización por COVID-19 es limitada en personas mayores (PM). OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre marcadores de inflamación (ferritina), coagulación (dímero D), factores clínicos y el estado funcional de PM que padecieron COVID-19 a seis meses del alta hospitalaria en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte ambispectiva de 158 pacientes mayores de 65 años hospitalizados por COVID-19 moderado-grave con expediente electrónico completo que permitiera recolectar información y contactarlos a los seis meses del alta. Se definió deterioro funcional como disminución ≥ 10 puntos del índice de Barthel. Mediante regresión logística se determinó el riesgo de asociación entre factores bioquímicos y clínicos y deterioro funcional en el tiempo de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: 46.2 % de los participantes presentó pérdida funcional. Los factores asociados fueron edad ≥ 73 años (RM = 2.53), enfermedad renal crónica (RM = 4.57), puntuación ABC-Goals ≥ 8 (RM = 2.4), ferritina ≥ 605 ng/mL (RM = 3.94) y dímero-D ≥ 930 ng/mL FEU (RM = 17.56). CONCLUSIÓN: La infección por COVID-19 no solo representa una enfermedad con alto riesgo de mortalidad durante la fase aguda, sino que también se asocia a un alto riesgo de deterioro funcional posterior al egreso hospitalario.

Association between vitamin B12 levels and cognitive impairment in older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Whether vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with cognitive impairment remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between vitamin B12 serum levels and cognitive performance. METHODS: Two-hundred and forty-one adults aged ≥ 60 years who had serum vitamin B12 serum levels measurement were included. Physical and cognitive evaluation was carried out, and three groups were formed: normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Vitamin B12 levels were classified as sufficiency (> 400 pg/mL), subclinical deficiency (201-400 pg/mL), and absolute deficiency (≤ 200 pg/mL). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cognitive function and vitamin B12 levels after controlling for confounding variables. RESULTS: Mean age was 81.4 ± 8.0 years; 68% were females; 17.8 % and 39.8% had absolute and subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency, respectively; 80 individuals (33%) met the criteria for MCI, and 70 (29%), for dementia. Those with MCI and dementia had lower vitamin B12 levels in comparison with those with NC after adjusting for age, gender and educational level (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant association was observed between global cognitive performance and levels of vitamin B12.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Aún es controversial si la deficiencia de vitamina B12 se asocia a alteraciones cognitivas. OBJETIVO: Conocer la asociación entre los niveles séricos de vitamina B12 y el desempeño cognitivo. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 241 personas ≥ 60 años con medición de niveles séricos de vitamina B12. Se realizó evaluación física y cognitiva y se formaron tres grupos: cognición normal (CN), deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) y demencia. Los niveles de vitamina B12 se clasificaron en suficiencia (> 400 pg/mL), deficiencia subclínica (201-400 pg/mL) y deficiencia absoluta (≤ 200 pg/mL). Se realizó análisis de regresión lineal multivariado para evaluar la asociación entre función cognitiva y niveles de vitamina B12 después de controlar las variables confusoras. RESULTADOS: La media de edad fue 81.4 ± 8.0 años; 68 % fue del sexo femenino; 17.8 y 39.8 % presentaron deficiencia absoluta y subclínica de vitamina B12; 80 individuos (33 %) cumplieron los criterios de DCL y 70 (29 %), de demencia. Después de ajustar por edad, sexo y escolaridad, los sujetos con DCL y demencia tuvieron niveles más bajos de vitamina B12 comparados con aquellos con CN (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONES: Se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el desempeño cognitivo global y los niveles bajos de vitamina B12.

World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative.

BACKGROUND: falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects on functional independence and quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health related costs. Current guidelines are inconsistent, with no up-to-date, globally applicable ones present. OBJECTIVES: to create a set of evidence- and expert consensus-based falls prevention and management recommendations applicable to older adults for use by healthcare and other professionals that consider: (i) a person-centred approach that includes the perspectives of older adults with lived experience, caregivers and other stakeholders; (ii) gaps in previous guidelines; (iii) recent developments in e-health and (iv) implementation across locations with limited access to resources such as low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: a steering committee and a worldwide multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders, including older adults, were assembled. Geriatrics and gerontological societies were represented. Using a modified Delphi process, recommendations from 11 topic-specific working groups (WGs), 10 ad-hoc WGs and a WG dealing with the perspectives of older adults were reviewed and refined. The final recommendations were determined by voting. RECOMMENDATIONS: all older adults should be advised on falls prevention and physical activity. Opportunistic case finding for falls risk is recommended for community-dwelling older adults. Those considered at high risk should be offered a comprehensive multifactorial falls risk assessment with a view to co-design and implement personalised multidomain interventions. Other recommendations cover details of assessment and intervention components and combinations, and recommendations for specific settings and populations. CONCLUSIONS: the core set of recommendations provided will require flexible implementation strategies that consider both local context and resources.

Prevalence and Biological Correlates of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Outpatients of a Geriatric Evaluation Clinic: A Brief Report.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a relevant disease among older adults and is associated with serious adverse health-related outcomes, such as malnutrition, sarcopenia, or frailty. Increasing its recognition and the related mechanisms will allow us to its prevention and treatment at different levels of care. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and biological correlates of OD in outpatient older adults. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study including 100 adults aged 60 or older from a geriatric clinic of a tertiary hospital in Mexico City. Health variables and geriatric syndromes were recorded. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 detection test and the volume-viscosity swallowing test were used to diagnose OD. Logistic regression models were performed to identify the factors associated with OD. RESULTS: Mean age was 81.2 (±7.5) years and 21% had OD. The presence of xerostomia (p = 0.05) and a worst nutritional status (p = 0.035) were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OD among older adults was high. Inadequate nutrition status and the presence of xerostomia are more likely to be present with this swallowing disorder.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN APOE-ε4 CARRIER STATUS AND QUALITATIVE NEUROIMAGING CHARACTERISTICS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is multifactorial and includes the presence of genetic variants such as the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-ε4). Association between the APOE-ε4 carrier status and deleterious structural and functional changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been previously described in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. However, the central nervous system changes may possibly develop in earlier stages of cognitive impairment, as reflected in MCI. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the association between APOE-ε4 carrier status and qualitative changes on MRI (medial temporal and parietal atrophy), as well as the detection of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in older adults with MCI, in the memory clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 72 adults aged 60 years or above who underwent an exhaustive clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropsychological evaluation. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to determine the association between APOE-ε4 carrier status and qualitative/quantitative changes on MRI. RESULTS: Mean age was 75.2 years (± 7.2) and 64% were female. Twenty-one participants were cognitively normal and 51 had MCI. Almost 56% were APOE-ε4 carriers and were associated with medial-temporal atrophy according to the Scheltens scale (odds ratio [OR]: 20.0, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.03-131.7), parietal atrophy according to the Koedam's score (OR: 6.3; 95% CI 1.03-39.53), and WMH according to the Fazekas scale (OR: 11.7, 95% CI: 1.26-108.2), even after adjusting for age, educational level, and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: The APOE-ε4 carrier status was associated with medial temporal and parietal atrophy, as well as WMH. Our findings support the hypothesis suggesting the contribution of this genotype to neurodegeneration and cerebral vascular pathology.

Effect of poor glycemic control in cognitive performance in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The Mexican Health and Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is twice more frequent in elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This study was conducted to determine the association between glycemic control and cognitive performance among community-dwelling elderly persons in Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in individuals aged 60 years or elderly participating in the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study. Type 2 DM participants were classified in 3 groups according to their glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c): < 7% (intensive control), 7-7.9% (standard control) or ≥ 8% (poor control), and cognitive performance: low (CCCE ≤44 points), intermediate (44.1-59.52 points), or high (≥59.53 points). Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to determine this association. RESULTS: Two hundred sixteen community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older with type 2 diabetes were selected. Subjects in the low cognitive performance group were older (69.7 ± 6.6 vs 65.86 ± 5.18 years, p < .001) and had a lower educational level (2.5 ± 2.6 vs 7.44 ± 4.15 years, p < .000) when compared to the high cognitive performance participants. HbA1c ≥ 8% was associated with having low (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% CI 1.17-8.60, p = .024), and intermediate (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.27-8.20, p = .014) cognitive performance; this trend was not found for HbA1c 7.0-7.9% group. The multinomial regression analysis showed that the presence of HbA1c ≥ 8% (poor glycemic control) was associated with low (OR 3.17, 95% CI = 1.17-8.60, p = .024), and intermediate (OR 3.23, 95% CI = 1.27-8.20, p = .014) cognitive performance. After adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic control with a HbA1c ≥ 8% was associated with worse cognitive performance.

ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN D WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA IN OLDER MEXICAN ADULTS.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that Vitamin D helps reduce the accumulation of cerebral ß-amyloid-42 by innate immune stimulation and phagocytosis activation. An association between low Vitamin D levels and Alzheimer's dementia (AD) has been established. We determined the association between Vitamin D, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD in older Mexican adults (> 65 years). METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted at the memory clinic in a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico City. We evaluated subjects with MCI, AD, and normal cognition (NC) with available serum Vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels (past 6 months). Three categories were assigned according to 25(OH)D levels: sufficiency (> 30 ng/mL), insufficiency (21-29 ng/mL), and deficiency (≤ 20 ng/mL). Descriptive statistics, means and standard deviations were used. Logistic regression analyses adjusted by age, sex, and educational level were performed. RESULTS: We evaluated 208 patients. Mean age was 79 ± 1 year, 65% (n = 136) were female; and mean educational level was 6.7 ± 2.3 years. Thirty-one subjects (14%) had NC; 42% (n = 88) had MCI; and 43% (n = 89) had AD. Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 54%, more frequent in the AD group (64%) followed by the MCI (59%) and NC (13%) (p < 0.001) groups. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, Vitamin D deficiency was associated with MCI (HR 25.02 [confidence interval 95% 4.48-139]; p < 0.001) and AD (HR 41.7 [5.76-301]; p < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Serum Vitamin D deficiency was associated with MCI and dementia; low levels produced a greater effect over executive functions.

Clinical and Demographic Predictors of Conversion to Dementia in Mexican Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a clinical stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia. The clinical course of MCI is heterogeneous, with a significant number of cases progressing to dementia or reverting back to normal. OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia among Mexican older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 175 persons underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluation to establish mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. These patients were followed-up for a mean 3.5 years. RESULTS: Mean age was 81.7 (± 6.9) years, 57% were women, and mean education level was 9.5 (± 6.1) years. Sixty-one percent of mild cognitive impairment participants progressed to dementia. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that progression to dementia was associated with age (HR: 4.95; 95% CI: 1.96-12.46; p = 0.001), low education level (HR: 5.81; 95% CI: 1.90-7.78; p < 0.002), history of stroke (HR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.37-11.16; p < 0.012) and cognitive decline (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.18-1.45; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Age, poor education, cognitive decline, and a history of stroke were predictors of conversion to dementia. The identification and control of modifiable risk factors could influence conversion to dementia.

Cognitive impairment among older adults living with HIV/AIDS and frailty. / Deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores con VIH/sida y síndrome de fragilidad.

In 2014, 17% of newly diagnosed HIV infection cases in the United States were made in people over 50 years of age; actually, it is expected that in the near future this population group will be the most affected. This epidemiological change can be explained by the increased incidence of HIV infection in people over 50 years, but also by its higher prevalence due to treatment advances. As HIV infection has become a chronic one, new challenges have emerged. For instance, early-onset "geriatric syndromes," such as frailty, have been recognized in these patients. Frailty refers to a physiological state of vulnerability that increases the risk of adverse health-related outcomes. Frail individuals have higher risk of cognitive impairment; however, it is not known if early-onset frailty in those infected by HIV could also increase the risk of cognitive impairment in this already vulnerable population. The purpose of this review article is to describe, from an epidemiological point of view, the relationship between the changes promoted by HIV and the syndrome of frailty on cognitive function.

Frailty and Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Mechanisms Behind the Link.

The relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment has been recognized for decades, but it was not until a few years ago that the interest in this relationship increased and is now being understood. Epidemiological evidence suggests that physical frailty may be linked to cognitive impairment since both conditions share pathophysiological mechanisms at the cellular and systemic levels. Aging itself promotes multiple vascular changes, making the brain susceptible to cognitive decline through mechanisms such as thinning of blood vessels, increased collagen accumulation, rupture of the blood-brain barrier, inflammation, and oxidative damage. The prevalence of frailty and cognitive decline increases as individuals become older, and cognitive impairment attributable to cerebrovascular disease has become a major public health problem since vascular dementia is now the second most common subtype of dementia. However, full understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between frailty and vascular cognitive impairment remains fragmented. This review examines the link between frailty and vascular cognitive decline and also explores the role of vascular changes in the genesis of both conditions.

Frailty among Mexican community-dwelling elderly: a story told 11 years later. The Mexican Health and Aging Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics and prognosis of subjects classified as frail in a large sample of Mexican community-dwelling elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An eleven-year longitudinal study of 5 644 old adults participating in the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Frailty was defined by meeting at least three of the following criteria: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow walking speed and low physical activity. The main outcomes were incident disability and death. Multiple covariates were used to test the prognostic value of frailty. RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent of participants (n= 2 102) met the frailty criteria. Frail participants were significantly older, female, less educated, with more chronic disease, lower income, and poorer self-reported health status, in comparison with their non-frail counterparts. Frailty was a predictor both for disability activities of daily living and for mortality. CONCLUSION: After a follow-up of more than ten years, the phenotype of frailty was a predictor for adverse health-related outcomes, including ADL disability and death.

Association between high serum estradiol levels and delirium among hospitalized elderly women.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common and serious disorder among hospitalized elderly individuals. We investigated the association between serum estradiol levels and incident delirium. METHODS: Longitudinal study of 141 women ≥ 70 years old admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City. All participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Blood samples for cortisol and estradiol determination were obtained at hospital admission. Incident delirium was investigated until participants were discharged. Multivariate models were run to test the independent association between estradiol levels and incident delirium. RESULTS: Twenty-three (16.3%) participants developed delirium. Estradiol levels were higher among women with incident delirium compared with non-affected women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum estradiol levels were associated with incident delirium even after adjusting for multiple confounding covariates, including cortisol levels (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.28-2.92). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly women with high serum estradiol levels at hospital admission had an increased risk for incident delirium. Serum estradiol may be a biomarker for increased risk of delirium.

Cognitive function in Mexican older adults 6-months after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with multiple short- and long-term complications including depression, and cognitive impairment (CI). However, older adults with CI after COVID-19 have not been fully documented. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cognitive function in Mexican adults post-recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study, we assess cognitive function (CF) by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) test with a cut-off less than 26 points, and functional status via telemedicine. Eligible patients with a history of moderate-severe COVID-19 aged ≥60 years, cognitively healthy (evaluated by Everyday Cognition Scale) and required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) were included. Patients with history of dementia, stroke, and delirium during the cognitive evaluation were excluded. The association between CI and COVID-19 was assessed with a Cox regression model. RESULTS: From the 634 patients admitted to the ICU, 415 survived, afterward 308 were excluded and 107 were analyzed. Mean age was 70 years, 58% were female, and 53% had severe COVID. The mean MoCA score was 21±5 points, CI was present in 61 patients (57%). Infection severity (RR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.11-3.15, p<0.05), lower education (RR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97, p<0.01), and activity daily living disability (RR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.26, p<0.05) were the main factors associated with CI (unadjusted model by age and sex). The delayed recall, orientation, and language (83.2, 77.6 and 72.9% respectively) domains were the most affected in patients with CI. CONCLUSIONS: Fifty-seven percent of patients analyzed developed CI six months post-ICU discharge due to SARS-CoV-2, and COVID severity was the main factor associated to its outcome.

Brain health index as a predictor of possible vascular dementia in the Mexican health and aging study 2012-2015.

To determine the burden of disease among subjects at risk of developing stroke or dementia, brain health indexes (BHI) tend to rely on anatomical features. Recent definitions emphasize the need of a broader perspective that encompasses cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFS) and lifestyle components which can be considered partial contributors to optimal brain health. In this study, we aimed to establish the association and risk detected by a Brain Health Index and the risk of possible vascular dementia (PVD) using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2012-2015. The MHAS is a longitudinal study of adults aged ≥ 50 years. We analyzed the data obtained between 2012 and 2015. CVRFS included in the index were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarction, depression, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking history. A PVD diagnosis was established when scores in the Cross-Cultural Cognitive Examination were below reference norms and limitations in ≥1 instrumental activities of daily living and a history of stroke were present. A multinomial regression model was developed to determine the association between BHI scores and PVD. In 2015, 75 PVD cases were identified. Mean age was 67.1 ±13.2 years, 35.8% were female, and the mean educational level was 5.8 ±5.5 years. In cases with a higher score in the BHI, the model revealed a hazards ratio of 1.63 (95% CI: 1.63-1.64, p< 0.001) for PVD. In this longitudinal study, with the use of a feasible multifactorial BHI in the Mexican population, a greater score was associated with a 1.63-fold risk of developing PVD during the 3-year follow-up, while the risk for stroke was 1.75. This index could potentially be used to predict the risk of PVD in adults with modifiable CVRFS.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the everyday cognition scale (M-ECog) in older Mexican adults with cognitive impairment.

The Everyday Cognition (ECog) scale was created to evaluate the functional abilities of older adults across a wide range of abilities between normal aging and dementia. ECog screens cognitive alterations such as subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This early recognition is done by the measurement of the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Objective: To establish the cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the ECog Mexican version (M-ECog) in participants with: SCD, MCI, and dementia coming from a memory clinic. Methods: There were 200 patients and their respective informants in a memory clinic of a third level hospital in Mexico City. Four groups were studied: 50 cognitively healthy (CH), 50 SCD, 50 MCI, and 50 dementia. The clinical evaluation included: sociodemographic and health characteristics, cognitive status by the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Evaluation Spanish version (MoCA-E), and caregiver information (informants) about the difficulty in ADLs as well as the ECog Spanish version (M-ECog). Results: The M-ECog was significantly correlated with MMSE, MoCA-E, and ADLs. It showed the ability to discriminate the different cognitive declines (Cronbach's alpha 0.881). The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.877 (95% confidence interval - CI, 0.850-0.902; p<0.001). The patient's group area under curve (AUC) of M-ECog for SCD was 0.70 (95%CI 0.58-0.82, p<0.005), for MCI it was 0.94 (95%CI 0.89-0.99, p<0.001) and for dementia 0.86 (95%CI 0.79-0.92, p<0.001). Conclusion: The M-ECog scale proves to be valid and reliable for measuring everyday abilities mediated by cognition. It is self-applicable without requiring extensive prior formation. It is useful to screen for SCD and MCI in older Mexican adults.

A escala Cognição Cotidiana (ECog) foi criada para avaliar as habilidades funcionais de idosos em uma ampla gama de habilidades entre o envelhecimento normal e a demência. O ECog rastreia alterações cognitivas como declínio cognitivo subjetivo (DCS) e comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL). Esse reconhecimento precoce é feito pela mensuração da capacidade de realizar as atividades de vida diária (AVD). Objetivo: Estabelecer a adaptação transcultural, validade e confiabilidade da versão mexicana do ECog (M-ECog) em participantes com: SCD, MCI e demência provenientes de uma clínica de memória. Métodos: Foram 200 pacientes e seus respectivos informantes em uma clínica de memória de um hospital de terceiro nível na Cidade do México. Quatro grupos foram estudados: 50 cognitivamente saudáveis (CH), 50 SCD, 50 MCI e 50 com demência. A avaliação clínica incluiu: características sociodemográficas e de saúde, estado cognitivo pelo Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) e Montreal Cognitive Evaluation versão em espanhol (MoCA-E), bem como informações do cuidador (informantes) sobre a dificuldade nas AVD e o ECog versão em espanhol (M-ECog). Resultados: O M-ECog foi significativamente correlacionado com MMSE, MoCA-E e AVD. Mostrou capacidade de discriminar os diferentes declínios cognitivos (alfa de Cronbach 0,881). O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi de 0,877 (intervalo de confiança de 95% ­ IC95%, 0,850­0,902; p<0,001). A AUC do grupo do paciente de M-ECog para SCD foi de 0,70 (IC95% 0,58­0,82, p<0,005), para MCI foi de 0,94 (IC95% 0,89­0,99, p<0,001) e para demência foi de 0,86 (IC95% 0,79­0,92, p<0,001). Conclusão: A escala M-ECog mostra-se válida e confiável para medir habilidades cotidianas mediadas pela cognição. É autoaplicável sem exigir extensa formação prévia. É útil para rastrear MSC e MCI em adultos mexicanos mais velhos.

Prevalence of Dementia and Main Subtypes in Mexico: The Study on Aging and Dementia in Mexico (SADEM).

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a priority public health issue due to its high prevalence worldwide and its economic, social, and health impact. However, there are few reports in Mexico based on formal tests and with a clinical approach based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). OBJECTIVE: This study estimates the prevalence of the main types of dementia among elderly people living in the community in Mexico City. METHODS: A population-based, two-step study was conducted, including 6,204 elderly individuals aged 60 or above with in-home assessment. All participants were screened for cognitive impairment; those who presented some cognitive problem underwent a standardized neurological examination. Each diagnosis was based on the criteria for dementia in the DSM-5, and the final consensus diagnosis of dementia was determined by an expert panel. RESULTS: The global estimated prevalence of dementia in the Mexican population was 7.8% met the criteria for Alzheimer's disease, 4.3% for vascular dementia, and 2.1% for mixed dementia. The prevalence of dementia was higher in women than in men (15.3% versus 12.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence to propose strategies for Latin American countries where dementia represents a challenge due to the heterogeneity of the populations and socioeconomic disparities, requiring early diagnosis and at the first levels of care.

Association between ApoE ε4 Carrier Status and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Mild Cognitive Impairment among Mexican Older Adults.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (amnestic or non-amnestic) has different clinical and neuropsychological characteristics, and its evolution is heterogeneous. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, and the presence of the Apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) polymorphism have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias but the relationship is inconsistent worldwide. We aimed to establish the association between the ApoE ε4 carrier status and CVRF on MCI subtypes (amnestic and non-amnestic) in Mexican older adults. Cross-sectional study including 137 older adults (n = 63 with normal cognition (NC), n = 24 with amnesic, and n = 50 with non-amnesic MCI). Multinomial logistic regression models were performed in order to determine the association between ApoE ε4 polymorphism carrier and CVRF on amnestic and non-amnestic-MCI. ApoE ε4 carrier status was present in 28.8% participants. The models showed that ApoE ε4 carrier status was not associated neither aMCI nor naMCI condition. The interaction term ApoE ε4 × CVRF was not statistically significant for both types of MCI. However, CVRF were associated with both types of MCI and the association remained statistically significant after adjustment by sex, age, and education level. The carrier status of the ApoE genotype does not contribute to this risk.