The Road to Dementia: The Different Paths of MCR

Published on January 19, 2023

Imagine MCR, or Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome, as a crossroads on the journey to dementia. At this stage, researchers are studying the different paths individuals can take – the stable route, the temporary detour, or the new onset adventure. A recent study examined community-dwelling older adults in Quebec, Canada and their experiences with MCR. They found that over the course of one year, 8.5% of participants had MCR, with 4.3% experiencing new onset MCR, 2.8% having transient MCR, and 1.4% facing stable MCR. Interestingly, those with new onset and transient MCR reported higher levels of depressive symptoms, while stable MCR was associated with a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases. But here’s the twist: regardless of the type of MCR, all were linked to an increased risk of probable dementia. These findings shed light on the potential clinical characteristics and time course associated with MCR and provide valuable insights into predicting dementia onset. So don’t miss your turn! Dive into this captivating research to learn more about the signs along the road to dementia.

BackgroundMotoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia stage. The existence of stable and transient MCR, their related clinical characteristics and their association with incident dementia is a matter of debate.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the clinical characteristics and the time course associated with new onset, transient and stable MCR, and their association with incidence of probable dementia in community-dwelling older adults living in the province of Quebec (Canada).DesignQuebec elderly population-based observational cohort study with 3 years of follow-up.SettingCommunity dwellers.SubjectsA subset of participants (n = 1,113) from the “Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging” (NuAge) cohort.MethodsParticipants with MCR were identified at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. Socio-demographic characteristics, 30-item Geriatric depression scale (GDS) score, cardiovascular risk factors and diseases were recorded at baseline. Incidence of probable dementia was measured at annual follow-up visits over a 3-year period.ResultsOver the period of the first year of follow-up, the prevalence of MCR was 8.5% with 4.3% having new onset MCR, 2.8% transient MCR and 1.4% stable MCR. A higher 30-item GDS score was reported with new onset and transient MCR, and the highest prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases was shown with stable MCR compared to non-MCR participants (p < 0.05). MCR was associated with overall incidence of probable dementia, regardless of its status (Hazard Ratio ≥ 1.86, p ≤ 0.034).ConclusionGreater prevalence of depressive symptoms and cerebrovascular diseases were reported, respectively, with new onset and transient MCR, and stable MCR. The association of MCR with incidence of probable dementia remains significant, regardless of MCR subtypes.

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