Neuropsychiatric symptoms in the community-based patients with mild cognitive impairment and the influence of demographic factors

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the pattern of neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI patients in the Thai population and the influence of demographic factors on the symptoms. Methods: One hundred and seven participants aged 50 and over diagnosed with MCI (n = 77) and normal (n = 30) were recruited from a community-based unit. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was used to assess behavioral disturbances in the subjects. Results: Compared to normal subjects, MCI patients had higher incidence of anxiety (53% vs 27%, p = 0.013), dysphoria (46% vs 17%, p = 0.006), and sleep problem (45% vs 23%, p = 0.035). Although marginally significant, apathy was more common in MCI patients (12% vs 0%, p = 0.059). The mean total NPI score and NPI distress score were higher in the MCI group (6.8 vs 1.9, p < 0.0005 and 2.9 vs 0.6, p = 0.01, respectively). The MCI patients aged over 65 had higher incidence of hallucinations (18.9% vs 0%, p = 0.018). Males and patients of poor financial status had higher percentage of dysphoria compared to female and patients with better financial status (65% vs 38.5%, p = 0.041 and 75% vs 37.9%, p = 0.008, respectively). Patients with poor financial status also had higher percentage of anxiety (81.3% vs 44.5%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: MCI is associated with significant neuropsychiatric symptoms which caused caregiver distress. In this study, the pattern of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a Thai MCI population was similar to those reported in western countries. Age, sex, educational level and financial status influenced the neuropsychiatric symptoms of MCI patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.