Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Prevalence and Risk Factors in Japanese Seniors

Objectives: Motoric cognitive syndrome (MCR), a newly described predementia syndrome characterized by cognitive complaints and slow gait, is associated with increased risk of developing dementia. Due to the potential differences in health, behavioral, and lifestyle factors between races that can influence dementia risk, it is important to examine risk factors for MCR in different countries. This study aimed to report the prevalence as well as modifiable factors associated with MCR in Japanese community-dwelling older adults.

Design: A cross-sectional design.

Setting: General community.

Participants: A total of 9683 older adults (52% women, mean age: 73.6 years) participating in the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Study of Geriatric Syndromes.

Measurements: Participants were screened for presence of MCR at baseline. The association of selected modifiable risk factors (medical illness, depressive symptoms, and falls) and lifestyle variables (obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) with MCR was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: At cross-section, 619 participants met criteria for MCR, with an overall prevalence 6.4% (95% CI 5.9-6.9). A higher prevalence of MCR was seen with advancing age (P < .001), but there were no sex differences. Diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P = .001), depressive symptoms (OR 3.57, P < .001), and falls (OR 1.45, P < .001) were associated with increased risk of MCR. Among the lifestyle factors, obesity (OR 1.26, P = .018) and physical inactivity (OR 1.57, P < .001) were associated with increased risk of MCR.

Conclusion: MCR is common in the elderly Japanese population. The potentially modifiable risk and lifestyle factors identified for MCR should be further studied to develop interventions.