Mild cognitive impairment and risk of depression and anxiety: A population-based study

Alzheimers Dement. 2017 Feb;13(2):130-139. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.2361. Epub 2016 Aug 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Many people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) suffer from concomitant depression or anxiety. Whether MCI increases the risk of future depression or anxiety is unknown.

Methods: In the Rotterdam Study, cross-sectional (n = 4168) and longitudinal associations (n = 2967) of MCI with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-depressive and anxiety disorders-were assessed (2002-2005 to 2009-2011).

Results: At baseline, 413 persons had MCI; 125 (22 MCI and 103 non-MCI) had a depressive disorder and 330 had an anxiety disorder (46 MCI and 284 non-MCI). In longitudinal depression analysis, of the 212 persons with prevalent MCI, 6 (2.8%) developed depression compared with 29 (1%) in the nonexposed group. In longitudinal anxiety analysis, 11 (7.3%) of the 151 with prevalent MCI developed anxiety, compared with 75 (3.4%) in nonexposed group. Persons with MCI had more depressive and anxiety disorders and also a higher risk of developing depressive disorder, odds ratio (OR) 3.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26, 7.77), and anxiety disorder, OR 2.59 (95% CI: 1.31, 5.12).

Discussion: MCI is a risk factor for dementia and for depressive and anxiety disorders, suggesting common pathological pathways for cognitive and psychiatric outcomes.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Epidemiology; Longitudinal; Mild cognitive impairment; Population based.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety Disorders / complications
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / complications
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / epidemiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk