Featured ArticlePrevalence of mild cognitive impairment in an urban community in China: A cross-sectional analysis of the Shanghai Aging Study

BackgroundSubstantial variations in the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have been reported, although mostly in Western countries. Less is known about MCI in the Chinese population.MethodsWe clinically and neuropsychologically evaluated 3141 community residents ≥60 years of age. Diagnoses of MCI and its subtypes were made using standard criteria via consensus diagnosis.ResultsAmong 2985 nondemented individuals, 601 were diagnosed with MCI, resulting in a prevalence of 20.1% for total MCI, 13.2% for amnestic MCI (aMCI), and 7.0% for non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). The proportions of MCI subtypes were: aMCI single domain (SD), 38.9%; aMCI multiple domains (MD), 26.5%; naMCI-SD, 25.0%; and naMCI-MD, 9.6%. The prevalence of aMCI-MD increased rapidly with age in women APOE ε4 carriers (from 60 to 69 years to ≥80 years, 3.1%-33.3%, P < .001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that 20% of Chinese elderly are affected by MCI. Prospective studies in China are needed to examine progression to dementia and related risk factors.