Gender/sex differences in the association of mild behavioral impairment with cognitive aging
Wolfova, K; Creese, B; Aarsland, D; et al.Ismail, Z; Corbett, A; Ballard, C; Hampshire, A; Cermakova, P
Date: 28 June 2022
Article
Journal
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Publisher
IOS Press
Publisher DOI
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While the gender/sex differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms in
dementia population are well described, gender/sex differences in mild behavioral impairment
(MBI) in dementia-free populations and the relationship to cognitive performance and to
subsequent cognitive decline have not been studied.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to ...
BACKGROUND: While the gender/sex differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms in
dementia population are well described, gender/sex differences in mild behavioral impairment
(MBI) in dementia-free populations and the relationship to cognitive performance and to
subsequent cognitive decline have not been studied.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore gender/sex differences in the association of MBI with the
level of cognitive performance and its rate of decline in a dementia-free cohort.
METHODS: We studied 8,181 older adults enrolled in the online PROTECT UK Study. MBI
was assessed using the MBI Checklist and cognition was measured by digit span, paired
associate learning, spatial working memory and verbal reasoning. Statistical analysis was
conducted using linear regression models and linear mixed-effects models.
RESULTS: Out of 8 181 individuals (median age 63 years, 73% females), 11% of females
and 14% of males had MBI syndrome. Females exhibited less often symptoms of decreased
motivation (45% vs. 36% in males), impulse dyscontrol (40% vs. 44% in males; p=0.001) and
social inappropriateness (12% vs. 15%; p<0.001), while they showed more often symptoms of
emotional dysregulation (45% vs. 36%; p<0.001). The associations of MBI domains with some
measures of cognitive performance and decline were stronger in males than females, with the
exception of the association of emotional dysregulation with the rate of cognitive decline in
verbal reasoning, which was present exclusively in females.
CONCLUSION: MBI may influence cognition to a greater extent in males than in females.
We propose that predictors and biomarkers of dementia should consider gender/sex as an effect
modifier.
Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science
Collections of Former Colleges
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