Blood biomarkers in older subjects with mild behavioral impairment: A cross-sectional study from the memory clinic, all india institute of medical sciences, India

Abstract

Background: The presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in older adults with no cognitive impairment confers a high risk of future cognitive decline. Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is a syndrome characterized by the new onset of NPS after 50 years, which is sustained and impactful. We report the distribution of various domains of MBI in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) and the association between different blood markers in individuals with MBI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Memory clinic of the Department of Geriatric Medicine in a tertiary health center. The study duration was 1½ years. Subjects with MCI and SCI were screened for the presence of NPS and MBI. Patients with dementia, impaired activities of daily living, and psychiatric illnesses were excluded. The mild behavioral impairment checklist ascertained the presence of various domains. Levels of various blood markers were assessed. Results: In this study, 124 participants were included. The mean age of the population was 69.21 ± 6.64, 71.77% were male, and 28.23% were female. Fifty-one participants were diagnosed to have MBI. Among the MBI domains, impulse dyscontrol was most commonly involved (68.63%) followed by decreased motivation (60.78%). Low Vitamin D (85.71%; P = 0.005) and high serum triglyceride (50%; P = 0.044) were associated with MBI. Conclusion: NPS, especially impulse dyscontrol and decreased motivation, in participants without dementia, were common in the memory clinic setting. Vitamin D deficiency and high triglyceride levels were significantly associated with MBI.