The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among rural dwellers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in rural areas are increasingly attracting public attention. However, their prevalence is still unclear. This study aims to reveal the distribution of MCI and dementia in rural areas. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO up to June 2023 for cohort and cross-sectional studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to evaluate the prevalence of MCI and dementia. Thirty-five studies with 16,936 participants met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of MCI and dementia was 27 % (n = 12, 95 %CI = 0.21–0.32, I2 = 99.5 %, P < 0.001) and 7 % (n = 27, 95 %CI = 0.05–0.08, I2 = 99.30 %, P < 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that aged 60 years or older [(MCI: 29 %, 95 %CI = 0.20–0.38, I2 = 99.7 %, P < 0.001), (dementia: 9 % (95 %CI = 0.06–0.12, I2 = 99 %, P < 0.001)], female [(MCI: 29 %, 95 %CI = 0.19–0.40, I2 = 99.3 %, P < 0.001), (dementia: 7 %, 95 % CI = 0.04–0.12, I2 = 98.66 %, P < 0.001)], a-MCI (19 %, 95 %CI = 0.12–0.26, I2 = 97.62 %, P < 0.001) and AD (4 %, 95 %CI = 0.02–0.05, I2 = 98.60 %, P < 0.001) showed higher prevalence. The prevalence of MCI and dementia in rural China was 23 % (95 %CI = 0.18–0.29, I2 = 99.5 %, P < 0.001) and 6 % (95 %CI = 0.04–0.08, I2 = 99.6 %, P < 0.001), respectively. Implementing cognitive impairment screening and intervention measures is necessary to improve the cognitive function of the rural population.