Men are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than women, study claims

The study of 2,050 people aged 70-89 living in Olmstead County, Minnesota found MCI was 1.5 times higher in men than women with 19 percent of men having MCI compared to 14 percent of women. The study also found that people with a low level of education or who had never married also had a higher rate of MCI. MCI includes problems with memory or thinking beyond that explained by the normal rate of aging and often leads to Alzheimer's disease. 

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Increasing our understanding of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could help us unravel the many mysteries still surrounding Alzheimer's disease and move us closer to treatments and a cure. This exciting new research is a real development in this field and provides the first evidence that men could be more susceptible to MCI than women. However it also poses many new questions about why.'

'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia yet dementia research remains drastically underfunded. Only through more research can we find out more about MCI and how its relationship with Alzheimer's disease. We must invest now.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Research Reference: 'Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment is higher in men' by Ronald Petersen et al in Neurology 7 September 2010

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk