This study proposed to test the postulate that the anxiety and insomnia symptom cluster (A/I) is a predictor of dementia.

A retrospective data analysis was conducted on the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) dataset in order to determine whether A/I symptoms or treatment were associated with subsequent dementia or cognitive impairment (DOCI). The study used logistic regression analysis and comparison of incidence rates on a sample of 249 participants.

There was a significant relationship between A/I symptoms and subsequent DOCI in the male gender that was not found in the total sample or in females. No association with subsequent DOCI was found for benzodiazepine usage or non-benzodiazepine A/I medication usage.

The gender differences identified suggest prodromal dementia phenotypes that are differentially expressed in males and females. By triangulating the approaches from multiple disciplines—such as neuroimaging and genetics—with prodromalsymptoms, it is possible that reliable early prediction may be accomplished.

No funding.