The present study aims to determine the prevalence estimates of MBI and specific MBI domains in a large sample of the general population, by degree of cognitive impairment (CI).

A representative community sample of individuals aged 55+ (n=4803) (ZARADEMP Study) was studied. MBI, and specific MBI domains, were assessed according to ISTAART-AA MBI criteria, using the Geriatric Mental State (GMS). In accordance with these criteria, clinically significant anxiety, depression, and dementia were excluded. For the standardized degree of CI Perneczky et al. ́s criteria were applied: normal (MMSE 30), questionable (MMSE 26-29), mild CI (MMSE 21-25), moderate-severe CI (MMSE <21).

The prevalence of MBI, and specifically the domain Decrease Motivation (DM), increased progressively and significantly by degree of CI, the differences being significant between all cognitive groups. After control by age and education, DM was 2- and 4.5-times more frequent in subjects with mild CI (10.6%) and moderate-severe CI (18.3%), respectively, than in cognitive normal (5.8%). Affective Dysregulation (AD) was 1.7-times more frequent in mild CI (26.4%) (vs 20.4% in normal). Impulsive Dyscontrol (ID) was 2- and 7.9-times more frequent in mild CI (8%) and moderate-severe CI (23.5%) than in cognitive normal (4.7%). And Abnormal Perception and Thoughts (APT) was 6-times more frequent in moderate-severe CI (10%) (vs 1.4% in cognitive normal).

Our results confirm an increase of MBI prevalence across the spectrum of CI. However, each specific domain of MBI shows a different pattern of association with CI. Our results support the relevance of studying MBI domains independently.