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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Perceived Stress and Mild Cognitive Impairment among 32,715 Community-Dwelling Older Adults across Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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<b><i>Background:</i></b> Perceived stress may be a modifiable risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and ultimately dementia, but studies on this topic from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We assessed the association between perceived stress and MCI in six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa) using nationally representative data. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Cross-sectional, community-based data on individuals aged ≥50 years from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. The definition of MCI was based on the National Institute on Ageing-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. A perceived stress score (range 0 [lowest stress] to 10 [highest stress]) was computed based on two questions from the Perceived Stress Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the as­sociation between perceived stress and MCI. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The mean (SD) age of the 32,715 participants was 62.1 (15.6) years and 51.7% were females. After adjustment for potential confounders including depression, in the overall sample, a one-unit increase in the perceived stress score was associated with a 1.14 (95% CI = 1.11–1.18) times higher odds for MCI. The association was similar among those aged 50–64 and ≥65 years. Countrywise analysis showed that there was a moderate level of between-country heterogeneity in this association (<i>I</i><sup>2</sup> = 59.4%), with the strongest association observed in Russia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.15–1.55). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> If our study results are confirmed in prospective studies, addressing perceived stress may have an impact in reducing the risk for MCI and subsequent dementia in LMICs.