AUTHOR=Wang Fei , Fei Min , Hu Wen-Zheng , Wang Xiao-Dan , Liu Shuai , Zeng Yan , Zhang Jin-Hong , Lv Yang , Niu Jian-ping , Meng Xin-ling , Cai Pan , Li Yang , Gang Bao-zhi , You Yong , Lv Yan , Ji Yong 

TITLE=Prevalence of Constipation in Elderly and Its Association With Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2021

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.821654

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2021.821654

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=Background: Constipation and dementia have similar epidemiological characteristics. Changes in intestinal flora and characteristics of the brain-gut axis play roles in the pathogeneses of the two diseases, suggesting that there may be a close connection between the two. Most of the studies on constipation in dementia patients have focused on the population with α-synucleinopathies (Parkinson disease dementia [PDD], dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB]). Few studies have reported the prevalence of constipation in all-cause dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) populations. 
Objective: To assess the prevalence of constipation in patients with all-cause dementia, MCI and MCI subtypes and to explore the association between chronic constipation with dementia, MCI and MCI subtypes.
Methods: From May 2019 to December 2019, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 11,743 participants aged 65 or older from 9 cities in China were surveyed. Participants underwent a series of clinical examinations and neuropsychological measurements. Chronic constipation, dementia, MCI and MCI subtype were diagnosed according to established criteria through standard diagnostic procedures.
Results: The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of chronic constipation in individuals aged 65 years and older was 14.8% (95% CI, 14.6-15.0). The prevalence rates of chronic constipation were19.2% (95% CI, 17.3-21.0), 19.1% (95% CI, 16.8-21.5), 14.4%(95% CI, 12.8-15.9), and13.8%(95% CI, 13.0-14.6) in the dementia, nonamnestic (na)-MCI, amnestic (a)-MCI and normal cognition populations, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic constipation was a risk factor for dementia (p = 0.0.032, OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.38) and na-MCI (p = 0.003, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.54).
Conclusion: The present study found a high prevalence of chronic constipation in elderly individuals in China, especially those with dementia and na-MCI. Chronic constipation is a risk factor for dementia and na-MCI.