ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and related risk factors among community elderly and explore the difference in elderly between urban and rural areas.

MethodsBetween 2011 and 2014, elderly population aged 60 and over received sample investigation in Beijing City and Miyun County.Short mental state examination method (MMSE) was used for their cognitive function.

ResultsA total of 4 499 community elderly people (1 815 male, 2 684 female) aged 60 to 95 were included in the study.Compared with those from urban areas, rural elderly people had a lower education level, but a higher level of smoking (22.8%), drinking (43.1%).The mean score of MMSE was 24.3±5.4 (0-30), and mild cognitive impairment prevalence was higher in rural areas than in urban areas (27.2%, 15.7%, P < 0.001).The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was higher in females than in males (P < 0.001) in both urban and rural areas.The prevalence of MCI increased significantly with age (P for trend < 0.001).Multivariate logistic regression showed age, gender, education level, physical activity and family histories were related to MMSE score and the prevalence of MCI.

ConclusionThe community elderly population were found to have higher morbidity rate of MCI, which was relatively higher in rural elderly than in urban elderly, Older age, female gender, lower education level and physical inactivity, and family history were related risk factors for MCI.