Prevalence Estimates and Health-Related Correlates of Cognitive Impairment From a Probability Sample of Community-Residing Latino Elders

Objective: Prevalence estimates of cognitive impairment are provided from a probability sample of Latino elders, mostly Puerto Ricans. A profile of those with cognitive impairment is provided. Predictors of cognitive impairment and the association between depressive symptomatology and cognitive impairment are examined. Method: A prevalence survey was conducted among a community sample of 205 Latino elders in New York City, drawn from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare beneficiary tape files. Results: The prevalence ratio for cognitive impairment using scale-cut scores was 12%; the latent class estimate was .15 (SE = .025; 95% CI = .10—.21). Individuals with cognitive impairment were older; had lower levels of education, income, and acculturation; and reported higher levels of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depressive symptomatology. Discussion: This study resulted in the identification of a cluster of socioeconomic, health, and mental health factors that may influence the functional ability of older Puerto Ricans.