Neurocognitive disorders, depression, and associated factors in younger and older adults from an urban-marginalized area of Peru

INTRODUCTION: In urban-marginalized areas of low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) and depression present significant public health issues, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities. METHODS: This study explores the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs and depression among 1064 community-dwelling adults in an urban-marginalized district of Lima, Peru. Structured questionnaires collected demographic, health, and socioeconomic data; neurocognitive assessments and depression screening were conducted. RESULTS: Mean age was 50.5 years, with 71% female, and a mean of 9.1 years of education. Among older adults, 32% had mild NCD and 4.2% had major NCD; 21.1% of younger adults had any NCD. Nearly 40% of the cohort was depressed. Risk factors for MCI and NCD included lower education, hypertension, and non-Spanish native language, while depression was associated with female sex, lower education, overcrowding, and chronic diseases. DISCUSSION: The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address NCDs and mental health in urban-marginalized areas of LMICs. HIGHLIGHTS: Among older adults, 32% had mild neurocognitive disorder (NCD) and 4.2% had major NCD; 21.1% of younger adults had any NCD. Nearly 40% of the cohort was depressed. Risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and NCD included lower education, hypertension, and non-Spanish native language, while depression was associated with female sex, lower education, overcrowding, and chronic diseases.