Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia condition characterized by subjective memory complaints and slow gait, and it is associated with increased risk of dementia and mortality. This study investigated MCR prevalence in a Brazilian community sample and its associations with sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in four public primary care settings. Sociodemographic, clinical, motor, and cognitive aspects were assessed. RESULTS: The sample included 355 individuals (mean age = 71.4 years, 69.6% women). The prevalence of MCR was 11.3%. Univariate analysis showed associations with older age, lower education, inactivity, falls, polypharmacy, depression, stroke, poor Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) performance, and higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, subsection III (UPDRS-III) scores. Multivariate analysis confirmed significant associations with falls (odds ratio [OR] = 14.4, 95% CI: 5.5 to 37.4), polypharmacy (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.8 to 10.3), and UPDRS-III scores (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.17). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of MCR was 11.3% in Brazilian older adults and was linked to polypharmacy, falls, and parkinsonian signs, highlighting its value for early and low-cost identification in primary care. HIGHLIGHTS: Prevalence of MCR was 11.3% in Brazilian older adults. MCR was independently associated with falls, polypharmacy, and parkinsonian signs. Findings highlight low-cost clinical markers for early dementia risk identification. Results support integration of MCR screening into primary care in low- and middle-income countries.