Conversion of subjective cognitive decline to MCI and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences and risk factors

Relative risk estimates align with the greater literature and extend them to an inclusive cross-cultural sample with lower education. The significant heterogeneity found underscores the complexity of the interactions between cognitive decline and modifiable risk factors. This study provides novel conversion rates to MCI and dementia for individuals with comorbid SCD and depression, hypertension, and diabetes. We recommend that sex-stratified conversion rates are reported, as limited data prevented our meta-analysis from examining this important dimension of risk.