Correlates of mild behavioural impairment in older adults: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Mild behavioural impairment in older adults has emerged as a potential precursor to cognitive decline and the onset of dementia. While the characteristics of mild behavioural impairment are documented, less is known about its correlates. A clearer understanding of these correlates could improve early detection and intervention strategies.

Objective: This study synthesised the evidence demonstrating the correlates of mild behavioural impairment in older adults. The specific objectives included (1) identifying trends in publications and research designs related to mild behavioural impairment, and (2) determining the correlates of mild behavioural impairment.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist to report results.

We sourced from research articles in PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Web of Science across the period January 2003 to May 2024. The search terms were structured around participant–concept–context parameters: older adults as participants, mild behavioural impairment as the concept, and an unrestricted context. The data were extracted by three independent reviewers using an a priori extraction tool.

Results: A total of 41 research articles were selected. A consistent increase in the number of publications since 2009 was identified, with a notable surge in 2022 and 2023. Most studies employed cross-sectional designs, demonstrating correlates predominantly classified into three categories: (1) neurocognitive factors such as beta-amyloid and tau protein; (2) physical factors, including frailty; and (3) psychosocial factors, particularly those focusing on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: This review highlights a growing body of evidence linking neurocognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors to mild behavioural impairment in older adults. Among these, psychosocial correlates—particularly depressive symptoms—were most consistently reported, underscoring their potential relevance for intervention. Given their modifiable nature, these factors represent promising targets for tailored psychosocial or mental health strategies. Future research should prioritise longitudinal and interventional designs to clarify temporal relationships and assess the impact of these interventions on mitigating mild behavioural impairment and subsequent functional decline.

Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-06469-5.