The study estimates that 5.4 million people (22.2%) aged 71 years or older in the United States have cognitive impairment without dementia in 2002. This condition includes subtypes such as prodromal Alzheimer disease (8.2%) and cerebrovascular disease (5.7%). Among those with cognitive impairment without dementia, 11.7% progressed to dementia annually, while those with prodromal Alzheimer disease and stroke progressed at annual rates of 17% to 20%. The annual death rate was 8% among those with cognitive impairment without dementia and almost 15% among those with cognitive impairment due to medical conditions. The study used a population-based sample from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to estimate prevalence and outcomes. The ADAMS study found that cognitive impairment without dementia is more prevalent than dementia in the United States. The study highlights the importance of accurate national estimates of cognitive impairment without dementia to understand its societal impact. The study also notes that cognitive impairment without dementia is a heterogeneous condition with multiple causes, and further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and improve treatment strategies. The study's findings suggest that cognitive impairment without dementia is a significant public health issue, affecting a large segment of the elderly population. The study's limitations include potential response bias and diagnostic errors due to the use of subjective criteria. The study's results emphasize the need for further research to better understand and address the impact of cognitive impairment without dementia on patients, families, and healthcare systems.The study estimates that 5.4 million people (22.2%) aged 71 years or older in the United States have cognitive impairment without dementia in 2002. This condition includes subtypes such as prodromal Alzheimer disease (8.2%) and cerebrovascular disease (5.7%). Among those with cognitive impairment without dementia, 11.7% progressed to dementia annually, while those with prodromal Alzheimer disease and stroke progressed at annual rates of 17% to 20%. The annual death rate was 8% among those with cognitive impairment without dementia and almost 15% among those with cognitive impairment due to medical conditions. The study used a population-based sample from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to estimate prevalence and outcomes. The ADAMS study found that cognitive impairment without dementia is more prevalent than dementia in the United States. The study highlights the importance of accurate national estimates of cognitive impairment without dementia to understand its societal impact. The study also notes that cognitive impairment without dementia is a heterogeneous condition with multiple causes, and further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and improve treatment strategies. The study's findings suggest that cognitive impairment without dementia is a significant public health issue, affecting a large segment of the elderly population. The study's limitations include potential response bias and diagnostic errors due to the use of subjective criteria. The study's results emphasize the need for further research to better understand and address the impact of cognitive impairment without dementia on patients, families, and healthcare systems.