Profile of Mild Behavioral Impairment and Factor Structure of the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist in Cognitively Normal Older Adults

Objectives: In this large population study we set out to examine the profile of Mild Behavioral Impairment using the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C), and determine its factor structure when employed as a self-report and informant rated tool. Design: Population based cohort study. Setting: Online testing via the PROTECT study (http://www.protectstudy.org.uk)Participants: 5,742 participant-informant dyads.Measurements: Both participants and informants completed the MBI-C. The factor structure of the MBI-C was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: The most common MBI-C items as rated by self-report and informants related to affective dysregulation (mood/anxiety symptoms), being present in 34% and 38% of the sample respectively. The least common were items relating to abnormal thoughts and perception (psychotic symptoms) (present in 3 and 6% of the sample respectively). There were only weak correlations between self-report and informant-rated MBI-C responses. EFA for both sets of respondent answers indicated a five-factor solution for the MBI-C was appropriate, reflecting the structure of the MBI-C. Conclusion: This is the largest and most detailed report on the frequency of MBI symptoms in the general population. The full spectrum of MBI symptoms was present in our sample, whether rated by self-report or informant report. However, we show that the MBI-C performs differently in self-rated versus informant-rated situations, which may have important implications for the use of the questionnaire in clinic and research.