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Research Article: Multidimensional profile of functional cognitive disorders: the experience of the memory clinic in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, sub-Saharan Africa

Date Published: 2026-07-08

Abstract:
Functional cognitive disorders (FCD) are increasingly recognized but underdiagnosed. In sub-Saharan Africa, the topic is rarely discussed and the data is unknown. The goal of this study was to examine the epidemiological, clinical, and neuropsychological aspects of FCD in order to contribute to a better understanding of this etiological entity. This was a retrospective, multicenter, descriptive and analytical study. From 2018 to 2023, we included patients at least 18?years old, with no abnormalities in neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging, presenting an internal inconsistency between reported symptoms and signs identified in neuropsychological evaluation. Cognitive deficits were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, which identifies three levels of impairment: mild (score 18–25), moderate (score 10–17), and severe (score < 10). During the study period, 25 cases of FCD were identified, representing 10.2% of the total. The most represented age group was 45–54?years old (52%) with an average age of 45.8?years. More than half of our patients (56%) had a university education level, and most of them worked in the public sector (48%) and the private sector (36%). Mental health disorders (52%) were the most common comorbidities. Memory disorders were the most common reason for consultation (72%). The mean MoCA test score was 23.2?±?5.9. The cognitive abilities most affected were memory (44%), attention (28.3%), and visuospatial/executive function (28%). There were no sociodemographic or clinical factors associated with the patients’ cognitive performance. This study, which is the first of its kind in Côte d’Ivoire and one of the few in sub-Saharan Africa on this topic, could help expand and improve knowledge about FCD in sub-Saharan Africa, where data is extremely scarce, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire.

Introduction:
Functional cognitive disorders (FCD) are increasingly recognized but underdiagnosed. In sub-Saharan Africa, the topic is rarely discussed and the data is unknown. The goal of this study was to examine the epidemiological, clinical, and neuropsychological aspects of FCD in order to contribute to a better understanding of this etiological entity.

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