Risk of dementia among urban elderly population of Pune, India

Kundap Ritesh P.; Bobade Pranjal; Singru S.; Fernandez K.

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

Risk of dementia among urban elderly population of Pune, India

Kundap Ritesh P. , Bobade Pranjal, Singru S. , Fernandez K.

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Context : Dementia is strongly associated with aging and is a major public health problem worldwide. It has serious impact on the physical, emotional and economic aspects of lives of the elderly, their families and caregivers. It is a major burden for health sector &amp; economy in developing countries with rapidly aging populations. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional phase between normal aging and dementia. Understanding (MCI) is important, and many cases may progress to dementia if not identified and treated earlier4. Objective: To study the prevalence of risk of cognitive impairment and identify associated risk factors among the elderly population in urban area. Methods: 374 elderly subjects of age 65 years and above were selected from urban area and interviewed for risk of cognitive impairment and some risk factors. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment risk among the elderly was 13.9%. The significant risk factors were educational status, family type, health problems like diabetes, restriction of daily activities and depression. The insignificant correlates were gender, economic dependence and spouse support. Conclusion: cognitive impairment is a major health problem among the elderly in India and its prevalence is increasing. Severe forms leads to dementia which represents a significant threat for the health and economic sectors. Diagnosing and treating mild cognitive impairment halts progression to dementia. Knowledge of risk factors of dementia may be useful in developing multidimensional strategies to reduce it among elderly. Early diagnostic tools are needed.</p>