RESUMO
This cross sectional study was done to determine prevalence rate and demographics of dementia in the Ismailia Governorate. The study include 1000 persons over the age of sixty years [500 in a rural area and 500 in and urban area]. Mini mental state examination test was used as initial screening tool to pick up demented subjects who scored less than 24 points out of 30 [for literates] or scored less than 22 points out of 28 [for illiterates]. All demented subjects were subjected to full physical and neurological examination and computed tomographic brain scan. Prevalence of dementia among elderly over 60 years of age was 3.8 [2.5% vascular dementia and 0.8% Alzheimer's disease]. The mean age of demented subjects was 68.8 + 6.7 years. Dementia was significantly associated with age. Prevalence of dementia among age group of 60-64 years was 2.1%. while it was 30% among age group? 80 years. Vascular dementia was the most common type of dementia [65.8% of demented subjects] and its highest incidence was among the age group of 60-64 years old. Alzheimer's disease was the second most common type [21.1% of demented subjects] and its highest incidence was among the age group of 75-79 years old. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking and smoking were significantly associated with vascular dementia. No significant differences were found among demented subjects according to areas, gender and literacy