Dementia in Ismailia governorate: an epidemiological study

ABSTRACT

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