Depression and dementia in Thai elderly in urban and rural communities.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic data related to depression and dementia in elderly people in community. A total of 1,052 elderly people, 370 in urban area (Bangkok) and 682 in rural area (Ranong and Buriram provinces) were included. Data collection using TMSE and TGDS screening tests was done during December 1996-February 1998. Descriptive and analytic statistics were computed. Results showed that demographic data of urban and rural elderly people were similar. The prevalences of depression in elderly living in urban, rural and overall were 35.1 %, 17-19 %, and 24.1% respectively while those of dementia group were 27.6 %, 33-37 % and 32.8 % respectively. A positive relationship was found between depression and dementia in the studied population. Our data suggest that age, health status and the elderly’s role of consultant contribute substantially to cognitive and mental test scores. We can use these factors to generate conditions that promote quality of life in the elderly.