An epidemiological study on assessment of dementia and general health pattern among geriatric population in the rural field practice area of medical college and hospital, Kolkata

ABSTRACT

Background: As our age increases, different pathophysiological changes occur, which leads to geriatric syndromes in the elderly. Along with other bodily changes, psychological changes and dementia start emerging that affects day-to-day activities of the elderly people. These symptoms often get undetected due to lack of care or awareness among the geriatric population or their caregivers. Aim and Objectives: This study aims to measure the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and onset of dementia among the geriatric population in a rural area of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, community-based, and cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing persons aged 60 years and above residing in Banspole village during the months of April–May, 2022, using General Health Questionnaire-12 and dementia assessment by rapid test questionnaire. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: A total of 104 respondents were interviewed (62.5% male and 37.5% female). Most commonly found comorbidity was hypertension (48.08%), followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (26.92%) and hypothyroidism (25.97%). Significant psychological morbidity was found in 49 (47.11%) persons, whereas, different levels of dementia was found in 72 (69.23%) participants. Significant associations were found between psychiatric morbidity with age and socioeconomic status, and dementia with age and marital status. Significance level was at P < 0.05. Conclusion: As it can be seen that in psychiatric morbidity is present in almost half of the participants, and dementia in almost 70% participants, but most of the times, these get undetected or overlooked. Early detection and management are the need of the hour, as these conditions causes huge economic burden on the caregivers, as well as on the government concerned.