Prevalence of Dementia among Elderly in Taiban Sub-District of Samutprakarn Province, Thailand

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June - July 2011 with the objectives to examine prevalence of dementia among elderly, to understand the factors associated with dementia and to assess the activities of daily living (ADL) of the elderly population in Taiban sub-district of Muang Samutprakarn district, Samutprakran province, Thailand. A sample of 323 subjects was recruited by simple random sampling and structured questionnaire was used by the researcher to collect data by face to face interviews. The contents of the questionnaire were validated by experts and the reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha co-efficient. The questionnaire had three parts: 1) demographic factors 2) evaluation of functional ability of elderly on activities of daily living (ADL) using BI index and 3) cognitive assessment to determine dementia status using Chula Mental Test (CMT) which consisted of 16 questions. Apart from assessing the prevalence of dementia, factors associated with dementia status were analyzed using Chi-square test. The study showed that prevalence of dementia among the elderly in Taiban sub-district was 11.1% (36 subjects with dementia) and mostly in the older age group (age > 80 years), graduated from primary school, read barely literate; write barely literate, living with their spouse, moderate personal relation, unemployed. The study showed that factors associated with dementia among elderly people were age, education level, reading and writing ability, working status, alcohol and family history of dementia. To promote health among elderly with no dementia or with risk of dementia, they should be educated and advised on prevention of cognitive disability by many organizations. Also appropriate services should be provided such as improving health care team, supporting the community to promote exercise for all age, health check up at least once a year and emphasizing the members in family and community to take care of the elderly especially those with disability and dementia.