Prevalence of Dementia in the elderly with Hypertension in rural Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Abstract

Dementia is a common condition that affects people in later life. Elderly with hypertension are an increased risk of vascular dementia and need effective treatment. Objective: To study the prevalence of dementia in elderly with hypertension living in rural Chiang Mai, Thailand. Method: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012, amongst 210 elderly with hypertension who were registered at Nonghan Primary Care Unit (PCU). All patients were assessed for dementia using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE–Thai 2002). The interviews were carried out using questionnaires to collect information regarding social status, education, social interaction, and health risk behavior. The information of co-morbidity, treatment of hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist line and lipid profile were collected from hospital records. Data were analyzed by using the program SPSS version 20. Result :The prevalence of dementia in elderly with hypertension was 11.9 %, elderly with hypertension and having a divorced status 33.33 %, no education 31.03 %, age group 80 – 89 years 20.83 %, Depressed 19.05%, limited social interaction 16.66 %, smokers 16.66 % and dyslipidemia (cholesterol > 200 mg% and Low Density Lipoprotein > 200 mg%) 12 % respectively. We found that the prevalence of dementia in elderly females with hypertension exceeded those of males. Conclusion: From this study, it is recommended that screening of these conditions in the elderly is necessary. It is a pilot project for early detection, prevention and diagnosis of dementia to improve the elderly’s quality of life in the future.