Prevalence of dementia in Migrant, Urban, Rural and Tribal elderly population of Himalayan region in northern India

INTRODUCTION:  Throughout the world, a large number of surveys have been carried out to find the prevalence of dementia with variable results. The aim of the prsent study was to generate data on the prevalence of dementia and to generate a hypothesis on the differential distribution across populations.

METHODS:  Four settings identified for the purpose of this study included a Migrant, Urban, Rural and Tribal. The study was conducted in two phases, 1) A screening phase and 2) A clinical phase, on 2000 individuals above 60 years of age. The screening phase in tribal population was conducted by using a freshly desighned and tested cognitive screen specific to the needs of Indian tribal population.

RESULTS:  A total of 32/2000 (1.6%) elderly individuals were classified as demented. No case of dementia was reported from tribal population. A look at sex differential reveals that majority (21/32; 66%) of individuals identified as demented were females. As age  advanced  scores  on  cognitive  screen  decreased  with  elders  above  80  years  of  age showing lowest scores. 18/32 (56%) of patients classified as demented were more than 80 years of age

CONCLUSIONS:  

The findings of this study are in agreement with previous studies which point towards differential distribution of dementia across populations. This differential distribution may help in understanding risk for dementia.