Prevalence, Associated Factors of Dementia among the elderly in the Bangkok urban area : a case study in Bang Phlat District

Abstract

This cross-sectional study were to examine the prevalence and associated factors of dementia among the elderly living in Bang Phlat District, Bangkok. The study used a multi-stage sampling. The total samples were 398 elders. The measurements were divided into two parts: 1. General characteristics information, associated factors of dementia including personal factors, health factors, behaviors factors, psychological factors, and activity daily living assessment (Barthel Activity of Daily Living index: ADL index). 2. Mental assessment Thai version (Mini-Mental State Examination: MMSE Thai version 2002). Statistical analysis included frequency, mean, percentage, standard deviation and Chi-square test. The result showed that the prevalence of dementia among the elderly was at 21.1%. Factors associated with dementia were personal factors (education, occupation after retirement, income, and ADL), psychological factors (depression), and health factors (a family history of dementia). Health personnel can apply this study including the process of screening, activity planning, and findings of the study to the elderly in the community. With an emphasis of health promotion and a preliminary prevention, this can reduce the incidence of dementia among the elderly.