Prevalence of senile dementia in adult over 65 years of age: a cross-sectional survey of Hunan Province, China

Abstract Objective To investigate the status, influencing factors and care burden of senile dementia in the population over 65 years old in Hunan Province. To provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of senile dementia. Method From April to May 2021, a total of 5979 residents aged ≥65 years old were selected from 30 districts and counties in Hunan Province using the Simplified Community Dementia Scale (CSI-D)/Dementia Early Screening Questionnaire (AD8) as screening tools. Community diagnosis is performed by a neurologist or psychiatrist in combination with the Simple Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE)/Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA). c2 test and the multi-factor logistic regression analysis the influence factors of senile dementia. Results The prevalence rate of senile dementia was 13.98%. Old age (OR =1.312, 95%CI: 1.231~1.399), chronic diseases (OR = 1.296, 95%CI: 1.091~1.540), especially hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, living in rural areas (OR =1.688, 95%CI: 1.300 ~2.190) was a risk factor, and high education level (OR=0.678, 95%CI: 0.604~0.762) was a protective factor. The care burden of senile dementia is relatively large, 27.66% of senile dementia patients cause mild to severe distress to their family members or nannies, 12.65% of patients need different degrees of care such as day care or long-term nursing home. Conclusion The prevalence rate of senile dementia is high in Hunan Province and the burden of family care is heavy. The society should pay close attention to the physical and mental health of the elderly population and take active intervention measures to improve the prevention and treatment level of dementia in the elderly population.