Dementia Prevalence in a Rural Region of South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Community Study

Type Journal Article - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Title Dementia Prevalence in a Rural Region of South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Community Study
Author(s)
Volume 60
Issue 3
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 1087-1096
URL https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad170325
Abstract
Background:
Dementia is a growing concern for low- and middle-income countries where longevity is increasing and service provision is poor. Global prevalence estimates vary from 2% to 8.5% for those aged 60 years and older. There have been few dementia studies in sub-Saharan Africa, and prevalence data are lacking for South Africa.
Objective:
To conduct a large dementia prevalence study in a low income rural population in South Africa.
Methods:
1,394 Xhosa-speaking community dwellers, aged ≥60 y (mean age±sd 71.3±8.3 y), in three clinic catchment areas, were screened at home. Trained community health workers administered the brief Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSID) to participants and informants to assess cognitive and functional capacity. Depressive symptoms were assessed with three questions from the EURO-D.

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