Characteristics of the Factors of Associated with Death in Older Adults due to Dementia: Focusing on the Chungbuk Region

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the factors associated with death due to dementia among the older adults in Chungbuk.Methods: A total of 1,685 the older adults aged 65 years or older who died of dementia in Chungbuk were selected as subjects for the study using raw data on the causes of death for the last five years (2018-2022) from Statistics Korea. Statistical analysis was conducted using frequency analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis.Results: The mortality rate of dementia among the older adults aged 65 and older in Chungbuk was 3.5%, lower than the national average. There were 147 female deaths per 100,000 population, more than 87 male deaths, and by age, 1,367 were in their 90s and older, 269 were in their 80s, and 22 were in their 70s and younger (65-79). The place of death was 68.5% in medical institutions and 22.4% in social welfare facilities. Alzheimer’s disease was the most common type of dementia causing death (67.0%). The highest number of older adults with dementia died in November, and the lowest in August and September. The highest number of dementia deaths occurred on the 19th, and the lowest on the 29th and 31st, with a difference of 29 deaths. The highest number of deaths occurred at 8:00 a.m. with 102 deaths and the lowest at 2:00 a.m. with 47 deaths. Female gender and type of dementia were significantly associated with dementia death among those aged 70 and younger compared to those aged 90 and older, and female gender and place of death in a medical institution were associated with dementia death among those aged 80 and older.Conclusions: Based on this study, it is recommended to establish a policy to promote mental health in Chungbuk.