Cross‐cultural issues in AD risk factors and assessment: A Nigerian perspective

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundRoles of demographics, anthropometry and metabolic syndrome (Mets) on cognition in mid adults from rural part of Nigeria were examined to determine their contribution to dementia.MethodOne hundred and seventy two (172) middle aged adults from a rural community in Anambra state Nigeria were recruited for the study. Their age range were between 50 – 70 years with a mean age of 57.48 and SD age of 5.48. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and Digit Symbol Test (DST) were used to assess the participants’ cognition. The anthropometric measures assessed were the body mass index (BMI), height, weight and waist circumference while the Mets assessed were blood sugar level and total cholesterol and blood pressure. Gender, occupation and education were included as demographic factors assessed in the study.ResultFindings show the BMI, weight and waist circumference as predictors of general cognition, but the blood pressure and height were not significant predictors. Equally, mixed findings were got on processing speed. The variables measured were not significant predictors of SDMT as a measure of processing speed while they to significant extent predicted processing speed when DST was used.ConclusionContrary to findings from western world blood pressure as a cardiovascular marker did not predict general cognition and processing speed while mets had significant contribution on general cognition and processing speed.