Prevalence of cognitive impairment and risk factors among older people of urban India

Abstract

Background Cognitive impairment among older people is increasing worldwide because of higher in life expectancy. We hypothesise that multiple factors play role in the development of cognitive impairment and it varies in different populations. Our objective for this research was to study the prevalence and the risk factors of cognitive impairment in older population of urban India. Methods We enrolled 100 randomly selected older men and women aged >60 year, residing in urban India. The study was cross sectional and the data collection was done by pretested questionnaire and forms, upon home visits. Measurements included depression, blood pressure, anthropometry, medical history, demographic history and medication. Cognitive impairment was measured using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score Results Women had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment than men. Overall prevalence of cognitive impairment in our study population was 10%. increasing age, living single, no schooling, low weight, low waist and hip ratios, poor activities of daily living (ADL), poor self-rated health, bedridden (past 6 months) and depression were significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Independently associated risk factors on logistic regression were increasing age, no schooling and bedridden status. Conclusion Prevalence of cognitive impairment is low among urban older population of India. Various modifiable factors exist in this population that may increase the burden of cognitive impairment in future. Geriatric health policy could address the modifiable risk factors to manage risk of increasing cognitive impairment and complications.