Dementia prevalence among the elderly in Taiban sub-district Samutprakarn province

Abstract

The survey research conducted from June - July 2011 with the objectives to examine the dementia prevalence rate of elderly people, determine the factors associated with dementia of elderly people, determine the factors associated with basic activities of daily living of elderly people and determine the factors associated with instrument activities of daily living of elderly people in Taiban Sub-District, Mueang Samutprakarn District, Samutprakran Province, Thailand. Sampling group of 323 people was selected by simple random sampling method. Interview questionnaires were assessed on their validity and accuracy of contents by experts and their reliability by using Cronbach alpha co-efficiency test. The interview was conducted by the researcher. The materials consist of 3 parts: 1) the questionnaire relates to demographic factors of elderly. 2) The questionnaire relates to practical activities which evaluate functional ability of elderly on activities of daily living and 3) the questionnaire relates to cognitive assessment on dementia status and it is consist of 16 choices. The characteristics associated factors with dementia status were analyzed with specific statistic. The statistic were percent, mean, SD, and Chi-square test. The prevalence of dementia was 11.1 percent with 36 elderly people and also found in higher age, graduated from primary school, read barely literate, write barely literate, living with their spouse, moderate personal relation, unemployed with hemiplegia. To promote health among elderly especially elderly with no dementia or high risk of dementia, they should be educated and advised on prevention of cognitive disability from many organizations. Also should provide appropriate service such as improving health care team, supporting the community to promote exercise to all age, health check up at least one time per year and emphasize the members in family and community to take care the elderly especially those who were disability and dementia.