Screening for dementia in older adults using Mini-Cog scale from a rural setting of Kashmir division

Abstract

Background: Dementia is common in the geriatric population. It has been suggested that early detection leads to benefits for the patient and their family and cuts the costs. The solution to this problem lies in the development of brief and easily applicable tests that are acceptable to patients, their caregivers, and health professionals. The current study was undertaken for screening for dementia using Mini-Cog scale.Methods: Cross sectional study from District Budgam of Kashmir Division done on individuals aged >60 yrs after providing informed consent. All participants underwent comprehensive evaluations using the Mini-Cog scale for Dementia.Results: The overall prevalence of dementia was 57.5%. Majority of the individuals with dementia were illiterate (49.8%) and had completed up to primary education (63.2%). However no statistical significance was seen between marital and educational status with dementia. About 70.8% of the individuals with dementia were not aware of the availability of facilities related to mental issues.Conclusions: Need of the hour is to develop culturally appropriate interventions that could be integrated with dementia services within the primary health care system.

Mindful aging: an insightful examination of cognitive impairment in the elderly population of Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, using Mini-Cog scale

“…10 and study done by Jan et al also revealed increased incidence of CI in females (63.2%). 11 Other studies have found a correlation between being female and an increased likelihood of experiencing CI. 12,13 During menopause, women experience a decline in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.…”

“…Similarly, study done by Jan et al showed increased risk of dementia in the age group of 60 to 64 years and 70 to 74 years (63%). 11 Also, study done by Rajesh et al showed that proportion of CI was higher among 70-74 years of age group (50%). 10 Our study further confirms that elderly age can be taken as primary risk factor for developing CI and the prevalence of CI increases steeply with age in elderly populations.…”