Prevalence of dementia among older persons in Northern Uganda, a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: The burden and clinical correlates of dementia are unknown in Uganda. We therefore determined the prevalence and factors associated with dementia among older persons in Northern Uganda.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, adults aged 60 years and above attending the medical outpatient clinic at a tertiary Hospital from March 2022 to April 2022 were enrolled. The prevalence of dementia was determined using the Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans (IDEA) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) tool henceforth presented as IDEA-IADL. Factors of association were collected using a standardized questionnaire.

Results: A total of 271 eligible participants were enrolled into the study. Majority were age 60-69 years (153/271) and of male gender (165/271). The prevalence of dementia was 17.7% (48/271), severe dementia 7.4%, (20/271), moderate dementia 10.3%, (28/271). Factors independently associated with dementia were: participants aged between 80-89 years; (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 9.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.08-23.07, p< 0.001), family history of dementia (aOR: 3.4, 95CI: 1.62-7.04, p=0.001). history of depression (aOR: 2.7, 95CI: 1.40-5.02, p=0.003). Physical activity and cognitive exercise were associated protective factors with (aOR 0.1, 95CI: 0.03-0.24, p< 0.001) and (aOR 0.2, 95CI: 0.06-0.53, p<0.002) respectively.

Conclusion: There burden of dementia among older persons in Northern Uganda is significant. Enhanced screening and early identification of dementia is recommended in this setting.