[Epidemiologic study of a geriatric population in an isolated community: La Graciosa (Canary islands)].
This epidemiological study gives special attention to the population with the age group of 65 and over. The focus is on 33 persons (15%) of the total population of the "Isla La Graciosa", Canary Islands (Spain), who where interviewed by Psychiatrist. The sociodemographic characteristics, every day life style, the consumption of drugs and alcohol, their mental and physical health and cognitive state of these persons was made according to standardized tests. The results showed that 48% have a somatic illness, in this 48%, 37.5% are suffering from rheumatic illness, 6% suffer from hypertension, 36% are smokers and 39% consume alcohol with 21% of them possible alcoholics. In 21% depressive symptoms were detected and in 55% cognitive disorders. These results have been compared with the population of other islands in which the same age groups have similar characteristics. According to these comparisons the study group from la "Isla La Graciosa" seems to have a higher state of physical health but they have a greater tendency towards cognitive disorders.
Crespo
D
D
Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid.
González
L
L
Salcedo
B
B
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Estudio epidemiológico de población geriátrica en una comunidad aislada: La Graciosa (islas Canarias).