Prevalence estimation of dementia among Thai elderly: a national survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of dementia and its associated factors among Thai elderly.


METHODS
A one-stage cross-sectional national survey.


METHODS
National communities in Thailand.


METHODS
4,048 elderly subjects aged 60 and above.


RESULTS
There were 668 (16.5%) elderly with a CMT score below 15. Among these elderly, 132 were dependent as to certain aspects of self-care. According to the definition of dementia used in this one-stage survey design (i.e. subjects with a low CMT score and self-care dependence), 3.3 per cent of Thai elderly (95% confidence interval = 2.7-3.8) were classified as having dementia. After adjusting to geographic and municipal area, the prevalence rate was 3.4 per cent (95% confidence interval = 2.8-4). Age-specific prevalence rate increased dramatically from 1.0 per cent in the 60-64 age-group to 31.3 per cent in the 90+ age-group. The prevalence rate of dementia among Thai elderly found in this study did not differ from the prevalence rates among the elderly in other Asian and developed countries. Using a logistic regression analysis, 3 independent factors associated with dementia were age, literacy (writing) and geographic area.


CONCLUSIONS
With a one-stage survey design for determining the prevalence of dementia, the prevalence rate and age-specific prevalence rate among the Thai elderly did not differ from those found in other Asian and developed countries.
Jitapunkul
S
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Kunanusont
C
C
Phoolcharoen
W
W
Suriyawongpaisal
P
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology