The profile and impact of probable dementia in a sub-Saharan African community: Results from the Ibadan Study of Aging.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the profile of dementia in a sub-Saharan Africa country and assess its effects on role functioning and quality of life.


METHODS
Using a multistage, stratified, clustered sampling of households in the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria, representing 22% of the national population, 2152 persons aged 65 years and above were studied. Probable dementia was evaluated using a validated cognitive test - the 10-Word Delay Recall Test. Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, and quality of life were also assessed.


RESULTS
The prevalence of probable dementia in this sample was 10.1% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-11.8). Female sex and increasing age were risk factors. Also, lifetime history of alcohol use doubles the risk. Affected persons had relatively preserved functioning and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the diagnosis of dementia may be downwardly biased in this culture due to relatively preserved levels of social and functional roles.
Gureje
Oye
O
Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. ogureje@comui.edu.ng
Ogunniyi
Adesola
A
Kola
Lola
L
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile