title: Prevalence of dementia and main subtypes in rural northern China.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article was to estimate the prevalence of and to determine the sociodemographic risk factors for dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) among individuals residing in rural northern China.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2011 and 2012, residents aged ≥60 years and residing in rural areas of northern China were clinically assessed for symptoms of dementia, AD and VaD. Diagnoses were made using established criteria and standard procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 5,578 enrolled study participants aged ≥60 years, the prevalence rates of dementia, AD and VaD were 7.7, 5.4 and 1.7%, respectively. Older age (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14-1.19) and female gender (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.51-3.00) were identified as independent risk factors for AD. In turn, a higher educational level (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21-0.60) and engagement in social activities (OR = 0.219; 95% CI: 0.163-0.295) were protective factors. Risk factors associated with VaD were older age (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.1-1.12) and hypertension (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.18-2.86), while a higher educational level (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.44-0.65) and engagement in social activities (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.29-0.41) were protective factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High rates of dementia (7.7%) and AD (5.4%) were found in the rural areas of northern China. Older age and female gender were identified as risk factors for AD, while older age and hypertension were risk factors for VaD. A higher educational level and engagement in social activities were identified as protective factors against both AD and VaD.
authors: Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Ji
authors: Zhihong
authors: Z
authors: Shi
authors: Ying
authors: Y
authors: Zhang
authors: Shuling
authors: S
authors: Liu
authors: Shuai
authors: S
authors: Liu
authors: Wei
authors: W
authors: Yue
authors: Mengyuan
authors: M
authors: Liu
authors: Ya Ruth
authors: YR
authors: Huo
authors: Jinhuan
authors: J
authors: Wang
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Wisniewski
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012737:Sex Factors