A Cross‐Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Its Associated Factors Among the Elderly in Kaniyambadi Block, Vellore

TL;DR

This study found that 20% of elderly adults in Kaniyambadi, India had mild cognitive impairment, with age over 70, no education, and depression being key risk factors.

Contribution

The study provides region-specific prevalence data and identifies modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment in rural South India.

Findings

20% prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among elderly adults in Kaniyambadi block.

Age ≥70, no formal education, and depression were significantly associated with cognitive impairment.

Prevalence of major neurocognitive disorder was 4.4% in the same population.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and major neurocognitive disorder among adults aged greater than or equal to 60 in Kaniyambadi block, Vellore, and the factors associated with cognitive impairment.

A community based cross sectional study was conducted on 360 adults greater than or equal to the age of 60 residing in Kaniyambadi block, Vellore.

A semi‐structured interviewer‐based questionnaire was administered to the participant. Their subjective and objective cognitive abilities were assessed along with their ability to perform their activities of daily living. The participants were also screened for depression.

Univariate analysis was done using measures of central tendencies and proportions. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi square test, and logistic regression was also performed.

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among adults aged more than or equal to 60 residing in Kaniyambadi block was 20% (95% CI 15.9–24.5). The prevalence of major neurocognitive disorder in the same population was 4.4% (95% CI 2.5–7.1), and the prevalence of depression was 18.9% (95% CI 14.9–23.3). Age greater than or equal to 70 (AOR 2.24 [1.38–3.64]), no formal education (AOR 2.62 [1.52–4.48]), and depression (AOR 3.64 [1.90–6.99]) were found to be statistically significantly associated with cognitive impairment.

The overall prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and major neurocognitive disorder in Kaniyambadi block was found to be similar to the prevalence in other parts of the nation. Adults aged more than 70 and those with no formal education are associated with a greater risk of developing cognitive impairment. As depression is also associated with cognitive impairment, it is imperative to screen the elderly with depression and other psychiatric illnesses for cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment is an emerging public health problem that is affecting many elderly people in the population. Early identification and cognitive rehabilitation of those affected with mild cognitive impairment can help slow the progress to major neurocognitive decline.

Cognitive impairment is an emerging public health problem. A study done in rural Tamil Nadu, India showed the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment to be 20% and major neurocognitive disorder 4.4%. Further studies are needed to ascertain the causes behind cognitive impairment and develop strategies to mitigate it.

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