Abstract

Background: Dementia (cognitive impairment) is characterized by gradually declining memory and other cognitive abilities which reduce the quality of life of elderly people. The World Health Organization estimated that 2/3rd patients with dementia will be from developing countries which indicate that there will be an epidemic of dementia in India. As per Delphi census, an overall prevalence of dementia is 1.6%. As there were very few studies in Telangana especially in Hyderabad, present study is conducted.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify magnitude of dementia and its risk factors in elderly people.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during November–December 2013. Study conducted in randomly selected four old-age homes located in outskirts of Hyderabad. All the Inmates of old-age homes were included. All participants are questioned in conscious coherent state. Basic demographic information, associated factors and mini-mental status examination (MMSE) a brief 30-point questionnaire test that is used to screen for cognitive impairment is administered.

Results: Of 112 participants, age of participants

Key words: Dementia; Cognitive Impairment; Elderly; Mini-Mental Status Examination; Telangana