Dementia: case ascertainment in a community survey
Article Abstract:
Dementia is a general mental deterioration that is associated with a number of diseases which are common in the aged, such as Alzheimer's disease. Its prevalence is expected to increase as the general population ages. Epidemiological studies on the prevalence and causes of dementia are thus of increasing importance. These studies can be difficult to perform because identifying the presence of dementia from records and cases is often difficult. This study examined the prevalence of dementia in a certain population. A detailed survey of a sampling of adults in Baltimore, Maryland was performed. Adults identified as potentially suffering from dementia were asked to take part in differential diagnosis. Results were obtained from 32 of 41 individuals with possible dementia who chose to take part in differential diagnosis. Results of diagnosis were: five receiving no diagnosis of dementia, five receiving a diagnosis of possible dementia, 12 having Alzheimer's disease (AD), seven having multi-infarct dementia (MID), and three with mixed dementia. Of the 12 subjects with AD, 10 were women and all were 73 years of age or older. Of the subjects with MID, four were men and three were women. Prevalence rates for dementia for the population aged 65 years and older in the area were then calculated as 4.5 percent for the population over the age of 65 as a whole, with a prevalence of 1.2 percent in the age 65- to 74-year-old group and 25.6 percent for the age 85 and older group. Males had a slightly higher rate of dementia than females overall, but females had a higher rate of dementia caused by AD (2.9 percent versus 0.8 percent). Non-whites had a higher overall prevalence of dementia than did whites (7.2 percent versus 3.8 percent). The prevalence of AD increased and that of MID decreased as educational level increased. These results show the prevalence of dementia by cause and demographic characteristics in one community. Results are from a small sample, so interpretations and conclusions should be drawn cautiously. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1991
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Minority use of community long-term care services: a comparative analysis
Article Abstract:
Elderly African Americans, Hispanics, and whites have similar access to community long-term care services. A study of the relationship between race/ethnicity and the use of services with reference to the national surveys, Supplement on Aging, National Long-Term Care, and National Medical Expenditure indicates the absence of bivariate and multivariate differences in the utlization of services. Living arrangements, overall health and functional status, and Medicaid use give an indication of the community service use.
Publication Name: The Journals of Gerontology, Series B
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 1079-5014
Year: 1996
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Factors influencing life-sustaining treatment decisions in a community sample of families
Article Abstract:
An intergenerational community sample of subjects, aged between 24 and 93 years, rates patient's mental capacity and experience of pain as important factors influencing life-sustaining treatment decisions. Care burden on family, financial strain, and patient's age are the least important factors. However, the oldest generation tend to rate the latter three factors as important. Discrepancy exists between the ratings of adult children and their parents regarding life-sustaining treatment decisions.
Publication Name: Psychology and Aging
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0882-7974
Year: 1996
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