A Case-control Study to Identify the Risk Factors of Dementia among Clinically Diagnosed Patients in Kerala

Context: Dementia is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century because of its health, social and economic impact. In India over 4.1 million people are affected. Dementia still remains a largely hidden problem in India. There is gross ignorance, neglect and scarce services for people with dementia and their families, especially in the disadvantaged parts of India.

Objective: To identify the risk factors of dementia among the residents of ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and related Disorders Society of India) Centers in Kerala.

Materials and Methods: A case control study involving 51 clinically diagnosed dementia patients from four ARDSI Centers in Kerala were considered as cases and 102 age and gender matched controls were selected from neighborhood.

Using a pretested structured interview schedule the risk factors of dementia were identified.

Results: 51 cases and 102 controls participated in this study. The dementia patients who were in the 70–79 age group constituted 43%.Among the women with dementia 18% were widows. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that important determinants of dementia were increasing age, married status, family history of dementia and hypertension.

Conclusion: The public awareness about dementia in India is low. A better understanding & identification of the risk factors of dementia which would protect/reduce the risk of dementia is essential for controlling this silent epidemic.