Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors of Dementia and Depressive Disorders of the Elderly Residing in the Community: A Two Stage One-year Follow-up Study

Hahm, Bong Jin; Kim, Jang Kyu; Cho, Maeng Je

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study is to evaluate the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of cognitive impairment and depression in the elderly in community.
METHODS
This study was a one-year follow-up of Yonchon cohort aged 65 years and over, selected initially in a prevalence study of dementia and depression. A sample of 790 elderly persons who completely interviewed in a prevalence study was re-interviewed with one year interval using the Korean version of Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (K-PAS).
RESULTS
A total of 631 elderly persons was completely interviewed in this follow-up study. The prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression were 21.4% (11.9% in males and 28.3% in females) and 8.4% (6.3% in males and 10.0% in females), respectively. The one-year incidence of cognitive impairment and depression were 11.4% (5.7% in males and 16.2% in females) and 5.1% (3.1% in males and 6.6% in females), respectively. The risk factors of the prevalence of cognitive impairment were education, age, sex, history of stroke, and economic status. The risk factors of the prevalence of depression were family history of depression, history of stroke, marital status, and economic status. The risk factors of the incidence of cognitive impairment were female gander, education, age, alcohol use disorder, marital status, and economic status. The risk factors of the incidence of depression were low education, disrupted marital status, and poor economic status.
CONCLUSION
Cognitive impairment and depression were frequent in the elderly. Several risk factors for cognitive impairment and depression were identified. These results suggest that comprehensive health and social services were needed for the elderly.