Clinical profile and pattern of dementia in a geriatric centre

Abstract

Background: Knowledge on the clinical presentation of dementia is essential for appropriate care, especially in Low-and-Middle-Income  Countries where these cases are on a sharp rise and can also aid early detection of other underlying conditions. This study sought to  provide a broad and updated socio-demographic, clinical profile, pattern of diagnosis and treatment features of people diagnosed with dementia in this setting.

Method: A retrospective cohort study which reviewed the medical case records of all older adults with dementia  receiving treatment at the psychogeriatric and the neurology clinic of the Geriatric Centre (N=192). A proforma was designed to collect  information from the case records.

Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 74.0(±7.2) years, 97.9%lived with other persons,  50.0% had at least one comorbidity and 52.6% presented late for treatment. Overall, hypertension (64.1%) and diabetes (22.4%) were the most common comorbidity, 55.2% had complaints bordering on behavioural problems; irrational speech (31.3%) being the most  common, while 91.7% had forgetfulness as a cognitive symptom.

Conclusions: A high rate of comorbidities, as well as late presentation  was common among the participants. Our findings appraise the clinical importance of detailed knowledge of the patterns and profiles of  older adults with dementia for early presentation and treatment.