RISK FACTORS FOR DEMENTIA IN A SENEGALESE ELDERLY POPULATION

Background Aging is associated with the development of dementia. Risk factors for the disease have been elucidated in developed countries. Thus, we conducted a study to identify the risk factors for dementia in a Senegalese elderly population. Methods The study was cross-sectional and intended, through a two-wave process of data collection, to collect data from March 01 2004 to December 31 2005 among 872 Senegalese elderly population utilizing the Medico-social and University Center of IPRES for health care. Sociodemographic, toxic habits, physical activity, social network, medical history, familial history of dementia data were collected with a structured questionnaire completed with a clinical exam and neuropsychological testing. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis were done. Results Fifty eight patients (6.6%) had dementia. The whole population has a mean age of 67.2 years (+/- 7.5), mostly male, married, and non-educated. Hypertension, arthritis, gastro-intestinal diseases, respiratory diseases and genitor-urinary diseases were the main health conditions reported. Smoking and alcohol consumption were rare but walking was the main physical activity. The elderly population had a high diversity of ties and frequency of contact with the relatives and friends. Age, frequency of contact with relatives and friends, stroke, epilepsy, family history of dementia were negatively associated with dementia while Parkinson and gastro-intestinal diseases were protective. Conclusion The risk factors identified are similar to what exist in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary to sensitize the health personnel, decisions-makers and the community on the existence of dementia, the risk factors to settle prevention program.