Study of Dementia in the Oldest Old
Author Information
Author(s): Lucca Ugo, Garrì Mariateresa, Recchia Angela, Logroscino Giancarlo, Tiraboschi Pietro, Franceschi Massimo, Bertinotti Chiara, Biotti Anna, Gargantini Elena, Maragna Marilena, Nobili Alessandro, Pasina Luca, Franchi Carlotta, Riva Emma, Tettamanti Mauro
Primary Institution: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri'
Hypothesis
What are the demographic, cognitive, functional, and behavioral characteristics of the oldest old with and without cognitive test performance?
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of including informant-based assessments to accurately understand cognitive decline and dementia in the oldest old.
Supporting Evidence
- About one third of the study population was affected by dementia.
- Older individuals had significantly worse cognitive performance and higher rates of institutionalization.
- Informant-based assessments were crucial for understanding cognitive decline.
Takeaway
This study looked at very old people to see how many have dementia and how it affects their daily lives. It found that many of them have serious memory problems.
Methodology
A door-to-door survey was conducted among residents aged 80 and older in Varese, Italy, using interviews and cognitive tests.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias due to the exclusion of those who could not be tested or were deceased.
Limitations
The study may underestimate dementia prevalence by not including deceased individuals.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily Italian, with a mean age of 88 years, and included a higher percentage of women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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