Risk factors for dementia in the epidemiological study of Munguialde County (Basque Country-Spain)
2008

Risk Factors for Dementia in Munguialde County, Spain

Sample size: 1931 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fernández Martínez Manuel, Castro Flores Jessica, Pérez de las Heras Susana, Mandaluniz Lekumberri Aitziber, Gordejuela Menocal María, Zarranz Imirizaldu Juan José

Primary Institution: Department of Neurology, Hospital de Cruces, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain

Hypothesis

What are the risk factors for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia in elderly people in Munguialde County?

Conclusion

Greater age, female sex, stroke, and depression increase the risk of suffering dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Stroke was the only risk factor for vascular dementia.
  • Female sex and age were significant risk factors for both dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
  • Depression was identified as an independent risk factor for dementia.

Takeaway

As people get older, women, those who have had a stroke, and people with depression are more likely to get dementia.

Methodology

A two-phase, door-to-door population-based study was conducted, evaluating cognitive status and recording demographic variables and risk factors.

Potential Biases

Information was based on self-reported clinical history, which may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study relied on clinical records and had a small number of patients with vascular dementia, which could bias results.

Participant Demographics

Participants were elderly individuals aged 65 and over from Munguialde County.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.14–2.45

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2377-8-39

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