A clinical registry of dementia based on the principle of epidemiological surveillance
2009

Dementia Case Registry in Girona

Sample size: 577 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Garre-Olmo Josep, Flaqué Margarita, Gich Jordi, Pulido Teresa Osuna, Turbau Josefina, Vallmajo Natalia, Viñas Marta, López-Pousa Secundí

Primary Institution: Institut d'Assistència Sanitària, Salt, Spain

Hypothesis

Can a clinical registry based on epidemiological surveillance provide useful data on dementia diagnosis patterns?

Conclusion

The ReDeGi is a viable epidemiological surveillance device that provides information about the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with dementia in a defined geographical area.

Supporting Evidence

  • 577 cases of dementia were registered, with 60.7% being Alzheimer's disease.
  • The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 2.4 years.
  • High blood pressure and a family history of dementia were common among patients.

Takeaway

This study created a registry to track dementia cases in Girona, helping to understand how many people have dementia and what their needs are.

Methodology

Standardised registry of dementia diagnoses made in 2007 by specialised care centres in the Health Region of Girona.

Potential Biases

Potential underreporting of mild cases that do not seek specialized care.

Limitations

The ReDeGi cannot currently provide dementia incidence rates for its geographical area.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 78.9 years, with 62.6% being women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 59.4–65.8

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2377-9-5

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