Level of cognitive functioning among elderly patients in urban area of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
2024

Cognitive Functioning in Elderly Patients in Urban Bangladesh

Sample size: 150 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Imran Joynal Abedin, Saha Pradip Kumar, Ria Marzana Afrooj, Sarwar Syeda Saika, Konok Jannatul Ferdous

Primary Institution: Department of Physiotherapy, National Institute of Traumatology & Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate the prevalence of cognitive decline and its associated factors among urban-dwelling elderly adults in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among elderly individuals in urban Bangladesh, with age, educational level, and diabetes being key predictors.

Supporting Evidence

  • 53.3% of participants were classified as having dementia.
  • 38.7% had mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD).
  • Only 8% showed normal cognitive function.
  • Significant predictors of cognitive function included age, educational level, and diabetes.

Takeaway

This study found that many older people in urban Bangladesh have trouble thinking clearly, and things like age, education, and diabetes can make it worse.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling to assess cognitive function with the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) among 150 elderly participants.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the hospital-based sample, which may include individuals with existing health concerns.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a specific hospital setting, which may not represent the broader community, and did not assess depressive symptoms that could mimic cognitive decline.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 60-85 years, with a mean age of 67.41 years; 53.3% were male and 68.6% were from low-income families.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P < 0.001 for age, P = 0.009 for education, P = 0.038 for diabetes.

Confidence Interval

95% confidence intervals = -1.76 to 2.08 for mean age.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0309850

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