Abstract
Objective
The objective of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in a communityโdwelling elderly population.
Methods
1000 community residents aged 65โ74 years were recruited in the crossโsectional survey of associated factors of cognitive impairment in southern Taiwan. We employed a multilevel stratified sampling strategy and conducted this interview survey from April to June 2001. The survey questionnaire included background information and the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. The relationship between cognitive impairment and each individual variable in personal attributes and social participation were explored.
Results
Eight hundred and ninetyโfour (89.4%) subjects completed the interview and questionnaires. The cognitive impairment rate among all subjects was 4.92%. Of those surveyed, 54.98% were male and 45.02% were female, and the average age was 69.37 (SD 2.73) years. Most survey respondents (72.05%) were married, and 68.90% of the subjects did not participate in any social activities in the last 6 months. Females, those who were illiterate or did not attend school, those who had an average family income below US$860 per month, and persons who did not participate in any social activities had a significantly higher rate of cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
The educational level and participation in social activities were associated with the cognitive impairment among the aged community dwellers. Copyright ยฉ 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.