Work

Factors associated with dementia among older people in Malaysia: Findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with dementia among older people in Malaysia. METHODS: This study used data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Malaysia. Participants involved were older people aged 60 years and above. Data collected were on dementia risk factors as well as dementia screening. Dementia screening was done using the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans cognitive screening tool. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were carried out to determine the factors associated with dementia. RESULTS: There were 3774 participants involved in this study. Multiple logistic regression showed factors associated with dementia among older people were those aged 70 years and above, Indian ethnic group, being single, primary or no formal education, as well as those with hypertension. Interestingly, our findings also showed that older people with hypercholesterolemia have lower odds of having dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors were associated with dementia in Malaysia, highlighting the need to implement multiple interventions strategies, by taking a lifetime approach emphasizing education, physical as well as social aspects.

Source: Australasian Journal on Ageing

DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13392

Authors: Nur Hamizah Nasaruddin, Shubash Shander Ganapathy, Sin Wan Tham

Institutions: Ministry of Health, National Institutes of Health

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660