Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in an Urban Multiethnic Indigenous Community from Amazonas
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Studies about dementia in Indigenous communities are still scarce worldwide, especially in low-middle-income countries, limiting timely intervention in minority groups. Our research aimed to bridge this gap by determining the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND), and the associated factors, in a multiethnic Indigenous community in Manaus, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study evaluated the cognitive and functional performances of 141 Indigenous individuals (aged 50 and above). A panel of dementia neurologist experts independently analyzed cognitive (Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE], Brief Cognitive Screening Battery, verbal fluency), functional (Pfeffer questionnaire) performances, and depression symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) to classify participants as cognitively unimpaired, CIND, and dementia. Results: = 0.047) were associated with higher CIND and dementia. However, only age was significantly associated with dementia in the regression models (OR = 1.078; 95% CI: 1.011-1.149). Sex, living in extreme poverty, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or excessive alcohol use was not linked to CIND or dementia. Conclusion: The Indigenous community of Manaus exhibited higher rates of dementia and CIND than national and global estimates. These findings may set the stage for additional research into the interplay of social, economic, biological, and behavioral factors affecting dementia risk in underrepresented groups such as Indigenous communities.
DOI: 10.1159/000542587
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,670
OpenAlex ID: W4405614601