한국 어느 도시지역의 치매 역학조사

Epidemiological Study of Dementia in a Korea Urban Area

Objective : Dementia is major neuropsychiatic disorder in the elderly. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of dementia and provide fundamental data for community mental health programs. Method : 500 elderly people aged 65 years and over in Kwachon were interviewed according to DSM-Ⅳ and examined MMSE-K, Korea-Dementia Rating Scale (K-DRS), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Modified Hatchinski Ischemic Scale (MHIS) by trained research assistants. Results : Prevalence of dementia is 10.6% (Alzheimer type 8.0%；vascular type 2.6%). Old age, lower education, cardiovascular disease, head trauma and heavy smoking seem to be risk factors for developing dementia but sex difference is non significant. Conclusion : The results showed similar prevalence rates compared to other epidemiological studies. Demented group showed more cognitive disturbances than non-demented one. For patients of dementia, appropriate treatment and management by family members, other caregivers and mental health professionals are needed.