Abstract

Touré K.1,2,3*, Coumé M.4,, Sow A.,2Basse A.2, Diagne N.S.2, Sarr Moustapha.1 , Ndao A.K.2, Diop M.S.2, Seck L.B.2, Ndiaye M.2, Tal Dia A.3, Diop A.G.2andNdiaye M.M.

With the aging of the population, cognitive impairment is becoming frequent. Thus, a study was conducted to estimate its prevalencein a Senegalese elderly population60 years and over living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal.A cross sectional study was conducted from Julyto august 2007 in a population of elderly aged 60 years and over living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegalto screen for cognitive impairment. Data on sociodemographiccharacteristics, lifestyles, physical activity, social network, medical history, familial history of dementiawere collected with a structured questionnaire. Interviews were completed with a clinical exam and neuropsychological testingwith the Test of Senegal. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of ≤28/39with the Test of Senegal.Thepopulation (584 elderly)hada mean age of 69.5years (±7.3), was mostly female (54%), married (74.6%), and illiterated (80.1%). Social network was poor, alcohol and smoking rare. Hypertension(58%), arthritis(45.9%), gastro-intestinal diseases (38.2%), anemia (29.5%) and cataract (22.9%)were the main healthconditions reported. History of dementia was reported by 26.2%. Prevalence of cognitive impairment was 20.7% (95% CI:17.7%-23.7%). This prevalence was more frequent among female and illiterated elderly persons.Prevalence of cognitiveimpairment was high and more frequent in female and illiterated elderly population living in the commune of Diourbel, Senegal.