Objective: This study aimed to determine the profile of dementia in a sub-Saharan Africa country and assess its effects on role functioning and quality of life.
Methods: Using a multistage, stratified, clustered sampling of households in the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria, representing 22% of the national population, 2152 persons aged 65 years and above were studied. Probable dementia was evaluated using a validated cognitive test - the 10-Word Delay Recall Test. Activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL, and quality of life were also assessed.
Results: The prevalence of probable dementia in this sample was 10.1% (95% confidence interval, 8.6-11.8). Female sex and increasing age were risk factors. Also, lifetime history of alcohol use doubles the risk. Affected persons had relatively preserved functioning and quality of life.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the diagnosis of dementia may be downwardly biased in this culture due to relatively preserved levels of social and functional roles.