Do one in six Indians over 59 really have a mild brain disorder, as a new study suggests?
A new study, published in PLOS One, suggests that the prevalence of dementia in India is higher than previously thought.
- A new study, published in PLOS One, suggests that the prevalence of dementia in India is higher than previously thought.
- Dementia is considered a major neurocognitive disorder, while mild cognitive impairment, a common early stage of dementia, a minor neurocognitive disorder.
- The study results showed that nearly one-sixth (17.6%) of people over 59 in India have a mild neurocognitive disorder, while 7.2% have a major neurocognitive disorder.
- Mild cognitive impairment and dementia are commonly based on performance on cognitive tests and whether cognitive changes affect everyday activities.
- For mild cognitive impairment, people will have mild cognitive changes, but they do not affect their everyday activities.
Shortcomings
- Despite cognition and everyday activity being key to dementia diagnostics worldwide, they have significant shortcomings, in particular for assessments in developing countries, such as India.
- For the current study, nearly half of their participants had either no formal education or were illiterate.
- But what else can we do to determine if someone is either at risk or has dementia?
- Read more:
Playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir may boost your brain – new study
Michael Hornberger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.