Estimation of prevalence of dementia among aged inpatients in general hospital

Abstract

In Japan, the super-aged society, it is very important issue to treat physical complications of dementia patients. For the purpose of estimating the prevalence of dementia among aged inpatients in general hospital, the Dementia Committee of Japan General Hospital Psychiatric Association did a multi-institution joint research. In this paper, we report the results of the research. 972 inpatients admitted to treat physical complications in 6 general hospitals, and aged 65 or older were examined. We examined cognitive function section of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) (in this research, that means immediate recall & delayed recall of 3 wods), history of medical diagnosis of dementia, prescription of anti-dementia drugs, and presence of dementia diagnosis in terms of medical insurance. We estimate the prevalence of dementia in general hospital elderly inpatients is 17.5 to 52.3%.