The prevalence of dementia among older individuals in Bangladesh has been estimated and found to be a significant public health concern, a Lancet study has found.

The findings of the study revealed a prevalence of dementia at 8.0%, with variations observed across several sociodemographic factors. Age, sex, education, marital status, occupation, and division all exhibited distinct correlations with the prevalence of dementia.

The odds of dementia were found to be higher among females compared to males, with a ratio of 2.15. Individuals aged 90 years or above had a significantly higher risk of dementia compared to those aged 60-69, with odds at 9.62. Education also played a role, as those with no formal education faced three times the risk of dementia compared to those who had completed primary school.

“After adjusting for age, sex, education, occupation and marital status, the odds of dementia was two times higher in females than males; nine times higher in people aged ≥90 years than people aged 60–69 years, and three times higher in people with no education compared to those who had completed primary school,” the study reads.

Importantly, no significant variations in dementia prevalence were observed between urban and rural locations or across socioeconomic statuses.

The study, conducted in 2019 across seven administrative divisions of the country, sheds light on the prevalence of dementia and its variation across different sociodemographic characteristics and regions.

Dementia, a condition characterized by a substantial decline in cognitive and physical functioning, has been a growing global health issue, with a majority of cases reported in low-income and middle-income countries. This study is particularly important as it focuses on a region that contributes significantly to the global burden of dementia cases.

The cross-sectional study, which involved participants aged 60 years or older, employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to ensure representation from both urban and rural areas within each division. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was conducted on all participants, with dementia defined as an MMSE score below 24 out of 30.

The study emphasizes the need for targeted risk reduction and prevention strategies tailored to the specific demographics of the population.

The high prevalence of dementia in Bangladesh, especially among females, older individuals, and those with lower education, underlines the urgency to identify key risk factors in developing countries. With this information, contextually relevant strategies can be developed to mitigate the growing burden of dementia and its impact on society.

Dementia’s increasing prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries highlights the necessity for concerted efforts in research, policy-making, and healthcare infrastructure to address the challenges posed by this complex condition. The study’s outcomes provide a foundation for informed decision-making and targeted interventions aimed at improving the lives of those affected by dementia in Bangladesh and other similar contexts.

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