Objective: To assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment in a Senegalese elderly population, of the Sociohealth and university center of Senegalese national retirement institution, Dakar, Senegal.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in 872 Senegalese elderly population aged 55 years and over utilizing the Sociohealth and university center of IPRES, Dakar, Senegal for health care. Sociodemographic, lifestyles, physical activity, medical history, familial history of dementia data were collected with a structured questionnaire completed with a clinical exam and neuropsychological testing. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score of 28 or less with the test of Senegal.
Results: Ninety four subjects (10.8%; 95% CI 8,7-12,9) had cognitive impairment. Mean age was 67.2 years (±7.5 years), 63% were men, 79% were married, and half of them knew how to read and write. Hypertension, arthritis and gastro-intestinal diseases were the main health conditions reported. Prevalence of cognitive impairment varied with age and education.
Conclusion: Prevalence of cognitive decline in the Sociohealth and university center of IPRES, Dakar, Senegal, is higher and varied with age and education.