Anand P. Ambali1, Chaukimath S. P2, Srikanth D. M3, Koli S. S4
BACKGROUND: Dementia is an emerging medico social problem affecting elderly, and poses a challenge to clinician and caregivers. It is usually identified in late stage where management becomes difficult.
AIM: The aim of camp was to identify dementia in elderly population participating in screening camp.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The geriatric clinic and department of psychiatry jointly organised screening camp to detect dementia in elderly for five days in September 2014 to commemorate world Alzheimer’s day. The invitation regarding camp was sent to all senior citizen forums and also published in leading Kannada daily newspaper. Mini Mental Status Examination and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criteria (DSM IV) was used to identify dementia.
RESULTS: Elderly male participated in camp in more number than females and dementia was identified in 36% elderly with education less than 9th standard. Dementia was found in 18% in our study population.
CONCLUSION: The camp help identify elderly suffering from dementia and also created awareness about it. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were common co morbidity in study population. Our study suggested organising screening camp will help identify elderly living with dementia.
