Development and validation of a questionnaire for assessment of memory impairment and dementia, by a new modified memory function rating scale

Abstract

Background: Since, behavioural factors can also predispose dementia, there is an unmet need to develop methods for its early diagnosis, which appears to be crucial for its prevention. This study aims to find out the prevalence of dementia, emphasizing on early symptoms, to validate a new modified questionnaire. Study Design and Setting. Cross-sectional survey in a hospital. Subjects and methods: All subjects (n=2002) above 25 years of age (1016 males and 986 females) were randomly selected and recruited from urban population of Moradabad, North India. Validated questionnaires were used for the assessment of cognitive decline and dementia by a new modified memory function rating scale. Subjects were classified in to normal, mild, moderate and severe dementia by assessment of memory function. Results: The overall prevalence of dementia (6.84%,n=137) was significantly more among men compared to women (8.26%) vs 5.37%, n=84 vs 53, P<0.02). However, the prevalence of dementia (22.37%,n=100) was much greater among subjects above 55 years of age in both sexes and trend was significant. The risk of memory dysfunction or dementia overall showed a graded increase with age from 25 to 84 years, and with decrease in social classes, in both sexes and the trends were significant (P<0.02). The frequency of tobacco intake, alcoholism and western type food intake, were significantly more common among patients with dementia compared to those without dementia. Therefore, the cause of lower prevalence of dementia in women, may be due to lower intake of alcohol and tobacco among Indian women. Conclusions: This modified questionnaire can be successfully used for assessment of memory function in various social classes of north India, because this instrument allowed us to identify overall 6.84% (n=137) patients with dementia.