Background In 2050, it is estimated that the number of dementia patients in the sub Saharan Africa is expected to reach 5.05 million, an increase of 136% from the previous estimate of 2.14 million. The objectives of the present study were to assess the neuroimaging findings and associated factors in dementia suspected patients. Method A retrospective survey of the medical records of 121 suspected dementia patients whom presented to the Yehuleshet Specialty Clinic with subjective forgetfulness were reviewed. The study duration was between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. Results The mean age was 70.4 (1SD = 10.3) years. Sixty four (52.9%) participants were age below 70. Male accounted for 57.9%. Hyperlipidemia was the commonest (38%) identified vascular risk factor followed by prevalence of hypertension (32.2%) and diabetes mellitus (22.3%). HIV infection was observed in 3.3%. Low mean serum vitamin D level (below 20ng/mL) was observed in individuals with focal & global cortical atrophy and those with white matter hyperintensity. Fifty two (43%) participants fulfilled the clinical and imaging criteria of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Nearly quarter of the patients had imaging evidences of focal or global cortical atrophy. Eleven (9.1%) had imaging evidences of surgical causes of dementia. the presences of comorbid hypertension, previous stroke, and Parkinsonism were independent predictors of vascular dementia. Conclusion The present study shows high burden of vascular cognitive impairment among individuals suspected of dementia. Furthermore, the presences of comorbid hypertension, previous stroke, and Parkinsonism were independent predictors of vascular dementia.
BACKGROUND: A plethora of scientific studies has shown diffuse slowing on electroencephalograph (EEG) study is a frequent occurrence in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, compared to the healthy controls. Little is known about EEG slowing and PD in the sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with EEG slowing in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 40 PD patients at Yehuleshet Specialty Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data.RESULTS: Total of 40 patients with PD was included in the present survey. The median age was 66 (IQR: 52.5 – 72.5 years) and young onset PD accounted 20%. Males accounted for two-third of the participants. Diffuse EEG slowing was observed in 52.5% (n=21) of participants. Majority (85%) were on levodopa treatment. Hypovitaminosis D was observed in 93.1% of the study participants. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) and global brain atrophy were seen in 47.5% and 27.5% respectively. Even though statistically not significant, PD patients with EEG slowing, reported more forgetfulness and had WMH on their brain MRI, compared to those with normal EEG. Age was associated with diffuse EEG slowing when adjusted for forgetfulness and WMH (Adjusted OR 1.18 95% CI (1.01 - 1.37) p=0.03).CONCLUSION: The present study indicates high prevalence of diffuse EEG slowing in PD patients. Age was associated with diffuse EEG slowing. Higher proportion of patients with EEG slowing reported forgetfulness and hypovitaminosis D compared to those with normal EEG recordings.
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