Background:Throughout the world, a large number of surveys have been carried out to find the prevalence of dementia with variable results.Aims:This study was to generate data on the prevalence of dementia and to generate a hypothesis on the differential distribution across populations.Materials and Methods:Four settings identified for the purpose of this study included a migrant, urban, rural, and tribal. The study was conducted in two phases: 1) A screening phase and 2) a clinical phase, on 2,000 individuals above 60 years of age. To complete the required sample of 2,000 elderly individuals, 500 individuals were approached from each site. Nobody refused to participate.Results:A total of 32/2,000 (1.6%) elderly individuals were classified as demented. No case of dementia was reported from tribal population. A look at sex differential reveals that majority (21/32; 66%) of individuals identified as demented were females. As age advanced scores on cognitive screen decreased with elders above 80 years of age showing lowest scores. Out of 32, 18 (56%) of patients classified as demented were more than 80 years of age.Conclusion:The findings of this study are in agreement with previous studies which point towards differential distribution of dementia across populations.

Background:India is the second most populous country of the world. A large portion of the population of this country is below 20 years of age but still there is a paucity of information about the prevalence and incidence of many developmental disorders. This study was planned to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the selected areas (tribal, rural, and urban) of a northern state of India, Himachal Pradesh.Methods:A cross-sectional two-phase study was conducted covering all the children in the range of 1-10 years of age. Phase one included screening of all the children in the age group of 1-10 years, with the help of an indigenous assessment tool for autism. The sociodemographic profile of the participants was also recorded during phase one. Phase two involved the clinical evaluation of individuals who were suspected of autism on screening.Results:The results show a prevalence rate of 0.9/1000. The highest prevalence rate was observed in the rural area.Conclusions:Socioeconomic status (SES) may be one of the fundamental indicators for ASDs in India.

Objective:The objective of the following study is to assess the clinical profiles and manifestations of snakebite patients in the rural hilly setting of Shivalik and the Lesser Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh.Materials and Methods:A hospital record-based retrospective descriptive study was carried out that included details on demography, clinical profile, treatment and outcome among 200 patients over a period of 2 years. The data was analyzed using Chi-square test for comparison.Results:142 (71%) patients were young (age group of 16-45 years) and the number of male patients was 118 (59%) and female patients were 82 (41%). All the cases recorded presented in the months of April to November. Not a single case was recorded from December to March. The most frequently bitten sites were the lower limbs particularly the feet. 86 (43%) of the patients presented without any features of envenomation. Neuroparalysis was the commonest presentation in 53 (46%) patients followed by hemotoxicity in 36 (31%) among symptomatic patients. Early morning neuroparalysis syndrome was the presentation in 26.4% patients. Allergic reactions in the form of early anaphylaxis were noted in 7% patients.Conclusion:Snake bite is a neglected tropical disease affecting poor villagers in rural areas. Future research focusing on understanding epidemiological determinants of snake bite is desired.

Background:Diabetes mellitus affects individuals of all ages and socioeconomic status. Skin is affected by the acute metabolic derangements as well as by chronic degenerative complications of diabetes.Aims:To evaluate the prevalence of skin manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus. To analyze the prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among diabetic patients from this region of Western Himalayas.Materials and Methods:One hundred consecutive patients with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and having skin lesions, either attending the diabetic clinic or admitted in medical wards were included in this study.Results:The common skin disorders were: Xerosis (44%), diabetic dermopathy (36%), skin tags (32%), cutaneous infections (31%), and seborrheic keratosis (30%).Conclusion:Skin is involved in diabetes quite often and the manifestations are numerous. High prevalence of xerosis in our diabetic population is perhaps due to cold and dry climatic conditions in the region for most of the time in the year.

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