P4‐252: Revivre! Research on Aging and Integration of Life Experiences in Residence: Encouraging University Students to Work With Seniors in Long‐Term Care Homes

Abstract

Background: Population ageing is happening fast in low and middle income countries, and the number of people with dementia is increasing, which is an important cause of daily activity limitations, needs of care, aside from generate high socioeconomic costs. This study aims to estimate the contribution of dementia to disability and dependence in older Mexicans. Methods: Cohort study of 1753 participants aged 65 and over, with a median follow up of 3.03 years. Socio demographic characteristics were evaluated at baseline, as well self-reported health problems (hypertension; diabetes; stroke; arthritis; and eye, hearing, and stomach problems). Severe disability and dependence were ascertained at baseline and at follow up. We used a competingrisks regression model to estimate the effects of dementia on disability and dependence, adjusted by age, sex, marital status, level of education, income and number of assets. We also estimated the population-attributable risk (PAR) of dementia for disability and dependence. Results: People with dementia at baseline were more likely to have severe disabilty at follow-up (adj RR 2.86 (95% CI: 1.83-4.49), and these associations were even higher for dependence ) at follow-up. Around 4.2% (95% CI: 3.1-5.2) of cases of severe disability, and 5% (95% CI: 4.8%-5.1) of dependence could be avoided if cases of dementia could be treated or prevented. Conclusions: Public health interventions for reducing dementia incidence also have important benefits reducing incidence of disability and dependence among older adults.