Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Globally the proportion of older adults population is increasing at an alarming rate. With this increase comes a growing prevalence of late-life disorders such as Cognitive Impairment (CI). The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CI and the associated correlates among older adults living in Karachi, Pakistan. A population-based survey was conducted among people aged 60 years or older in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 1400 community dwelling older adults were recruited using multi stage cluster sampling. Face-to-face interviews were carried out to collect information including demographic characteristics, medical history and a validated version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to screen subjects with CI. SPSS version 19 was used for analysis and logistics regression analysis was performed. A total of 1400 (≥60 years old) were included. Among them, 695 (49.6%) were females and 705 males (51.4%). Prevalence of cognitive impairment was estimated to be 33.7%. Significant factors that were found to be associated with cognitive impairment includes increasing age [AOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.04-1.95], being female [AOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.16-2.04], feeling lonely (P-0.01) and being depressed (P-<0.001). This study showed a high prevalence of CI among elderly in an urban city of Pakistan. Strong associations were observed between CI and variables such as increasing age, female gender, depression and loneliness. Regular screening and early interventions may help to reduce the onset of CI among elderly. Therefore, more emphasis should be given towards prevention of CI to fight against this growing epidemic