Dementia and Mild Neurocognitive Disorder of Older Adult in Banda Aceh: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Community-based survey assessing dementia and mild neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) among older adults living in Banda Aceh, Aceh Province, Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at several Community Health Centres (Puskesmas) in Banda Aceh. All demographic characteristics were collected, and a structured questionnaire, the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination, was used as the screening tool to detect dementia and MNCD. RESULTS: The study included a total of 400 participants, with approximately 70% of them being females. The mean age of the participants was 65.48 years. Around 66% of the participants were married, 62.7% had completed high school, and 74.8% were unemployed. The results of the study showed that 48.8% of the participants have mild neurocognitive disorder, and 21% have dementia. CONCLUSION: Although the cognitive function of older adults was still within the normal range, it is essential to consider that this condition can change as individuals age. Therefore, routine screening and follow-up are necessary to detect changes, and nurses can implement appropriate interventions.

Keywords

• cognitive function; dementia; mild neurocognitive disorder