International Journal of Public Health (Aug 2024)

Trends on Prevalence, All-Cause Mortality, and Survival Status of Dementia Patients in Rural China Based on Pooling Analysis

  • Kang Huo,
  • Suhang Shang,
  • Jin Wang,
  • Chen Chen,
  • Liangjun Dang,
  • Ling Gao,
  • Shan Wei,
  • Lingxia Zeng,
  • Qiumin Qu,
  • Qiumin Qu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606786
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 69

Abstract

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ObjectivesNo study has reported secular trends in dementia prevalence, all-cause mortality, and survival status in rural China.MethodsWe established two cohorts (XRRCC1 and XRRCC2) in the same region of China, 17 years apart, to compare dementia prevalence, all-cause mortality, and survival status, and performed regression analysis to identify associated factors.ResultsDementia prevalence was 3.49% in XRRCC1 and 4.25% in XRRCC2, with XRRCC2 showing a significantly higher prevalence (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.2–2.65). All-cause mortality rates for dementia patients were 62.0% in XRRCC1 and 35.7% in XRRCC2. Mortality in the normal population of XRRCC2 decreased by 66% compared to XRRCC1, mainly due to improved survival rates in women with dementia. Dementia prevalence was positively associated with age >65, spouse-absent status, and stroke, and negatively associated with ≥6 years of education.ConclusionDementia prevalence in rural China increased over 17 years, while mortality decreased. Major risk factors include aging, no spouse, and stroke, with higher education offering some protection.

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