Jornal Brasileiro de Psiquiatria ()

Prevalence of dementia in long-term care institutions: a meta-analysis

  • Daniel Ferreira Fagundes,
  • Marcos Túlio Costa,
  • Bárbara Bispo da Silva Alves,
  • Maria Madalena Soares Benício,
  • Lanna Pinheiro Vieira,
  • Lara S. F. Carneiro,
  • Osvaldo José Moreira Nascimento,
  • Renato Sobral Monteiro Junior

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0047-2085000000298

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Objective: This study comprises a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to estimate the prevalence of dementia in long-term care institutions (LTCIs). Methods: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Original transversal and longitudinal articles published until July 2020 were eligible in this review. Databases PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, Scopus and ScienceDirect were searched. Overall prevalence and confidence intervals were estimated. Heterogeneity was calculated according to the index of heterogeneity (I2). Results: One hundred seventy-five studies were found in all databases and 19 studies were meta-analyses, resulting in an overall prevalence of 53% (CI 46-59%; p < 0.01) of demented older adults living in LTCIs. Conclusion: Prevalence of dementia is higher in older adults living in LTCIs than those living in general communities. This data shows a worrying reality that needs to be changed. There is a need for a better understanding of the elements that cause this increase in dementia in LTCFs to direct actions to improve the quality of life and health of institutionalized elderly.

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