Prevalence and risk factors of dementia in elder adults in Xiamen, China: A cross-sectional study

Background The prevalence of dementia can vary by region and there is a cluster of more than 10 modifiable risk factors for dementia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dementia in Xiamen, China, and identify independent risk factors associated with dementia. Methods This cluster sampling-based cross-sectional study enrolled elder adults from Xiamen City and conducted face-to-face interviews between April and August 2019. Data on the demographic characteristics and prevalence of dementia were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the factors associated with dementia. Results A total of 6430 subjects were enrolled. The prevalence of dementia was 7.62% (490/6430). A total of 490 patients were in the dementia group and 196 healthy matched subjects were selected for the control group with similar profiles for age, gender, and occupation as the dementia patients. Dementia patients were at increased risk for cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, and hypertension (all P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-3.63, P < 0.001) and traumatic brain injury (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.16-4.53, P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for dementia. Conclusions The prevalence of dementia was high among elder adults residing in Xiamen, China. Dementia patients were more likely to have hypertension and traumatic brain injury than the matched control group.