Abstract
BACKGROUND: The number of people living with dementia is forecasted to increase rapidly, particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries. No epidemiological studies of dementia have been reported in Jordan; therefore, the number of people living with dementia and the risk factors are unknown. OBJECTIVE: Measure the annual period prevalence of dementia, along with its risk factors in Jordanian hospitalized patients over the age of 50 years. METHODS: The prevalence of dementia was measured using a prospective survey design for over one year. Risk factors were explored using a case-control match design. RESULTS: The total number of participants in the overall survey was 31,411, and the number of participants included as cases with dementia was 406, the number of matched controls free of dementia was 416. The general annual period prevalence of dementia for people older than 50 years was 1.29%, comprising 406 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, male gender, family history of dementia, and illiteracy were significant risk factors for dementia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dementia in Jordan is lower than the global prevalence due to the relatively younger Jordanian population. Results from this study can provide baseline information for policymakers for significant health planning to meet the needs of such a group of patients.