The ZARADEMP Project on the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of dementia (and depression) in the elderly community: II. Methods and first results

Background: There is a pressing need to identify environmental risk factors of dementia and depression in the elderly. Aims: To describe the methods and first results of the ZARADEMP Project, the first psychiatric study to document risk factors in incident cases of dementia (and depression) in a Southern European elderly population. Method: A three-wave (baseline and two follow-up waves) epidemiological study to identify incident cases of dementia (and depression) was completed in a representative sample population. Valid Spanish versions of case-finding instruments, including the Geriatric Mental State (GMS) were administered by standardized researchers. The incident cases, diagnosed by a panel of psychiatrists using DSM-IV criteria, will be included in a case-control study. Results: Response rate was acceptable (63.6% in Wave I, 87'2% in Wave II and 85'8% in Wave III), and 4,803 individuals completed Wave I. Diagnostic agreement was achieved in 91.4% of probable cases presented to the panel, and a total of 146 incident cases of dementia were identified. Conclusions: We feel confident that modem epidemiological requirements have been fulfilled and the statistical power in the calculations of risk will be acceptable.

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