Abstract Details

Title Detecting Cognitive Decline in Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands - Ecuador

Topic Global Health and Neuroepidemiology

Presentation(s) Global Health Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 006

Background In Ecuador, our research group in 2018 in the province of Pichincha reported a prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia of 18-22% at age 65 and 54-60% at age 80, which is higher than developed countries and consistent with data of other developing countries. To better understand the differences between regions of Ecuador, we conducted a study to determine the risk factors and prevalence of cognitive decline in the Island of Santa Cruz, Province of Galápagos, Ecuador

Objective To assess the cognitive function, prevalence, and risk factors associated with cognitive decline in people over 65 years of age in Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador.

Design/Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study that was carried out in adults over 65 years of age in Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, Ecuador. The MMSE and AD8 Ecuador validated Spanish versions were used to assess cognition.

Results A total of 80 participants, 55 (67%) women and 25 (31.2%) men. The majority of participants were Mestizos (85.3%), with the remainder classified as White (4.8%), Afro-Ecuadorians (2.4%), or Indigenous (3.6%). The prevalence of cognitive impairment is 30.0 - 43.7%. The MMSE results showed that older age and lack of education are risk factors for cognitive decline (p<0.01). There was high correlation between MMSE and AD8 scores. The AD8 showed that older age, widowhood, and living in Santa Rosa were risk factors for cognitive decline (p<0.01). According to the AD8, the group with the highest education (6 years or more) had the lowest risk of cognitive decline (p<0.01).

Conclusions The main risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia in individuals 65 years and older in Santa Cruz Island Galápagos, Ecuador are increased age, lack of education, and widowhood. The prevalence of cognitive impairment is similar to previous studies in Ecuador.

Authors/Disclosures
Patricio H. Espinosa Del Pozo, MD (Universidad Central Del Ecuador) PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Patricio S. Espinosa, MD, MPH, FAAN (The Espinosa Neuroscience Institute)	Dr. Espinosa has nothing to disclose.
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