RISK FACTORS FOR AGE-RELATED DEMENTIA IN KAZAKHSTAN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

To our knowledge, no population-based studies have been conducted on dementia in Kazakhstan yet. The aim of our pilot research was evaluation of the risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in Kazakhstani settings. 79 patients of dementia (37 males and 42 females) and 121 healthy controls (50 males and 71 females) were included in the study. Among 79 dementia cases 45 (57%) had Alzheimer’s dementia, 34 (43%) vascular dementia. Dementia patients varied in age from 50 to 85 years, with a mean of 67.5 ± SD 8.3 years. There were 42 (53%) females and 37 (47%) males. A logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for potential factors associated with dementia. In our cohort, a significant risk factor for AD and VD was a nearly childhood in rural areas and small towns, whereas obtaining at least secondary education had protective effect on vascular dementia. Surprisingly, higher body mass index, having history of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke had negative association with Alzheimer’s dementia. These findings may be useful for facilitating advanced research on dementia and developing prevention plan of age-related dementias in Kazakhstan.