A protective personal factor against disability and dependence in the elderly: an ordinal regression analysis with nine geographically-defined samples from Spain.

Background: Sense of Coherence (SOC) is defined as a tendency to perceive life experiences as comprehensible, manageable and meaningful. The construct is split in three major domains: Comprehensibility, Manageability, and Meaningfulness. SOC has been associated with successful coping strategies in the face of illness and traumatic events and is a predictor of self-reported and objective health in a variety of contexts.

Prevalence of dementia and major dementia subtypes in Spanish populations: a reanalysis of dementia prevalence surveys, 1990-2008.

Background: This study describes the prevalence of dementia and major dementia subtypes in Spanish elderly.

Methods: We identified screening surveys, both published and unpublished, in Spanish populations, which fulfilled specific quality criteria and targeted prevalence of dementia in populations aged 70 years and above. Surveys covering 13 geographically different populations were selected (prevalence period: 1990-2008).

Risk factors for dementia in the epidemiological study of Munguialde County (Basque Country-Spain).

Background: Prevalence of degenerative dementias and dementias associated with cerebrovascular disease is increasing. Dementia is one of the most significant public health problem. In recent years, the role of vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia) and depression has been evaluated.

Prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with dementia in Mungialde County (Basque Country, Spain).

Background: Determination of the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly patients with dementia in Mungialde.

Methods: 108 subjects with dementia, who participated in a door-to-door epidemiological study, were included. The 12-item Spanish version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to evaluate these symptoms.