RISK ASSESSMENT OF ALZHEIMER DISEASE AMONG ATTENDANTS OF GENERAL HOSPITALS IN Al-QASSIM.

Background: Alzheimer's disease is the commonest form of dementia; a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities that interferes with daily life. AD accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of information that estimate current prevalence and care costs along with other aspects of the disease. To this regard; we want to recognize risk factors associated with AD and their significance in SA. Methods: A Cross sectional study among attendants of general hospitals in Al- Qassim (Buridah, Unizah, Arass) aged between 50-80 male and females. All attendants during the 2 days of data collection were included (72 participants). The questionnaire designed includes: socio-demographic data, risk factors and tool of assessment; SMMSE. Results: Individuals with higher education had significantly higher scores than their counterparts. Employed individuals, and mental laborers had significantly higher scores than their unemployed and physical workers respectively. Individuals with higher monthly income had significantly higher scores than those with lower income. Individuals who do not have chronic diseases had significantly higher scores than individuals who had chronic diseases (e.g. DM, HTN and heart disease). Individuals who participated more in social activities had significantly higher scores than their counterparts. Individuals who didn't use medications had significantly higher scores than who did. Conclusions and recommendations: Differences in education level, employment status, type of work, monthly income, chronic diseases association, social activity and use of medications significantly affected the AD risk score for individuals from 50 to 80 years of age. The impact of AD in SA deserves further epidemiological and clinical research to enable early detection, treatment, and caregiver support. Education of individuals at risk about AD, its prevention and about measures to delay its development. Such efforts will promote greater awareness, refine the policy agenda and call for concerted action.