Population-based epidemiological studies (prevalence phase)

Cross-sectional comprehensive one phase surveys of all residents aged 65+ have been completed in defined catchment areas in eight low and middle income countries (Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, India and China), with sample sizes of 2000 or more in each country. Surveys in Nigeria, Argentina and Puerto Rico are currently in the field, and a survey in South Africa is shortly to begin.

The database will ultimately include nearly 25,000 older people from eight countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, India, China, Nigeria and South Africa.

All surveys use the same core minimum data set with the same cross-culturally validated assessments administered to all participants. The assessments take two to three hours to complete, and high participation rates have been achieved in all centres. These include

• A household interview
• A background sociodemographic and risk factor interview
• A clinical interview
• A cognitive test battery
• A physical and neurological examination
• A blood test (in most centres)
• An informant interview

The data collected includes:

• dementia diagnosis
• mental disorders
• physical health
• anthropometry
• socio-demographics and socio-economic status
• health and lifestyle risk factors for non communicable diseases
• DNA, fasting glucose and lipids, albumin, full blood count
• disability/functioning
• health service utilisation
• care arrangements
• caregiver strain

Aims
Methods
Findings