National prevalence and care needs of dementia in adults aged ≥55 years: Findings from the china mental health survey summary box - 20/08/26
, Lingjiang Li c, Tingting Zhang b, Jie Yan d, Yaqin Yu e, Xiufeng Xu f, Zhizhong Wang g, Yifeng Xu h, Tao Li i, Huifang Yin b, Xiangdong Xu j, Limin Wang k, Yongping Yan l, Shuiyuan Xiao m
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Abstract |
Background: Dementia is a major global mortality cause and key driver of disability in older adults, imposing multidimensional burdens. As China's population ages, accurate prevalence estimates and care need assessments are essential for equitable policy planning. This study investigates young- and late-onset dementia prevalence while comparing health service utilization and unmet care needs between affected and unaffected populations.
Methods: Utilizing China Mental Health Survey data (2013-2015) with multistage probability sampling, we identified 12,663 nationally representative adults aged ≥55 years. Of these, 10,839 completed Stage I assessments and 2,261 received Stage II evaluations, supplemented by psychiatric assessments of initial non-participants (n=197). Dementia diagnosis followed DSM-IV criteria via validated cognitive/functional instruments. Health service utilization and multidimensional care needs (ADLs/IADLs/safety) were quantified through participant/informant interviews.
Results: Among 2 458 participants assessed, dementia prevalence was 2.65% (55-64y) and 5.56% (≥65y). Rural residents showed consistently higher rates than urban counterparts across age groups. Significant education gradients emerged, with urban prevalence decreasing with higher education while rural patterns differed. Individual living with dementia required substantially more care for both samples (55-64 years: 37.4% vs 11..9%, +81.3 monthly hours; 65+ years: 62.6% vs 13.4%, +88.8 monthly hours) without increased health service utilization.
Conclusion: This national study reveals substantial dementia burden in China, exposing systemic healthcare deficiencies through misaligned functional care needs and medical engagement. The neglect of chronic disability management in aging populations necessitates urgent integration of prevention strategies and tailored support frameworks within primary care systems.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Dementia, Prevalence, Health service use, Care need
Plan
| What is already known on this topic Dementia prevalence estimates in China vary widely, with limited nationally representative data and little focus on young-onset cases or care needs. |
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| What this study adds This national study reports dementia prevalence of 2.65% (55–64 years) and 5.56% (≥65 years), revealing education and residence disparities. Despite greater functional care needs, health service use did not increase among dementia patients. |
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| How this study might affect research, practice or policy Findings highlight the need to integrate functional support into primary care and develop targeted prevention strategies addressing education and urban-rural gaps. |
Vol 13 - N° 9
Article 100659- novembre 2026 Retour au numéro
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