Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the elderly in Edmonton.

Prevalence rates (six month and lifetime) for a random sample (N = 358) of the elderly living at home, are compared to the rates for a sample (N = 3,258) of the whole adult population of Edmonton and found to be generally lower in the elderly, except for cognitive impairment. These household resident results are similar to those reported from the United States using similar methods. A sample (N = 199) of the elderly living in institutions was found to have a very high overall prevalence of illness, mostly consisting of cognitive impairment (69%). It is estimated that over half of all cases of cognitive impairment live in institutions. This has considerable implications for the programs in institutions for the elderly, and also the need for institutions in the future, unless alternate means of care can be developed.