Prevalence of dementia in a Norwegian sample aged 75 years and over and living at home.

The prevalence of dementia in the age group 75 and over was studied in a random sample of elderly living at home. The MMS and the GMS were used as screening instruments, supplemented by medical history and a physical examination. The dementia diagnosis was confirmed by psychogeriatric assessment and a follow-up after 18 months. The prevalence of dementia in this sample was 10.5%; for severe dementia 3.8%, and for mild dementia 6.7%. Its occurrence was found to be unrelated to gender, marital status, domestic status, and duration of schooling.