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8% of Taiwanese seniors have dementia
The National Health Research Institute says data shows the prevalence of dementia among those aged 65 and over here in Taiwan stands at about 7.99%. That figure is equivalent to about 350,000 people.
The institute's latest survey shows Alzheimer's accounted for 56.88% of the cases, vascular dementia for 22.91%, and Parkinson disease dementia for 7.12% of the total number of cases.
The health ministry's Department of Long-Term Care says prevalence was also associated with age and gender - and overall, prevalence rates among women were 9.36% and for men the rate came in at 6.35%.
Health officials say the survey looked into behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia for the first time and it found that about 66% of people with dementia displayed BPSD, with the top five symptoms being depression and negative symptoms, irregular or reversed daily routines, fear or anxiety, repetitive movements and paranoia.
