Detection of cognitive impairment, dementia and associated risk factors among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: Retrospective baseline audit results from a stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience high rates of dementia, cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) and associated risk factors. The objective of this paper is to outline baseline audit results of documented dementia, CIND and associated risk factors in patients attending Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

METHODS: Twelve ACCHOs in urban, regional and remote locations across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia participated in the study. A specialised audit tool identified documented CIND, dementia and risk factors. Medical record audits of 1655 clients aged 50 years or older for the period from 1 September 2016 to 31 January 2019 were completed.

RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 60.3 ± 8.2 years, and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of documented CIND or dementia was low, noted for only 67 (4%) patients. The prevalence of risk factors was high, with over two thirds (71%, n = 1168) of the cohort having ≥4 risk factors associated with dementia and CIND. These included high rates of hypertension (56%), diabetes (45%), dyslipidaemia (48%), obesity (40%) and current smoking (42%).

CONCLUSIONS: There was a low detection of CIND and dementia accompanied by a high prevalence of associated risk factors in this primary health-care setting. These findings highlight the need to improve dementia and CIND detection in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient groups across varied geographical settings. The findings also provide insights into risk factor prevalence to inform management strategies. Responsive models of cognitive care that are culturally appropriate and co-designed with ACCHOs are required to address this need.