Underdetection of neurocognitive disorders in Southern Italy: Evidence from the Salento region.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurocognitive disorders, including dementia and mild cognitive impairment, are increasingly prevalent, demanding efficient detection and management strategies.

Objectives

This study is part of the Puglia Region's initiative under the Italian Dementia National Plan (DNP) and aimed to assess the capacity of the Lecce province healthcare system to identify new neurocognitive disorders cases by comparing observed cases with expected rates derived from meta-analyses and Global Burden of Disease estimates.

Design

Using complete case ascertainment across 10 hospital-based and community centers, a total of 857 incident cases were identified in one year, including 441 Minor neurocognitive disorders (51.46 %) and 416 major neurocognitive disorders cases (48.54 %).

SUBMITTER: Vilella D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12413710 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature