P.064 Sex differences in patients referred to a rural and remote memory clinic

Abstract

Background: Dementia is more prevalent in women. Sex differences exist as the disease progresses (e.g. males are more likely to become aggressive). In many medical illnesses (e.g. cardiac disease), there are differences in presentation between men and women. The current study explores sex differences at the patients’ initial presentation to the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic (RRMC). Methods: Patients were referred to the RRMC in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Cognitive and demographic data were collected. Questionnaires included cognitive (e.g. Mini-Mental Status Examination) and daily living (e.g. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) assessments. Results: Three hundred and seventy-five (159 male, 216 female) patients participated. Of these patients, 146 (49 male, 97 female) were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Males and females presented to the clinic at similar ages. Females were more likely to have a son or daughter caregiver and to live alone. Males were more likely to be currently working and to be a former smoker. No statistically significant differences were found for cognitive assessment scores. Conclusions: Analysis of the initial presentation of patients to the RRMC revealed females and males had similar presentation in measures of cognitive impairment. This may be reassuring for patients and their families knowing their family member, regardless of sex, is receiving equivalent referral to receive care.