[Need for nursing care by the elderly: results of a population based retrospective longitudinal study]

Results of a population-based Study: The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of dependency at an advanced age and to examine the extent to which dementias contribute to prevalence and causation of dependence. The study was based on a random sample of all inhabitants of the city of Mannheim over 65 years of age, who died during one year. The data were gathered retrospectively by means of a standardized informant interview conducted with close relatives of the deceased. The estimated prevalence of severe dependency (round-the-clock care) was 7.3%-4% among the elderly living in private households and 51% among the institutionalised elderly. The annual incidence was 2.9%, the mean duration was 32 months. Prevalence and incidence increased steeply with age. The results suggested that dementias were present in 73% of the prevalent cases of dependence. In 47% of all cases dementia was regarded as the main cause. It appears that severe disability and high levels of need for care in elderly people are largely determined by a dementia or a related disorder. The outstanding importance of dementia should be adequately reflected in the planning and provision of services.