Dementia
is a condition characterized by a significant decline in cognitive abilities,
such as memory disturbances, impaired thinking processes, and reasoning skills,
which can interfere with an individual’s daily activities (Webster, 2021).
Symptoms of dementia include behavioral changes such as delusions,
hallucinations, depression, impaired bodily functions, anxiety, inability to
perform tasks, loss of independence in daily activities, irritability, apathy,
and a tendency to leave home unnoticed (Miller, 2021).
This
study used a quantitative method, with a cross-sectional approach as the
research design. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling,
involving a total of 88 pre-elderly participants. Data on menopause incidence
were collected using a menopause-related questionnaire, dietary intake of
vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12 was assessed using the SQ-FFQ
(Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire), and dementia levels were
measured using the MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) instrument.
Based
on the statistical analysis using the chi-square test, it was concluded that
there is a significant relationship between vitamin B12 intake (p = 0.034, OR
with 95% CI = 10.19; 0.58 < OR < 178.48) and dementia in pre-elderly
individuals at the Posbindu in Driyorejo Subdistrict, Gresik. However, there
was no significant relationship between menopause (p = 0.104), vitamin B6
intake (p = 0.762), and folic acid intake (p = 0.333) and dementia among the
same population. It is expected that the community, especially pre-elderly and
elderly individuals, will adopt a healthy diet and meet their daily
micronutrient needs.
Keywords: menopause incidence, vitamin B6 intake, folic
acid, vitamin B12, dementia