LEVEL OF MENTAL IMPAIRMENT IN THE JAMAICAN ELDERLY AND THE ISSUES OF SCREENING LEVELS, CAREGIVING, SUPPORT SYSTEMS, CAREPERSONS, AND FEMALEBURDEN

Jamaica, although a developing country, has an aging population and is facing the many issues confronting aging. A community-based study usi ng the Folstein minimental screening tool identified 2.3% of the over- 60 population as severely impaired and 11.8% as questionable. The fami ly was identified as the main source of support, and female relatives the main carepersons. Mentally impaired persons were less likely than physically impaired persons not to have a support system or careperson needed.