PREVALENCE OF ORGANIC BRAIN-SYNDROME IN A N ELDERLY POPULATION IN A METROPOLITAN POPULATION OF SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

This paper is a summary of the main findings concerning organic brain syndrome (O.S.S.) in a prevalence study carried out among the elderly population of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The project selected three districts of the city - Copacabana, Meier and Santa Cruz - in v iew of a set of indicators. The study for the validation and reliabili ty of the diagnostic instrument was carried out in the district of Cop acabana. Prevelence results for organic brain syndrome were 5.9% in Co pacabana, 9.84% in Meier and 29,75% in Santa Cruz. Several hypotheses have been formulated in the attempt to explain such diverse results wi thin a single city. Associations with a variety of socio-economic indi cators are presented. Dependence and loss of autonomy in elderly peopl e are closely associated with organic brain syndrome. The results are compared with national and international findings.