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[2602.16887] Construction of a classification model for dementia among Brazilian adults aged 50 and over
Summary
This study presents a classification model for predicting dementia in Brazilian adults aged 50 and over, utilizing data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging and machine learning techniques.
Why It Matters
Dementia is a growing public health concern, especially in aging populations. This research highlights the importance of accessible risk factors and the potential for machine learning to aid in early identification and intervention, which can inform public health policies in Brazil.
Key Takeaways
- The study developed a predictive model for dementia using Random Forest and logistic regression.
- Key risk factors include illiteracy, age, low weight, and depressive symptoms, while education and employment serve as protective factors.
- The model achieved an accuracy of 70.3%, indicating its potential utility in clinical settings.
Computer Science > Machine Learning arXiv:2602.16887 (cs) [Submitted on 18 Feb 2026] Title:Construction of a classification model for dementia among Brazilian adults aged 50 and over Authors:F. S. Menezes, M. C. F. G. Barretto, E. Q. C. Garcia, T. A. E. Ferreira, J. G. Alvez View a PDF of the paper titled Construction of a classification model for dementia among Brazilian adults aged 50 and over, by F. S. Menezes and 4 other authors View PDF Abstract:To build a dementia classification model for middle-aged and elderly Brazilians, implemented in Python, combining variable selection and multivariable analysis, using low-cost variables with modification potential. Observational study with a predictive modeling approach using a cross-sectional design, aimed at estimating the chances of developing dementia, using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), involving 9,412 participants. Dementia was determined based on neuropsychological assessment and informant-based cognitive function. Analyses were performed using Random Forest (RF) and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the risk of dementia in the middle-aged and elderly populations of Brazil. The prevalence of dementia was 9.6%. The highest odds of dementia were observed in illiterate individuals (Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.42), individuals aged 90 years or older (OR = 11.00), low weight (OR = 2.11), low handgrip strength (OR = 2.50), self-reported black skin color (OR = 1.47), physical inactivity...
