Prevalence and Pattern of Dementia among Neurological Outpatients in Kano, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome and a major contributor to disability among individuals with neurological disorders. Despite its growing burden, dementia remains understudied in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where hospital-based data are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of dementia among neurological outpatients in Kano, Nigeria, and to examine associations with selected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among 75 adult neurological outpatients attending two tertiary hospitals in Kano. Dementia was assessed using the Mini-Cog (MC) and Blessed Dementia Rating Scale (BDRS). Prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and associations between dementia and sociodemographic or clinical factors were analyzed using Chi-square tests and Cramer's V. Results The prevalence of dementia was 72.0% (95% CI: 60.9–82.0) using the MC and 90.7% (95% CI: 83.6–97.0) using the BDRS. Dementia was more frequent among stroke survivors compared with other neurological conditions. Significant associations were observed with gender (p = 0.027, V = 0.26), employment status (p < 0.001, V = 0.42), and type of neurological disorder (p = 0.017, V = 0.34). Conclusion Dementia is highly prevalent among neurological outpatients in Kano, Nigeria, particularly among stroke survivors. Routine cognitive screening should be integrated into neurological care in this setting.