Cognitive impairment and associated factors among institutionalized elderly persons in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors among institutionalized elderly persons. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2013 in Long-Term Care Facilities for the elderly in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, featuring 326 elderly persons of both genders. The assessment of cognitive decline was classified using the Pfeiffer test. Information on sociodemographic conditions and health status was also recorded. Nutritional status was assessed by applying the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool and functional capacity with the Katz Index. To identify the factors associated with the presence of moderate or severe cognitive impairment multiple logistic regression analysis of variables with a p value >0.20 was performed, using the Stepwise Forward method. Results: It was observed that 83.6% (95% CI: 78.9 to 87.3%) of the elderly persons had cognitive impairment. The final model, adjusted for type of LTCF, showed that being 83 years old or older was considered a risk factor for moderate or severe cognitive impairment. However, having systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and having been institutionalized through their own choice were considered protective factors for moderate or severe cognitive impairment. Conclusion: the variables age, having SAH and having been institutionalized through their own choice are directly associated, as risk or protection factors, with the presence of severe or moderate cognitive impairment of the elderly population. The early diagnosis of these factors can lead to greater focus in setting goals for prevention and health care, thus improving the quality of life of these individuals.

Associated factors for cognition of physically independent elderly people living in residential care facilities for the aged in Sri Lanka

“…Variables affecting the cognition have been different in other studies [21, 35–38]. Among different sociodemographic factors only educational achievements significantly associated with cognitive disorder while other factors such as age, gender, employment history, ethnicity, marital status did not in a Malaysian study [35].…”

“…In an Indian study, cognitive impairment was more likely to be among those who were old-old, who were illiterate and were widowed [37]. In a Brazilian study, those who had systemic arterial hypertension and those who had been institutionalized on their own will were found to be less likely to be cognitively impaired [38]. In Maroof et al, [21] study, age, gender, marital status and literacy level significantly associated with having cognitive impairment.…”

Biopsychosocial factors associated with complaints of dizziness in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The CNS is one of the systems most affected by anatomic-physiological changes resulting from the aging process. Thus, changes in regions responsible for cognitive functions are common 33 . Skills such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and producing responses to requests and external stimuli can be deficient and hinder the rehabilitation process 33,34 .…”

“…Thus, changes in regions responsible for cognitive functions are common 33 . Skills such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and producing responses to requests and external stimuli can be deficient and hinder the rehabilitation process 33,34 . Patients with DM2 and complaints of dizziness had lower medians in the MMSE, thus presenting a greater probability of cognitive impairment in this population, a fact that may hinder the balance rehabilitation process, in view of the need to change habits, perform exercises and alter routines 33,34 .…”

Agreement between two Meal Quality Indexes adapted to evaluate food consumption of institutionalized elderly

“…In the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, located in the northeastern region of Brazil, institutionalized elderly people are characterized for being, for the most part, non-literate, retired and resident in non-profit institutions, which are associated with worse socioeconomic conditions, reflecting the social inequality in this field [4]. The health profile of these elderly people is marked by high incidence of diseases, cognitive incapacity, depression, functional capacity decline during the institutionalization term and restrictions in daily activities capacity [5][6][7][8].…”