Cognitive functions, quality of life in patients with dyscirculatory (vascular) encephalopathy II stage in northerners from the position of ICF

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze cognitive functions, emotional disorders, the quality of life with the application of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in patients with chronic cerebrovascular diseases, dyscirculatory (vascular) encephalopathy II stage in the Komi Republic. Design and methods. In the clinics of the Komi Republic, we examined 126 people (mean age — 65,8 ± 10,1 years; women comprised 76 participants, 60,3 %, p ≤ 0,05) with dyscirculatory (vascular) encephalopathy. Complaints and anamnesis were analyzed, somatic and neurological status, cognitive functions, emotional status, and sleep were assessed. Results. Out of 126 patients, 44,5 % patients are employed (56 people). Among non-working patients with an established group of disability, 35,7 % (in 14,3 % disability 2nd degree (10 people), in 21,4 % — disability 3rd degree (15 people), p ≤ 0,05). Among the workers, 3 people (5,3%) had disability 3rd degree. Hypertension (HTN) I stage was detected in 10,6 %, HTN II stage — in 44,4 %, HTN III stage — in 45 % (p ≤ 0,05); 27,8 % had history of ischemic heart disease, 7,2 % — myocardial infarction, 19,1% — cerebrovascular accident, 8,6% — heart rhythm disturbances, 15,8 % — significant stenosis of the brachiocephalic arteries. Based on memory function assessment by ICF, none demonstrated normal results. Mild cognitive impairment was usually found, and there was no case of dementia. Dysfunction in the domain of blood pressure function was found in all patients. The dysfunction of blood vessels was found in all patients with chronic cerebral ischemia II stage. Daily activities were reduced due to the physical dysfunction. According to the total assessment of health status by the SF-36 scale, the physical and mental components of health were similarly decreased. Conclusions. The SF-36 (questionnaire for assessing the quality of life) and ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health) complement each other. Cognitive scales are the basic tools for examination of patients with chronic cerebral ischemia, making diagnosis according to ICF, and treating cognitive, physical and emotional disorders in dyscirculatory (vascular) encephalopathy.