Prevalence of functional cognitive impairment and associated factors in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.

Andréa Silva Gondim,João Macedo Coelho Filho,Charlys Barbosa Nogueira,Arnaldo Aires Peixoto Junior,José Wellington De Oliveira Lima,Alexandre De Andrade Cavalcanti,Jarbas De Sá Roriz Filho

doi:10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-010006

Andréa Silva Gondim, João Macedo Coelho Filho + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-010006

Copy DOI

Journal: Dementia & neuropsychologia	Publication Date: Mar 1, 2017
Citations: 16	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Federal do Ceará

Abstract

The identification of the prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors among older adults is important in countries facing rapid demographic transition, given the significant implications for public policy and health planning.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of functional cognitive impairment (FCI) and associated factors in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 461 elderly subjects residing in Fortaleza city, Ceará was conducted. Cognitive assessment was performed using three tests: the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), VF (Verbal Fluency) and CT (Clock Test). The functional capacity evaluation was based on a survey of 21 basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs). Cognitive impairment was defined by MMSE cut-off points adjusted for literacy. Functional impairment was defined as dependency to carry out more than four ADLs.ResultsThe prevalence of FCI was 13.64% (95% CI: 10.33 to 16.64%). FCI was proportionally associated with age with OR=2.24 (95% CI: 1.04 to 4.79) for individuals aged 70 to 79 years and OR=8.27 (95 % CI: 4.27 to 16.4) for those aged 80 to 100 years. FCI was associated with self-reported diseases including hypertension OR=2.06 (95% CI: 1.17 to 3.65), stroke OR=2.88 (95% CI: 1.66 to 5.00) and acute myocardial infarction OR=2.94 (95% CI: 1.59 to 5.42). The occurrence of FCI was proportionally correlated with the number of drugs used.ConclusionFunctional cognitive impairment is a prevalent condition in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults and its occurrence is associated with age, number of drugs used, and vascular morbidities.

Highlights

Prevalence and incidence projections indicate that the number of people with dementia will continue to rise, among the oldest old, and countries undergoing a demographic transition will experience the highest growth
This study of 418 elderly residents in the neighborhood of Rodolfo Teófilo, which assessed the prevalence of Functional Cognitive Impairment (FCI) and the factors associated with this condition was carried out in a Brazilian region with low socioeconomic status
The prevalence of FCI estimated in the study was 13.64%, considering elderly individuals aged 60 years or older, and 15.48% for the age of 65 years or older

Summary

Introduction

Prevalence and incidence projections indicate that the number of people with dementia will continue to rise, among the oldest old, and countries undergoing a demographic transition will experience the highest growth. The hallmark clinical phenotype of AD is a gradual and progressive decline in two or more cognitive domains, most commonly involving episodic memory and executive functions, which is sufficient to cause social or occupational impairment.[2] Dementia causes a high burden of suffering for patients, their families and society. It leads to increased dependency and other comorbid conditions. Cognitive function tests are very important in the diagnostic process and screening tools can be used in the primary care context both to give an indication of the extent of the cognitive problem and to monitor the level of cognitive performance over time.[11]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion