Evaluation of cognitive function, functional efficiency and mood disorders in elderly hospitalized patients

Abstract

Introduction. Analysis of cognitive-, mood disorders and functional efficiency in elderly patients hospitalized for somatic
causes, together with a proposal for early diagnostic intervention for primary care physicians.
The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of occurrence of postnatal disorders and mood in older
hospitalized patients, depending on coexisting diseases, gender and body mass index, and to propose the possibility of early diagnostic intervention by the general practitioner.
Material and methods. The study involved 48 patients (28 women, 20 men) aged 65-93 years, hospitalized in the Department of
Internal Medicine in the period 05-07.2014. The study did not qualify patients in the terminal stage of chronic diseases with
advanced disease cancer patients and already treated due to diagnosed psychiatric and neurological diseases. In patients before
discharge home, MMSE, GDS and IADL were used to assess current cognitive deficits, functional efficiency and co-occurrence
of depressive mood disorders.
Results. The study highlights the high incidence of depressive mood disorders in older patients hospitalized for internal reasons,
and the problem is more common among women (64.6%). In addition, the incidence of abnormal body weight, including obesity
(33.3%) is a significant factor in the study group, which may be an independent risk factor for further impairment of cognitive
function, mood, and functional efficiency.
Conclusions. Coexistence of mood disorders, cognitive, and functional deficits are common among older patients hospitalized for
somatic causes. BMI is a useful tool in the initial screening of mood disorders. The negative impact of the underlying disorder
on quality of life should lead to their routine evaluation in primary care clinics. Prophylaxis of cognitive disorders, mood, and
functional limitations include avoiding vitamin, iron, folic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids defficiences, and striving to
achieve and maintain normal weight.