Assessment Cognitive Functions Among Elderly Patients Attending Out Patient Clinics in Assiut University Hospital

Fahmy, Heba M; Fahmy, Hoda D.; M, Alaa El-Din; Mohammed., Asmaa G.

doi:10.21608/asnj.2015.59822

Assessment Cognitive Functions Among Elderly Patients Attending Out Patient Clinics in Assiut University Hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor of Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University Egypt.

² Professor of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University Egypt

³ Assistance Professor of Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University Egypt.

10.21608/asnj.2015.59822

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is common among older adults. It doesn't not only threaten their quality of life but also has a negative impact on caregivers, as well as represents challenges in different clinical care settings. The aim of the study assess cognitive functions and identify the prevalence of cognitive impairment among elderly patients attending outpatient clinics in Assiut University Hospital. Material and Methods: the study included 580 elderly patients recruited from outpatient clinics of Assiut University Hospital, aged 60 years and older, they were selected by none- probability quota sample from the first of July 2012 until the end of June 2013 screened by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive functions, they also were assessed for their sociodemographic characteristics, health habits and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Results: The present study shows that 18.8% of elderly patients had cognitive impairment, 57.8 % of elderly with cognitive impairment have no leisure activities, and 7.3% of them were found to be totally dependent in ADL. Conclusion: elderly patients at high risk to develop cognitive impairment especially those who are aged ≥ 65 years, female, live in rural area, not educated, lives alone and have impairment in ADL. Recommendations: screening for cognitive impairments among the elderly is important in early detection for those with cognitive impairments.

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