Cognitive decline one year after hospitalization in older adults without dementia

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2012;34(3-4):198-205. doi: 10.1159/000343932. Epub 2012 Oct 30.

Abstract

Background/aims: We studied cognitive functioning 1 year after hospitalization (T2) in patients at least 65 years old without cognitive impairment at baseline (T1).

Methods: Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at both time points. We included 211 (114 women) patients with a mean age of 78.3 (SD 7.0) years and an MMSE score of 24 and above.

Results: At T2, 69 (32.7%) patients had an MMSE score below 24. In participants with MMSE 24-26 at T1, cognitive decline was related to impaired physical self-maintenance, a decline in the performance of the instrumental activities of daily living, impaired hearing and less reading ability. In participants with MMSE 27-30, cognitive decline was associated with higher comorbidity (Charlson Index) and impaired physical self-maintenance and hearing.

Conclusion: A reduced functioning level and increased comorbidity predicted a decline in cognitive functioning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Comorbidity
  • Dementia / diagnosis*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hearing / physiology*
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology*