The relationship between cognitive impairment and the manifestations of geriatric syndrome in elderly and senile individuals living in Arkhangelsk

The aging of the population is an inevitable but predictable process in modern society, both in the Russian Federation and worldwide. With increasing life expectancy, there is a significant increase in conditions and diseases related to frailty and aging. Cognitive decline is one of the most common problems in geriatric practice. However, the detectability of this syndrome remains quite low, preventing the initiation of timely therapy and, as a result, the prevention of the development of dementia in the elderly and senile.

THE OBJECTIVE of the study is to identify the relationship between the severity of cognitive impairments and the manifestations of geriatric syndromes in elderly and senile individuals residing in the city of Arkhangelsk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample (n = 114) among elderly and senile citizens living in Arkhangelsk and receiving geriatric care in an outpatient department. Respondents were examined by a comprehensive geriatric assessment in accordance with geriatric domains. To identify cognitive decline syndrome, the questionnaire of the Short Mental Status Assessment Scale (MiniMental State Examination, hereinafter MMSE) was used. Statistical analysis comprised the Mann — Whitney U test, Pearson’s chi-squared (χ²) test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

THE RESULTS of the study revealed the presence of cognitive impairment syndrome in 71.9 % of elderly and senile individuals residing in Arkhangelsk. A relationship between cognitive impairment syndrome and manifestations of geriatric syndrome was established, predominantly in women. In women, cognitive decline was significantly associated with sensory deficit syndrome (hearing and vision loss), chronic pain syndrome, senile sarcopenia, impaired activities of daily living, and depression. Therefore, early detection and treatment of these geriatric conditions can help prevent cognitive decline and development of dementia in older adults.

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