Influence of selected factors on the prevalence of cognitive disorders and depression among patients over 60 years of age

Introduction
Dementia is defined as a gradual loss of intellectual capabilities and cognitive functions that may impair daily functioning. Early diagnosis seems essential for proper treatment and slowdown of disease progression. Multimorbidity leading to polypharmacotherapy need a complex dosage regimen. In patients with dementia, this is a real challenge. Objectives. To determine the incidence and the risk factors of cognitive disorders and depression among patients over 60 years of age.

Material and methods
A group of 115 patients over 60 years of age attending primary care and geriatric ward in Lodz were enrolled in this observational study (75 women – 65.2%; 40 men – 34.8%). The patients underwent MMSE, GDS and CDT tests and completed a questionnaire concerning age, place of residence, marital status, medical history and family history of dementia. The data collected was statistically analysed using STATISTICA 10.0 (StatSoft Inc, USA).

Results
Education level in the group: 20% basic, 51.3% secondary, 28.7% higher education. 45.2% were married, 54.6% were single. 61.7% had hypertension, 27.0% – diabetes, 9.6% – atherosclerosis, and 9.6% had a stroke in the past. Mean score of GDS was 9.2 points; MMSE 25.7; CDT 1.9. A higher score in GDS correlated with a worse result of MMSE (p < 0.05). Age was an important factor in the group with basic education; it affected: MMSE (lower) and CDT (higher) results. Male patients achieved a higher score in MMSE (p = 0.0399) and lower in CDT (p = 0.0345). The MMSE result was higher (p = 0.0454) and the CDT result was lower (p = 0.0230) in married individuals. The number of diseases correlated with the GDS score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Patients predisposed to dementia were: older females, patients with basic education, those who were single, mostly widowed. Family physicians should pay special attention to such patients and be aware of early symptoms of dementia. Cooperation with the patient’s family or caregivers seems crucial to provide proper care and improve patient compliance.