[Design and pilot of a new model for the assessment of funcional capacity in community-dwelling older people]

[Mortality associated with neurocognitive disorder and dependence in people over 55 years of age. Systematic review]

INTRODUCTION

The increasing aging of the population brings with it an increase in the incidence of neurocognitive disorder (NCD) as well as various situations that generate dependence.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze by means of a systematic review the relationship between NCD and dependence with the risk of mortality in the elderly.

METHODS

A bibliographic search of longitudinal studies published in Pubmed and Scopus addressing the relationship between NCI, dependence for basic activities of daily living (ADL) and mortality published between 1995 and 2021 was performed. Of the 1040 articles found, 10 studies were selected.

RESULTS

It was observed that cohorts of elderly people with NCI presented mortality risk associated with ABVD impairment (Barthel test) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores following a significant linear trend. Other factors associated with mortality risk were low levels of education, living alone, and frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

The results underline the importance of performing assessments of cognitive and functional status using validated scales, since both areas are associated with mortality. The link between the three terms used in the search for this work is clear, but it is noteworthy that there are few longitudinal studies that analyze them together. The assessment of dependence and cognitive function in older adults should be considered in both research and clinical practice as it would provide information on their possible relationship with mortality.

HEALTH STATUS AND LIFESTYLE HABITS OF VULNERABLE, COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

This study evaluated the health status and lifestyle habits of vulnerable, community-dwelling older adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. A telephone assessment was carried out in 38 individuals (71% women), with a Barthel index ≥85 who were frail or had a high risk of falls. Data were compared with those from an assessment performed 9 months earlier. In the latter part of the lockdown, a high percentage of the studied individuals showed difficulties in walking up 10 steps and reported sleep problems (66%) and pain (74%). On the other hand, participants were not anxious/depressed (71%) and the majority did not report loneliness (60%). Compared to the earlier assessment, we identified a decline in functional capacity and worsening of nutritional status, but an increase in family support. Efforts should be made to implement intervention programs seeking to avoid accelerated decline under the current pandemic situation, and especially during possible new lockdowns.