Longitudinal follow-up of a population with cognitive complaint : characteristics and progression profile

Abstract

Cognitive complaint is a common cause of consultation among older adults at the primary care level and it may be the first symptom of cognitive impairment, thus its assessment and follow-up are essential for an early diagnosis. Aim: to describe the baseline neurocognitive profile and evolution of patients with cognitive complaint evaluated at the geriatric assessment unit of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Methods: observational study of a retrospective cohort of 518 patients with cognitive complaint who underwent a comprehensive geriatric evaluation and cognitive impairment screening tests at the first visit and follow-up visits. Patients diagnosed with dementia at baseline were excluded. Results: 323 (62.36%) subjects were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment at the first visit and 195 (37.64%) had no cognitive impairment. Of the all the patients, 216 (41.7%) subjects showed worsening of their baseline cognitive status. They had an older age at baseline evaluation, a lower educational level and a worse outcome at Mini Mental State Examination and at memory, executive and language tests than those who remained stable. Conclusion: in this follow-up study of a cohort with cognitive complaint we verify the impact of age, educational level and poor outcomes on memory, executive function and language domains as variables associated with progression of cognitive impairment.