Prevalence of cognitive impairment in a high social risk population older than 60 years from Neuquén capital

Abstract

Introduction: The information that exists on dementia and cognitive impairment is scarce in Argentina, particularly in Patagonia. Objective and Methods: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment. A door to door survey was  performed to all people over 60 who lived in a high social risk neighborhood in Neuquen city, where geriatric and cognitive variables were evaluated, including Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, clock test and test set according to the level of instruction. Results: Of the 78 surveys assessed, the mean age was 70.75 years, 37 female, with an average of 4.37 years of schooling, with 33% of functional illiterates. Cognitive impairment was evidenced in 29.49%, being high er at older and less educated respondents. Conclusions: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the study population was higher than in other Argentine studies associated with an illiteracy rate higher than in other jurisdictions.