Cognitive evaluation of institutionalized elderly - doi: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v34i1.7974

Abstract

In Brazil, the institutionalization of the elderly occurs when they present low dependence level due to the cognitive commitment. Thus this study assessed the cognitive state of the elderly living in homes for the aged, Londrina (Paraná State), detecting possible cognitive impairment, confirming previous diagnosis of dementia and subsidizing the development of recreational-educational activities. The tool applied in the cognitive evaluation was comprised by questions social and economic, demographic and psychological. The elderly cognitive state was verified through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) from Katz. The cut-off points used in the MMSE were differentiated based on the schooling degree. Of the total population of 44 elderly, it was possible to accomplish the cognitive state test to 28 of them; from this 39.3% presented cognitive commitment, and this value increased for 71.4% when we applied standard cut-off points. All the people with dementia submitted to cognitive tests presented low scores. Therefore, exercises that involve the attention, concentration, logical thinking and memory, are required to preserve the individual functional capacity that ages, valuing his autonomy.