Title : Cognitive and psychological vulnerability in developing Dementia - a comparative study of Paid Institutional, Free Institutional and Residential care!
Abstract:
The prevalence of Dementia is on the rise due to increasing longevity. In addition, co-morbid medical conditions and depression lead to the onset of cognitive impairment - the prevalence of medical ailments like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depression are high among the elderly. Over and above this, the place of Residence determines the nutrition, exercise, social activities and cognitively stimulating environment. This presentation is about a survey research study to ascertain the living conditions, psycho-social status, cognitive impairment and physical disability. The instruments used for the analysis were Mini-Mental Status Examination for Cognitive Impairment, WHODAS for physical and cognitive disability, and an interview schedule to ascertain the psychological status and social support from family and friends. In Paid Homes, 74 per cent were males, in Free Homes, 23 per cent were females. In PR, 26 per cent were females. The mean age in POAH was 72.41, with an SD of 5.6. In FOAH mean age was 69.91 with an SD of 6.2, and in PR, the mean age was 66.46 with an SD of 4.4. Cognitive impairment and physical disability were highest in Free Homes, followed by those in their Residence and then in Paid Homes. Education, structured activities, and social support were higher in Paid Homes, lesser in Residence, and very poor in Free Homes. Statical tests of association showed significant differences among the different residential settings. The presentation will discuss further findings of this study.
What will the audience learn from your presentation?
- The different living circumstances in various living facilities for elders and their effect on elders’ cognition.
- The cognitive and disability profile of elders in different living facilities.
- Social support, health service utilisation, and living conditions can make them vulnerable to depression. In addition, a cognitively non-stimulating environment, and other medical ailments, increase the vulnerability to Dementia.
- Can we predict the trajectory of cognitive and health profiles given the medical and psycho-social factors?
- Can we create algorithms which predict the medical trajectory – to plan for care and finance?
