Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment (CCL) and dementia are conditions typically occurring throughout the aging process, becoming major concerns in elderly healthcare. Advanced age, genetic factors, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities are risk factors that may increase the risk for both conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities associated with CCL and dementia in older adults.
Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of the second wave (2019-2021) of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). To assess the definition of CCL and dementia, the z-score of global cognitive function was calculated, evaluated through measurements of temporal orientation, verbal fluency, episodic, retrospective, and semantic memory domains. In addition, the IQCODE instrument and Activities of Daily Living were used to evaluate dementia. The Chi-Square test was used for the association of variables. The study was approved by the ethics committee.
Results
A total of 2951 participants were included, of whom 158 (5.4%) had CCL and 204 (6.9%) had dementia. Prevalence analyses of CCL revealed higher rates among individuals aged 65 to 74 years (6.18%), females (6.71%), divorced individuals (10.65%), rural residents (8.39%), hypertensive individuals (5.95%), non-diabetics (5.70%), and noncardiac individuals (5.60%). Meanwhile, for dementia, prevalence was higher in individuals aged 75 or older (26.76%), females (8.50%), widowers (18.06%), rural residents (9.75%), hypertensive individuals (8.57%), diabetics (9.01%), and cardiac individuals (13.51%).
Discussion
It was observed that long-lived elderly individuals have higher rates of dementia compared to CCL, as dementia symptoms increase with advancing age. Females and rural residents are in more vulnerable positions in society, explaining the high prevalence of both diseases. Comorbidities are significant risk factors for dementia development, with cardiovascular diseases, in particular, playing a prominent role in vascular dementia. This broad view highlights the importance of specific management and prevention approaches to preserve cognitive functions during the aging process.