[Assessment of cognitive and functional status in hospitalized elderly]

In 1745 elderly patients (971 men and 774 women), consecutively admitted to University Geriatric Ward in San Giovanni Battista Hospital of Torino, cognitive status (SPMSQ) was evaluated. Moderate-severe and mild cognitive impairment were respectively present in 26.8% and 15.8% of the sample. Subjects affected by moderate-severe cognitive impairment were older (80.7 +/- 8.0 yrs) than patients with mild deterioration (79.5 +/- 7.8 yrs) and patients without cognitive problems (75.3 +/- 8.3 yrs). The number of pathologies and the length of hospital stay were not related to severe cognitive impairment. Lower schooling was associated with cognitive alteration. Among subjects affected by moderate-severe cognitive deterioration 15.6% was living with assistance before hospitalization. The prevalence of functional impairment (ADL) was higher (70.9%) among patients with moderate-severe cognitive impairment. In-hospital mortality was higher (21.2%) among patients with moderate-severe cognitive deterioration.