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[Five year follow-up study on dementia in institutions for the elderly]
T Inagaki1, T Yamamoto, K Nokura
1Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya-shi Koseiin Geriatric Hospital.
Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Elderly individuals with dementia have a significantly higher mortality rate than those without cognitive impairment. Advanced age increases mortality risk, but dementia severity does not correlate with death risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Context:
- A 5-year follow-up study was conducted in institutions for the elderly.
- The study included 747 participants aged over 60.
- Participants were categorized into those with clinical dementia (316) and those without intellectual disturbance (431) in July 1987.
Purpose:
- To clarify the prognosis of senile dementia.
- To assess mortality rates and dementia progression in an institutionalized elderly population.
Summary:
- The mortality rate for the dementia group (56.3%) was significantly higher than the non-demented group (31.8%).
- Mortality increased with age, but dementia severity did not correlate with mortality risk.
- Autopsies revealed pneumonia and cardiovascular diseases as primary causes of death in 51.1% of demented patients.
- Over 5 years, 22.5% of demented patients experienced severe worsening, 25.8% mild/moderate worsening, and 51.7% no change.
- Cerebrovascular disease and bone fractures were identified as factors exacerbating dementia.
Impact:
- This study highlights the increased mortality risk associated with dementia in the elderly.
- Findings underscore the importance of managing comorbidities like cerebrovascular disease and preventing fractures to improve dementia prognosis.
- The research provides valuable data for geriatric care and dementia management strategies in institutional settings.