[Improvement of functional deficits, physical mobility and cognitive function by treatment in a geriatric day...

Several studies showed the efficacy of inpatient geriatric treatment. Different outcomes were reported for geriatric patients treated in outpatient facilities. To analyze the course of rehabilitation, 312 patients (62.2% female) with a mean age of 77.2 years (SD = 7.4) in a geriatric day hospital were evaluated regarding a) changes of functional deficits and mobility, b) cognitive function and c) depression. Patients were examined with a geriatric assessment including activities of daily living, Tinetti, Timed-up and go, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clock Completion Test, Handgrip Strength-Test, Money-Counting Test and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) at admission and discharge.

All examined parameters had changed significantly after treatment. A clear decrease in the portion of patients with disability-related outcomes in the examined parameters (Barthel Index, Tinetti, Timed-up and go, MMSE, GDS) was demonstrated: a) the proportion of patients with a Barthel Index under 75 had decreased by 26.5%, the proportion of patients with an increased risk of falls was reduced by 27%, b) the proportion of patients with a MMSE Score less than 24 was decreased by 14.8% and c) mild effects were achieved in depression.

Day hospital geriatric treatment leads to an improvement of functional deficits, mobility and mental health of patients. The results contrast to other studies in day hospital treatment.