[Functional and cognitive capacity in elderly patients admitted to a general Internal Medicine Service]

To analyze the clinical characteristics, grade of physical and cognitive dependence and social coverage of patients of 64 years who are admitted to and Internal Medicine Service.

A total of 105 patients (63 females, 42 males) older than 64 years admitted over 2 months in a General Internal Medicine Unit of a tertiary University Hospital were studied.

Fifty nine patients (56%) were 80 years or older. Pulmonary, cardiac and gastrointestinal problems were the main reasons for admission. A total of 80% of patients had comorbid conditions with a Charlson index of 2.7 +/- 1.4. Mean Barthel index before admission was 71+/-35. More than one third of the patients had cognitive impairment (MMSE <23/35). Social aid was received by 18% of patients.

Patients aged 80 or older with cardiopulmonary disease and moderate comorbidity grade are frequently admitted to our General Internal Medicine Unit. Physical and cognitive dependence is observed in a significant number of our inpatients, but the uses of social-health services are still low in our area.