[Life styles associated cognitive impairment. Study from the community pharmacy]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Context:

• Community pharmacies serve as accessible points for health screening in older adults.
• Cognitive impairment is a growing public health concern in aging populations.
• Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing cognitive decline.

Purpose:

• To determine the frequency of cognitive impairment in individuals over 65 years old visiting community pharmacies.
• To identify lifestyle factors associated with cognitive impairment in this demographic.
• To assess the potential for pharmacy-based referral and health education programs.

Summary:

• A cross-sectional study involving 245 individuals over 65 in four pharmacies found a 12.65% prevalence of cognitive impairment.
• Logistic regression revealed associations between cognitive impairment and age, lack of reading habits, and disrupted sleep patterns (less than 6 or more than 8 hours).
• Only a small percentage of those identified with impairment were referred for clinical evaluation or enrolled in health education programs.

Impact:

• Identifies modifiable lifestyle factors linked to cognitive impairment, suggesting targeted interventions.
• Highlights the role of community pharmacies in cognitive health screening and early intervention strategies.
• Underscores the need for improved referral pathways and engagement in health education programs for at-risk older adults.