Geriatric patients with cognitive impairment

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Cognitive Impairment Research
• Hospital Quality Improvement

Background:

• Increasing numbers of elderly patients (80+) with cognitive impairment present significant treatment challenges.
• These patients are at higher risk for treatment complications.
• Specialized geriatric wards offer a focused approach to managing this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of treating cognitively impaired elderly patients in a specialized geriatric ward.
• To assess the impact of structured geriatric treatment on functional status and polypharmacy.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort study of 2084 patients (2009-2014).
• Supplemented by a sample of 380 patients from the Longitudinal Urban Cohort Ageing Study (LUCAS) (2010-2011).

Main Results:

• 2.6% of patients experienced ward complications requiring transfer.
• Hospitalization improved functional status (Barthel index increase) and significantly reduced polypharmacy (5+ drugs) and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs).
• 70% of patients were discharged to their prior living situation.

Conclusions:

• Structured geriatric treatment in specialized wards improves daily life functions and reduces polypharmacy in acutely ill older patients with cognitive impairment.
• Further controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings.