[Influence of cognitive status on the effectiveness of geriatric rehabilitation: Data from the POSTSCRIPTUM study]

To evaluate the influence of baseline cognitive status on the outcomes of geriatric rehabilitation in patients with different geriatric statuses, including patients with «cognitive frailty» syndrome.

Subanalysis of a multicenter prospective POSTSCRIPTUM study evaluating the efficacy of 21-day geriatric rehabilitation programs based on the results of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in patients 60 years of age and older. Based on CGA results, groups with the senile asthenia (AS) and preasthenia were identified; with a combination of cognitive impairment and AS, the «cognitive frailty» was diagnosed.

The analysis included 483 patients; AS syndrome was present in 35% of patients, and preasthenia was present in 60%. Mild cognitive impairment was diagnosed in 307 patients (64%); «cognitive frailty» syndrome was present in 125 subjects. Patients with cognitive impairment had poorer somatic status and a greater burden of cardiovascular diseases at baseline. The presence of cognitive impairment was associated with a poorer functional status even in the absence of dementia syndrome. The intervention resulted in a significant improvement in the geriatric status in all groups, including those with «cognitive frailty».

Cognitive impairment is an important factor affecting the functional status of elderly patients. A 3-week multicomponent geriatric intervention improved functional, physical, and cognitive status, supporting further study to evaluate its potential to prevent dementia and optimize geriatric patient management.