Functionality and cognition of older adults hospitalized in a university hospital

TL;DR

This study explores how functionality and cognitive abilities vary with age among older adults hospitalized at a university hospital.

Contribution

The study identifies age-related differences in cognitive deficits and functional dependence in hospitalized older adults.

Findings

High rates of multimorbidity and polypharmacy were observed in hospitalized older adults.

Participants aged 80 or older showed higher prevalence of cognitive deficits and dependence in basic activities.

Frequent assessments and nursing training are recommended to improve care for older hospitalized patients.

Abstract

to verify the association between functionality, cognitive function, and age group among hospitalized older adults.

this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with patients hospitalized in the adult/older adult medical clinic sector between April and September 2023. For the association analysis, Fisher’s exact test and a Poisson regression model with robust variance were used.

high rates of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, probable cognitive deficit, and varying degrees of dependence in performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living were observed in the sample. A higher prevalence of cognitive deficit and dependence in basic activities was found among participants aged 80 years or older.

the relationship between functionality, cognitive function, and age group requires frequent assessments, hospitalization protocols, and discharge planning. Continuous training of the nursing team is also highlighted as essential for identifying complications and promoting the comprehensive health of older patients.

verificar a associação entre funcionalidade, função cognitiva e faixa etária de pessoas idosas hospitalizadas.

estudo descritivo e transversal conduzido junto a pacientes hospitalizados no setor de clínica médica adulto/idoso entre abril e setembro de 2023. Para a análise de associação, foram utilizados o teste exato de Fisher e o modelo de regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta.

foram observados elevados índices de polipatologia, polifarmácia, provável déficit cognitivo e determinado grau de dependência para a realização de atividades básicas e instrumentais de vida diária entre a amostra. Observou-se maior prevalência de déficit cognitivo e dependência em atividades básicas entre participantes com 80 anos ou mais.

a relação entre funcionalidade, função cognitiva e faixa etária exige avaliações frequentes, protocolos de internação e preparação para alta hospitalar. Destaca-se, também, a importância da capacitação contínua da equipe de enfermagem para identificar complicações e promover a saúde integral do paciente idoso.