Functional Dependency and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults of a Community of Saltillo Coahuila

Abstract

Session presented on Monday, November 9, 2015 and Tuesday, November 10, 2015: In recent years, it is producing an increase in chronic diseases among the population over 60 years. These diseases can affect the ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADL) and therefore the level of functional dependency. Aging brings cognitive and physiological decrease causing isolation and loss of autonomy and independence, because the physical and social performance of the elderly depends on the integrity of all its functions. The loss of short term memory and inability to perform calculations are sensitive indicators of reducing these functions. Objectives: Analyze the relationship between functional dependence and cognitive impairment of seniors in a community of the city of Saltillo Coahuila Mexico. Methodology: A correlational descriptive study was conducted on a group of people over 60 years (n = 540), the instruments used were the Barthel scale to measure functional dependency and SPMSQ PFEIFFER scale to assess cognitive impairment. For data analysis Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations used. Results: The mean age was 71.56 (SD 9.1) 50.9% of the sample consists of the female gender. As for the study variables, we found that 46.1% shown to be independent while 3.7% have a severe dependence. With regard to cognitive impairment 53.3% showed no cognitive impairment, compared with 4.4% who presented severe cognitive impairment.