THE IMPORTANCE OF COGNITIVE COMPONENT OF COMPREHENSIVE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT IN HOME-LIVING ELDERLY PATIENTS

Introduction: We aimed to apply a protocol of comprehensive geriatric assessment including comorbidity, self-reported disability, cognitive state, socio-economics, nutritional state, and spiritual issues in a sample of elderly patients and to test the same variables in middle-aged patients. We also targeted to identify the determinants of functional decline and to estimate cognitive and nutritional levels in elderly patients. Materials and Method: Randomly allocated 137 geriatric and middle-aged participants living at home were included in the study. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed for all patients. Results: Functional level, education level, monthly income (TL), spouse and friend support, and scores of Mini Mental State Examination and Mini Nutritional Assessment Tests were lower in elderly than middle-aged participants. Cognitive state measured by Mini Mental State Examination was the major determinant of functional and nutritional level. Conclusion: Strategies to increase physical activities and to strengthen cognitive abilities in the elderly should be developed.