Early detection of the risk of cognitive disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cognitive disorders are a relevant problem in an aging population. Research shows a wide range of data on the prevalence of cognitive disorders in the general population. Thus, more studies on the prevalence of cognitive disorders and assessment of the risks of their development are necessary, which will determine the burden on the regional healthcare system. AIM: To examine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in an outpatient multidisciplinary clinic setting and determine the risk ratios for cognitive deficits in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale was used in the screening of people aged 4590 years. RESULTS: Cognitive dysfunction was noted in 20.0% of patients in the group aged 4559 years, 33.1% in the group aged 6074 years, and 79.6% in the group aged 7590 years. The average results on the assessment of cognitive functions of persons aged 4559 (27.10.3) and 6074 (26.20.2) years corresponded to the norm, and the value in persons aged 7590 (23.60.3) years was below the norm. In groups aged 6074 and 7590 years, the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was comparable between men and women. Cognitive impairments in men aged 4559 years were recorded 2.5 times more often than that in women. The risk of cognitive disorders in the second group (aged 6074 years) relative to that in the first group (aged 4559 years) is insignificant (relative risk [RR], 1.21). In the third group (aged 7590 years), the probability of cognitive disorders is significantly higher than that in the second group (RR=2.40) and nearly five times higher than that in the first group (RR=4.86). CONCLUSION: Sex- and age-stratified screening indicators for assessing cognitive functions and the RRs of developing cognitive disorders in older age groups make it possible to plan for diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures in mental health.