Assessment of the Risk of Dementia among Elderly Men as Part of a Geriatric Assessment

Abstract

Introduction. Dementia, one of the leading causes of cognitive decline among older people, is becoming a growing problem with a significant burden on families and society as life expectancy increases worldwide. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of dementia among elderly men as part of a geriatric assessment. Material and Methods. The research was conducted in a group of 192 elderly men receiving institutional care in Central and Eastern Poland. The research material was collected using the NOSGER scale (Nurses’ Observation Scale for Geriatric Patients). This scale allows senior caregivers to quickly and easily assess the patient’s psychological, mental and social condition. The scale covers six areas: memory; instrumental activities of daily life; daily life activities; moods and emotions; social behavior; destructive, disruptive, asocial behavior. Results. Males obtained an average result of 70.42±17.66 points on the NOSGER scale. The best results were achieved by the respondents in the field of disruptive behavior (7.68±2.46 points). The subjects showed the greatest deficits in instrumental activities of everyday life (16.03±4.42 points). Conclusions. The study group of elderly men showed a moderate risk of dementia. In areas important for diagnosing this type of changes (memory, emotions, disruptive behavior), patients functioned at a fairly good level. The greatest deficits were found only in the area of physical functioning, which was related to limited functional capacity caused by existing diseases and age-related limitations. The analyzed sociodemographic variables did not significantly affect the risk of dementia in the study group of men. (JNNN 2023;12(4):151–156)

Keywords

• dementia
• elderly men
• geriatric assessment
• nosger scale