Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in the Population of Adults Over 60 Years Old at the Clinic of El Resbaladero Canton

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence and relationship of cognitive deficit and non-communicable chronic diseases in elderly people over 60 years old who attend a clinic in El Resbaladero Canton in Santa Ana City. Thus, 34 voluntary participants over 60 years old took part in the study. 59% were female and 41% were male. The cognitive evaluation was carried out using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) test; capillary blood glucose, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference) were analyzed.

It was found that 59% of the elderly participants suffer from cognitive impairment, and 15% of those with cognitive impairment are diabetic. 55% presented altered fasting blood glucose, 20% were overweight or obese, 15% had central obesity, and 45% had hypertension, with higher prevalence in men (71%).

It is concluded that non-communicable chronic diseases have a high prevalence in elderly people with cognitive impairment attending the El Resbaladero clinic. Glucose intolerance and hypertension were the most frequent conditions among participants with and without cognitive impairment. The association between cognitive impairment and hypertension showed statistical significance.