ABSTRACT
Epidemiological data on dementia and cognitive impairment are scarce in South America. In Argentina, no dementia/cognitive impairment population-based epidemiological studies are available. The Ceibo Study is a population based epidemiological study of dementia and cognitive impairment in individuals over 60 to be conducted. The present paper reports the results of the pilot phase (survey of cognitive impairment) conducted in Cañuelas (province of Buenos Aires). Methods: In a door-to-door survey, trained high school students evaluated 1453 individuals aged 60 years and over in one day using a demographic data and risk factors questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Mean age of the individuals was 70.9 (±7.5) years, 61.4% were women, mean schooling was 5.5 (±3.5) years. Mean MMSE score was 24.5 (±4.7) and mean GDS 3.1 (±2.7). Risk factors of higher prevalence in the population under study were: hypertension (40.6%), smoking (35.1%), alcohol consumption (32.8%), high cholesterol (16.1%), diabetes (12.5%), cranial trauma with loss of consciousness (12.5%), 7 points or moreon the GDS (11.7%). Prevalence of cognitive impairment for the whole sample was 23%, and 16.9% in subjects aged 60-69, 23.3% in 70-79 and 42.5% in subjects aged 80 or over . A significant correlation of cognitive impairment with age, functional illiteracy, cranial trauma, high blood pressure, inactivity and depression was found. Conclusion: In this pilot study, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was comparable with previous international studies.
Dados epidemiológicos em demência e comprometimento cognitivo são escassos na América do Sul. Na Argentina, não há estudos epidemiológicos de base populacional de comprometimento cognitivo/demência. O Estudo Ceibo é um estudo epidemiológico de base populacional a ser conduzido. O presente artigo reporta os resultados da fase piloto (pesquisa de comprometimento cognitivo) conduzido em Cañuelas (província de Buenos Aires). Métodos: Numa pesquisa porta-aporta, estudantes treinados avaliaram 1453 indivíduos de 60 anos ou mais em uma visita, usando dados demográficos e questionários de fatores de risco, o Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e a escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS). Resultados: A idade média foi de 70,9 (±7,5) anos, 61.4% eram mulheres, escolaridade média foi de 5,5 (±3,5) anos.O escore médio do MEEM foi de 24,5 (±4,7) anos e média do GDS de 3,1 (±2,7). Os fatores de risco mais prevalentes foram: hipertensão (40,6%), tabagismo (35,1%), consumo de álcool (32,8%), colesterol elevado (16,1%), diabetes (12,5%), trauma craniano com perda de consciência (12,5%), 7 pontos ou mais no GDS (11,7%). A prevalência de comprometimento cognitive na amostra total foi de 23% e em 16,9% nos sujeitos entre 60-69 anos, 23,3% entre 70-79 e 42,5% naqueles com 80 ou mais. Correlações significativas de comprometimento cognitivo com idade, analfabetismo functional, trauma craniano, hipertensão arterial, inatividade e depressão foram encontradas. Conclusão: Neste estudo piloto a prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo foi comparável aos estudos prévios internacionais.
Subject(s)
Humans , Argentina , Risk Factors , Dementia , Developing Countries , Cognitive DysfunctionABSTRACT
This review is a complete discussion of the essence of medical practice: that is, the patient-physician relationship. This relationship occurs when the professional legally authorised to practice medicine accepts the petition of other member of the society who asks for his opinion, advice and treatment. This paper also reviews the legal aspects in force at present time in Colombia, that regulate the Medical Act and the patient-physician relationship