Psychogeriatric Disorder among Elderly: A Preliminary Study / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

ABSTRACT

A preliminary study has been conducted to screen psychogeriatric disorder among elderly. This survey was designed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment, stroke and depression in a population sample of 60-89 years old. A total of 40 subjects and informants were selected from the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The screening tools that were used in this survey were Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (PAS). The Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (PAS) consists of two sections the subject’s self report and the informant report. The subject’s self report was used to assess cognitive impairment, stroke and depression. Meanwhile the informant report was used to assess cognitive decline, stroke and behavioral changes in the subject. Results indicated that there was a high percentage cognitive impairment (male 67% case, female 64.3% case) and stroke (male 75% case, female 64.4% case) among elderly. There was also a significant correlation between the subject’s self report and the informant’s report according to PAS each subscale. PAS psychological assessment tool able to screen psychogeriatric problem among elderly and the accuracy of screening ability can be tested with informant report data. Psychogeriatic screening is important to detect early presentation of cognitive impairment and depression among elderly.