Prevention of physical dependence and cognitive impairment by implementing an early rehabilitation program in institutionalized elderly

Abstract

During aging process, development of pathological processes and lack of social support networks can affect adaptation and social interaction, causing functional dependence of individuals. Institutionalized older adults are an important population to study mentioned conditions. The aim of this work is to assess the degree of physical dependence and cognitive impairment in older adults, participants of a comprehensive geriatric early rehabilitation program. The study was conducted with 58 adults 65 and older, residents of an elderly home, able to answer geriatric assessment instruments (Barthel Index, Mini Review Cognitive Lobo, Tinetti, Test Clock, Set-Test Isaac, Scale shortened Pfeiffer, Yesavage Scale, Scale Guigoz and Velas) and participate in the intervention program. As a result of the intervention program improvement in motor skills, decreased degree of physical dependence and decreased cognitive impairment of participants, determined by values obtained with validated instruments older adult Mexican population was observed. Institutionalized older adults with mild physical dependence and absence of cognitive impairment, showed a decrease in both conditions after participating in the program implemented.