The impact of change in cognitive functioning and cognitive decline on disability, well-being, and the use of healthcare services in older persons. Results of Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2005;19(5-6):316-23. doi: 10.1159/000084557. Epub 2005 Mar 22.

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of change in cognitive functioning and cognitive decline on disability, well-being, and the use of healthcare services among older persons in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). Data were collected from 1,349 subjects, aged 65-85 years, who had scores of 24 and higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline, over a period of 6 years in three waves. The results indicate that cognitive decline and changes in cognitive functioning in older persons who were either not impaired or only mildly cognitively impaired at baseline have an impact on disability, well-being, and the use of healthcare services. With the aging of the population, the number of persons with cognitive impairment is likely to increase, and appropriate services should be available to them.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Health Services for the Aged / statistics & numerical data*
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Quality of Life