[Mortality associated with neurocognitive disorder and dependence in people over 55 years of age. Systematic review]

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing aging of the population brings with it an increase in the incidence of neurocognitive disorder (NCD) as well as various situations that generate dependence.

Objective: To analyze by means of a systematic review the relationship between NCD and dependence with the risk of mortality in the elderly.

Methods: A bibliographic search of longitudinal studies published in Pubmed and Scopus addressing the relationship between NCI, dependence for basic activities of daily living (ADL) and mortality published between 1995 and 2021 was performed. Of the 1040 articles found, 10 studies were selected.

Results: It was observed that cohorts of elderly people with NCI presented mortality risk associated with ABVD impairment (Barthel test) and Mini-Mental State Examination scores following a significant linear trend. Other factors associated with mortality risk were low levels of education, living alone, and frailty.

Conclusions: The results underline the importance of performing assessments of cognitive and functional status using validated scales, since both areas are associated with mortality. The link between the three terms used in the search for this work is clear, but it is noteworthy that there are few longitudinal studies that analyze them together. The assessment of dependence and cognitive function in older adults should be considered in both research and clinical practice as it would provide information on their possible relationship with mortality.

Keywords: Dependence; Dependencia; Mortalidad; Mortality; Neurocognitive disorder; Trastorno neurocognitivo.