Documentation and evaluation of cognitive impairment in elderly primary care patients
Article Abstract:
Elderly people who experience intellectual impairment may use health services more and have an increased risk of death over non-impaired elderly people. Researchers tested the mental status of 3,954 patients aged 60 and older who visited a primary care practice during a two-and-a-half year period. Approximately 16% had some type of intellectual impairment. In 10% the impairment was mild while in 5% it was moderate or severe. Patients with moderate to severe impairment were generally older, poorly educated and more likely to be malnourished. They were more likely to be admitted to a hospital and had higher death rates. Intellectual impairment was not recorded in many cases, which could have compromised the care these patients received. Screening elderly people for intellectual impairment may improve their long-term care.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Association of symptoms of depression with diagnostic test charges among older adults
Article Abstract:
People suffering from depression incur greater charges for diagnostic tests but this may be a result of concurrent illness. Researchers analyzed charges for diagnostic tests in 3,767 people in a primary care group practice who had been tested for depression. The median charge for diagnostic tests in one year was $583 in those who were depressed, compared to $387 in those who were not. However, the depressed patients were more likely to have concurrent non-psychiatric illness. They also sought medical help more often and were hospitalized more often.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Glass houses and the glory of the climb
Article Abstract:
The Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) project hopes to develop a comprehensive set of quality assessment indicators for elderly people with chronic diseases. This may involve changes to the health care system, and will involve multidisciplinary health care teams.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2001
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