Comparison of cognitive functions among frail and prefrail older adults: a clinical perspective

To compare cognitive function among frail and prefrail older adults. Design: Cross-sectional clinical study. Participants: Fifty-one non-institutionalized older individuals participated in this study. Measurements: Cognitive functions were evaluated through Mini-Mental State Examination (Global Cognition), Digit Span Forward (short-term memory), Digit Span Backward (working memory), Verbal Fluency Test (semantic memory/executive function). Data were compared using parametric and non-parametric bivariate tests. Binary logistic regression was used to test a frailty prediction model. Statistical significance was defined as p <= 0.01 to compare groups. In the regression model, the p value was set to be <= 0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in global cognition, and short-term memory between frail and prefrail individuals (p <= 0.01). Global cognition explained 14-19% of frailty's model. Conclusion: According to our findings, the evaluation of cognitive functions among older persons with frailty and prefrailty provides important complementary information to better manage frailty and its progression312297301COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS - FAPEMIGsem informaçãosem informaçã