Prevalencia del deterioro cognitivo y factores asociados en adultos mayores atendidos en el Centro de Salud N° 2 de Cuenca - Ecuador. 2024 -2025

Abstract

This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults treated at Health Center No. 2 in Cuenca, Ecuador, and to identify factors associated with it during the 2024–2025 period, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). It was based on an observational, correlational, and cross-sectional study design, with a quantitative approach. The sample included 685 older adults, evaluated using the MMSE and a sociodemographic questionnaire to analyze characteristics associated with cognitive impairment. The results indicated that 46.28% of the participants presented cognitive impairment, 18.99% had suspected pathological cognitive impairment, and 9.78% presented dementia. The prevalence was higher among individuals aged between 75 and 84 years, with a predominance of dementia in men and with mild cognitive impairment in women. Factors such as low educational level, elementary occupations, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and depression showed a significant association with cognitive impairment. Alcohol consumption was also associated with cognitive impairment, while smoking and body mass index did not present significant associations. It is concluded that cognitive impairment in older adults represents an important health problem. Its association with modifiable factors emphasizes the need for health promotion and prevention strategies, in addition to the integration of a multidisciplinary team for its timely management. Keywords: cognitive dysfunction, cognitive impairment, older adult, associated comorbidities