Evaluation and Comparison of Cognitive State and Depression in Elderly Admitted in Sanitarium with Elderly Sited in Personal Home

Introduction: In this study cognitive state and geriatric depression in elderly living in sanatorium and personal home were evaluated. Methods: The present study was conducted on 46 aged subjects living in sanitarium and 90 aged subjects staying in personal homes. Mini mental status examination (MMSE) and geriatric depression scale (GDS) questionnaires were completed according to the standard examination. Results: As for the cognitive state of the aged living in sanitarium, 13 cases (28.3%) suffered from mild (MMSE≤21), 16 cases (24.8%) from moderate (10≥MMSE<21) and 17 cases (37%) from severe cognitive disorder (MMSE<10). This is while in the aged living in personal houses; the slight, moderate, and severe cognitive disorders were reported respectively in 49, 40 and 1 cases. As for the geriatric depression, in the aged living in sanitarium, 14 cases (30.4%) had normal condition (GDS≥3), 12 cases (26.1%) suffered from moderate depression (310). In the second group, 51 cases (56%) had normal condition, 29 cases (31.9%) suffered from moderate depression and 10 cases (11%) suffered from severe depression indicating a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Cognitive disorder and depression scale were significantly higher in aged subjects living in sanatorium. Familial relations and continuous exercise activity can to decrease mental status disorder and geriatric depression