Perfil cognoscitivo de adultos mayores de 60 a os con y sin deterioro cognoscitivo

Introduction: During aging cognitive function processes may decrease and fluctuate. This makes the task of distinguishing between normal aging and pathological deterioration clinically difficult. Variables such as age, academic level and social demographics combine to impede an objective analysis. The goal of the study was to characterize the neuropsychological profile of Mexican senior citizens who expressed a subjec- tive complaint regarding memory. Method: A sample of 536 people over the age of 60 was studied. Each had reported memory issues between 2006 and 2010 at the Salvador Zubiran National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition. For interdisciplinary consensus the sample was divided into: Normal Aging (NA), Slight Cognitive Deterioration (SCD), Alzheimer Disease (AL), Vascular Dementia (VA) and Mixed De- mentia (MD). Z points were used to calculate ANOVA with repeated measurements. Results: The population yielded statistical differences stemming from neuropsychological evaluations. 29% of the sample were classified NA with no current objective alterations in cognitive func- tions. The largest group, 46%, were classified as SCD, manifesting some alterations in memory and attention. AL was found in 12% with severe alterations in memory, executive functions and language. A similar cognitive profile was shared with the 6% of the group with MD, with only difference in the severity of cognitive alterations. Those with a VA profile manifested affected functions for attention, visual construction, calculation and motor coordination.