The importance of detecting and managing comorbidities in people with dementia?

作者：Chris Fox, Toby Oliver Smith, Ian D. Maidment, Joanne Hebding, Tairo Madzima, Francine Cheater, Jane Cross, Fiona Mary Poland, John White, John B. Young · 发表于：Age and Ageing · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1093/ageing/afu101 · 被引用次数：68 · 研究领域：Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research、Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes、Frailty in Older Adults

Dementia is a debilitating condition characterised by global loss of cognitive and intellectual functioning, which gradually interferes with social and occupational performance. It is a common worldwide condition with a significant impact on society. There are currently 36 million people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias [1]. This is expected to more than double by 2030 (65 million) and reach ∼115 million in 2050, unless a major breakthrough is made. The worldwide societal costs were estimated at USD 604 billion in 2010 and rising [2]. To date research on the specific physical healthcare needs of people with dementia has been neglected. Yet, physical comorbidities are reported as common in people with dementia [3] and have been shown to lead to increased disability and reduced quality of life for the affected person and their carer [4]. Dementia is most frequently associated with older people who often present with other medical conditions, known as co-morbidities. Such co-morbidities include diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, musculoskeletal disorders and chronic cardiac failure and are common, 61% of people with dementia are estimated to have three or more comorbid diagnoses [5]. Musculoskeletal, genitourinary, and ear, nose and throat disorders have been reported as highly prevalent, affecting nearly half of people with dementia [6]. Physical comorbidities are often treatable and some may be reversible. Epilepsy, delirium, falls, or...