Non-pharmacological measures in patients with dementia: an important aspect little recognized by the population

Abstract

Cognitive Impairment (CI) is defined as an alteration of cognitive functions and/or memory, which is evidenced by a change in relation to the previous level or state of activity. Cognitive impairment is one of the categories where the so-called non-pharmacological interventions are most important. Most of the etiological processes responsible for cognitive impairment do not have a curative pharmacological treatment, so non-pharmacological treatments have become increasingly important in recent years. The aim of the present work was to know the information that patients and relatives have about non-pharmacological treatment in CI, what importance they give it and what measures they have taken.

From November 2022 to June 2023, an anonymous closed survey of 150 patients and family members presenting to the HNC Neurology consulting room regarding non-pharmacological treatment in CI was conducted. The variables used were age, sex, knowledge about neurocognitive rehabilitation, consideration of its importance, what type of diet they do, if they do physical activity, activities they do during the day.

Of the total, 65% were female. The mean age was 75 years. The vast majority (72%) were unaware of these measures. 20% have undergone rehabilitation and more than half have stimulation tools at home. More than half of the patients do not carry out any other task that is not related to the domestic ones. About physical exercise performed, 52% do not perform a constant activity. With regard to food, most do not follow the guidelines linked to cognitive improvement.

It has been found that many of the patients do not have non-pharmacological treatment measures, since they do not know what they are about. But by sharing information on this topic, they recognize the value of it. With the increase in life expectancy, consultations for cognitive failures are increasing more and more in Neurology consulting room, so it is considered essential to carry out activities that encourage adherence to these practices in order to improve quality of life.