Cognitive Impairment Patterns and Associated Factors in Elderly Patients at a Primary Care Clinic in North-central Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition significantly impacting the quality of life of the elderly, particularly in developing nations. This study aimed to determine the patterns of CI and identify associated risk factors specifically age, hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index (BMI) among elderly patients attending a secondary healthcare facility in North-central Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the General Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State. The study recruited 228 elderly participants aged 60 years and above using a systematic random sampling technique. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Clinical measurements included blood pressure, BMI, and fasting blood glucose. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24, clinical variables were presented in frequency distribution tables and pattern of CI in bar charts. The chi-square test was used to assess significant associations between categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of cognitive impairment. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) was 26.7%, while 10.1% of participants had severe CI. The majority (63.2%) were cognitively intact. Bivariate analysis revealed statistically significant associations between CI and age, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. However, multivariate logistic regression indicated that only age (OR 1.125; p < 0.001) and diabetes (OR 3.243; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions and Recommendations: MCI is prevalent among the elderly in this study, with advanced age and diabetes serving as the primary predictors. Routine cognitive screening should be prioritized in primary care settings, particularly for patients over 70 and those with diabetes. Integrating cognitive assessments into non-communicable disease clinics and aggressively managing vascular risks are essential strategies to prevent or delay cognitive decline.