Perfil epidemiológico, funcional e cognitivo de pessoas idosas residentes em uma Instituição de Longa Permanência da cidade de Governador Valadares-MG

Abstract

Aging is a natural, irreversible process associated with progressive structural and functional losses, often resulting in functional dependence and the need for institutional care of older adults. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, functional, and cognitive profile of elderly individuals residing in a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly (LTCF) in the city of Governador Valadares, Brazil. This retrospective study collected data from medical records, encompassing variables such as age, sex, race, length of institutionalization, results of the Katz Index, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test, and the Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE). Fifty older adults were evaluated, with a mean age of 78.4 ± 8.8 years, predominance of females (58%), and an average duration of institutionalization of 54.8 ± 63.8 months. The MMSE presented a mean score of 13.5 ± 6.3 (n=42). The TUG and 5STS tests were performed by 30 and 26 residents, with mean times of 43.4 ± 52.7 and 29.2 ± 19.5 seconds, respectively. The Katz Index, analyzed in 46 participants, revealed that most were independent in feeding (76.1%), continence, and transferring (52.2%), but dependent for bathing (67.3%), dressing (63%), and personal hygiene (54.3%). The results highlight the main challenges of institutionalization regarding the health and functionality of older adults, reinforcing the importance of understanding this profile to guide more effective and integrated care strategies.