COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ELDERLY IN SELECTED COMMUNITY AREA OF DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND

Background: Aging per the biological concept is the results of the build-up of a large type of cellular changes within the body over expanded period of time which results in a decrease in physicality and mentality. The aim of the study to assess cognitive impairment and quality of life among elderly in selected community area.

Methodology: Descriptive survey research design was used, total 130 elderly were selected through total enumerative sampling technique. Data was collected by interview method for Socio-demographic variables, Mini Mental Status Examination and Structured tool on quality of life in community area of Markham grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Frequency, percentage mean and standard deviation, Chi- Square, Fisher’s Exact Test was used.

Results: This study showed that (53.8%) of the elderly were having no cognitive impairment, (30.8%) were having mildcognitive impairment, (13.1%) of the elderly were having moderate cognitive impairment, (2.3%) of the elderlywere having severe cognitive impairment. The result also showed that 72.3% were having average quality of life,15.4% were having good quality of life, 12.3% were having poor quality of life and the mean QOL score was maximum in Social Relation and Family (21.94±2.951) and minimum in financial circumstances (13.52±2.864). The cognitive function is improving and quality of life is also improving as there is highly significant moderate positive correlation (0.482) tested at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the elderly were having no cognitive impairment and average quality of life.