Psychiatria pre prax 1/2025
Prevalence and characteristics of cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms of dementia in Slovakia: A multicentric observational study – Nezábudka II
Population aging is leading to an increase in the number of patients with neurocognitive disorders, presenting a significant challenge for healthcare. The Nezábudka II study examines the prevalence of cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms of dementia in Slovakia, aiming to identify key factors affecting diagnosis and disease management. This multicentric observational study included patients diagnosed with dementia. Demographic and clinical characteristics, cognitive test results (MMSE, MoCA), and the presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) were analyzed. The majority of patients were aged 70–79 years (40.8%), with women comprising 60.6% of the sample. The average MMSE score decreased from 18.06 to 14.53 points over 12 months. Behavioural and psychological symptoms were present in more than 70% of patients, with emotional disturbances being the most common.The study highlights the need for early screening and comprehensive dementia management, particularly considering the behavioural and psychological symptoms that significantly impact patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life.
Keywords: dementia, cognitive disorders, behavioral and psychological symptoms, early diagnosis
