Impact of the interaction between mild and mild‐to‐moderate cognitive impairment with chronic health problems on hospital admission among community‐dwelling older adults

摘要

Aim This study aims to examine the effect of concurrent mild and mild‐to‐moderate cognitive impairment with chronic diseases on hospital admission (HA) among community‐dwelling older adults. Method The National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2018), with 1225 respondents (each wave), were used. The number of HAs within 1?year was the outcome. Clock drawing test, delayed word recall test, self‐reported chronic diseases and their interactions were the independent variables. Results The effect of cognitive impairment on the frequency of HAs varies for executive function and memory impairment. Executive function impairment concurrent with the history of heart attack or diabetes mellitus (DM) can increase the risk of HAs. Memory impairment concurrent with hypertension, DM or stroke can increase the chance of HAs. Conclusion Screening to identify mild and mild‐to‐moderate cognitive impairment at the time of admission can help to reduce the risk of rehospitalization, particularly for patients with DM, hypertension, stroke and heart attack. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1213–1220.