Predictors of Institutionalization in Dementia

In present time there are a growing number of people at older age. Dementia is strongly correlated with age. Delaying older adults’ transition from living at their home to institutionalization is of major public health issue. Older individuals at the early stages of illness would prefer to remain living in the community. Our study aimed to determine predictors for institutionalization in patients hospitalized for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Patients admitted to Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital Brasov for treatment of BPSD in dementia were evaluated regarding relationships between active behavioral problems and demographics at the time of admission, and institutionalization or discharge to the patient’s own home. For the 127 study patients included in this study, median time to discharge was 23 days. Multivariate analysis identified higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores as independent clinical predictors for institutionalization, along with male gender and aggressive behavior. Clinical characteristics can be predictive of the time to discharge for patients with BPSD. Earlier interventions and enhanced care strategies may be needed for patients in order to delay institutionalization.