Deterioro cognitivo en pacientes adultos mayores que reciben tratamiento de hemodiálisis en el Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, durante el periodo de enero a junio del 2026.

Abstract

Context: Cognitive impairment in older adults with chronic kidney disease can affect memory, attention, and reasoning during hemodialysis treatment. Objective: To determine the level of cognitive impairment in older adult patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Hospital, from January to June 2026. Methodological design: A quantitative, descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study. Population: 236 older adult patients receiving treatment in the Outpatient Hemodialysis Unit. Sample: 147 older adult patients. Technique: Survey. Instrument: Questionnaire and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) administered to older adult patients. Results: Normal cognitive function was identified in 65% of the participants, while 22% showed suspected pathological findings, 7% had dementia, and 6% had cognitive impairment. The mean age was 71.2 years. Of the participants, 60% were male, 63% had secondary education, 50% were married, and 95% lived in urban areas. Regarding signs and symptoms, 25% experienced difficulty finding objects, 48% presented with depression, and 22% showed irritability. Among the risk factors, 33% had insomnia, 16% reported alcohol consumption for a period of 5 to 10 years before treatment, and 11% did not engage in physical activity. Regarding comorbidities, 39% had both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, 27% had diabetes mellitus, and 24% had hypertension. Conclusion: Sixty-five percent of the older adults presented with a normal cognitive level, while 22% showed pathological impairment. These results demonstrate the presence of cognitive alterations in a group of patients, thus requiring timely evaluation and follow-up.