NGHIÊN CỨU ĐẶC ĐIỂM LÂM SÀNG, MỘT SỐ YẾU TỐ LIÊN QUAN TRONG BỆNH ALZHEIMER Ở NGƯỜI CAO TUỔI TẠI CẦN THƠ

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease is a primary, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder. With a globally increasing incidence and severity, AD imposes substantial healthcare, economic, and societal burdens.

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics and identify factors associated with Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 52 patients diagnosed with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease according to DSM-5 criteria. All participants exhibited mild to moderate cognitive impairment, defined by a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 10–25. The study was conducted at Can Tho Central General Hospital from 2024 to 2026. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.52 ± 8.3 years, and women accounted for 57.7% of the sample. The mean MMSE score was 18.29 ± 3.9. The prevalence of memory impairment was 57.7%, while disorientation was observed in 61.5% of patients. Disease progression was significantly associated with hypertension (p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03), sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.029), and low educational attainment (p = 0.023). Demographic characteristics and place of residence did not show a significant influence.

Conclusions: Alzheimer’s disease is more commonly observed in women. Impairments in orientation and memory constitute the core clinical manifestations that shape the disease trajectory in patients with Alzheimer’s. Disease severity appears to be minimally influenced by static demographic factors but is independently driven by modifiable risk factors, most notably vascular comorbidity burden, low educational attainment, and sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, an optimal management strategy requires a multidimensional approach that includes strict control of comorbid conditions and promotion of physical activity to delay neurodegeneration and improve quality of life.