DEMENTIA AND ITS FUNCTIONAL AND COGNITIVE

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of dementia has increased in recent decades, being a relevant cause of cognitive and functional impairments in the population. However, the national literature on this relationship is extremely scarce. Objective: To analyze quantitatively and qualitatively the associations that exist between the variables dementia and cognitive and functional impairments. Methods: A systematic review of studies on the subject was carried out in the electronic databases Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar in 2024. Finally, the synthesis of the study was through the comparison of qualitative and quantitative quantities, determining the most frequent characteristics. Results: Dementia constitutes a syndrome of great clinical variability, but always culminating in cognitive decline, in the most comprehensive areas, which leads, in the progression of the disease, to the impairment of the patient's functionality in daily activities of life, and, consequently, in their autonomy, affecting the quality of life. Early diagnosis and prevention are extremely important to maintain autonomy, as is attention to the caregiver. Conclusion: Dementia significantly affects the quality of life of patients and caregivers, as it causes a significant decline in the individual's functionality and autonomy.