Predictors of institutionalisation in incident dementia--results of the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe study).

Background/aims: In the past few decades, a number of studies investigated risk factors of nursing home placement (NHP) in dementia patients. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors of NHP in incident dementia cases, considering characteristics at the time of the dementia diagnosis.
Methods: 254 incident dementia cases from a German general practice sample aged 75 years and older which were assessed every 1.5 years over 4 waves were included. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine predictors of NHP. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the time until NHP.
Results: Of the 254 incident dementia cases, 77 (30%) were institutionalised over the study course. The mean time until NHP was 4.1 years. Significant characteristics of NHP at the time of the dementia diagnosis were marital status (being single or widowed), higher severity of cognitive impairment and mobility impairment.
Conclusion: Marital status seems to play a decisive role in NHP. Early initiation of support of sufferers may ensure remaining in the familiar surroundings as long as possible.
(Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)