Investigadores de la Universidad de Chicago han evaluado los datos de 2.150 personas de 65 o más años desde el año 2000, observando que el 28% presentaban síntomas de empeoramiento cognitivo, aunque los médicos sólo los registraron en la historia clínica en el 6% de los casos y sólo prescribieron tratamiento en el 2%. Además, sólo diagnosticaron uno de cada cuatro casos del 25% de los participantes en el estudio con síntomas de depresión.
Como resultado de todo ello, señalan los autores, “estos pacientes no disfrutan de un tratamiento precoz ni de la oportunidad de tomar decisiones legales y financieras cuando todavía son capaces de hacerlo”. A su entender, los médicos de Atención Primaria son muy buenos en el diagnóstico de trastornos físicos asociados al envejecimiento, pero a menudo no están formados para reconocer síntomas precoces o no tienen el tiempo necesario para evaluar a pacientes con los trastornos mentales que padecen una gran proporción de personas ancianas.
Webs Relacionadas
University of Chicago
http://www.uchicago.edu/
International Psychogeriatric Association
http://www.ipa-online.org/i
XI Congreso de la IPA, Chicago
http://www.ipa-online.net/
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