[Prevalence of cognitive impairment in a high social risk population older then 60 years from Neuquén capital, Argentina].

INTRODUCTION: The information that exists on dementia and cognitive impairment is scarce in Argentina, particularly in Patagonia.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment. A door to door survey was performed to all people over 60 who lived in a high social risk neighborhood in Neuquen city, where geriatric and cognitive variables were evaluated, including Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, clock test and test set according to the level of instruction.

RESULTS: Of the 78 surveys assessed, the mean age was 70.75 years, 37 female, with an average of 4.37 years of schooling, with 33% of functional illiterates. Cognitive impairment was evidenced in 29.49%, being high er at older and less educated respondents.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the study population was higher than in other Argentine studies associated with an illiteracy rate higher than in other jurisdictions.