Disorientation in Time and Place in Old Age: Longitudinal Evidence from Three Old Age Cohorts in Germany (AgeDifferent.de Platform).

BACKGROUND

Only little evidence is available on disorientation, one of the most challenging symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of disorientation in older age in association with the level of cognitive status, personal characteristics, and life events.

METHODS

Three longitudinal population-based cohort studies on cognitive health of elderly adults were harmonized (LEILA 75 + , AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe, AgeMooDe). Participants who completed a baseline and at least one follow-up assessment of cognitive functioning and who did not have stroke, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and/or alcoholism were included in the analysis (n = 2135, 72.6% female, mean age 80.2 years). Data was collected in standardized interviews and questionnaires with the participant, a proxy informant, and the participant's general practitioner.

RESULTS

Making three errors in the MMSE other than in the questions on orientation (MMSEwo) came with a probability of 7.8% for disorientation, making ten errors with a probability of 88.9%. A lower MMSEwo score (HR 0.75, CI 95 0.71-0.79, p < 0.001), older age (HR 1.11, CI 95 1.08-1.14, p < 0.001), and living in a nursing home (HR 1.64, CI 95 1.02-2.64, p = 0.042) were associated with incident disorientation. Impairments in walking (OR 2.41, CI 95 1.16-4.99, p = 0.018) were associated with a greater probability for prevalent disorientation. None of the life events were significant.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that disorientation is primarily associated with cognitive status. Regular walking activities might possibly reduce the risk for disorientation but further research is necessary.