Survey on diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in Sichuan area in China

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dementia imposes significant economic and emotional burdens, with cognitive impairment in China expected to rise. However, diagnosis and treatment remain inadequately standardized. This study surveyed cognitive impairment diagnosis and treatment in Sichuan, China. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study analyzed inpatient records from 13 medical institutions over the past 5 years. RESULTS: Patients exhibited delayed medical care-seeking, primarily visiting tertiary hospitals, where diagnostic and treatment capabilities were superior. Alzheimer's disease (AD) was the most common diagnosis, with memory impairment as the predominant initial symptom. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were insufficient. DISCUSSION: Findings underscore the need to enhance health education, allocate more diagnostic and intervention resources, and strengthen primary healthcare to improve care quality for patients with cognitive impairment in Sichuan. Highlights: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in China is expected to surge significantly. Despite this trend, the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disease in China remain unstandardized. A multicenter retrospective study of inpatient records with cognitive impairment or dementia as the first diagnosis treated at 13 medical facilities across Sichuan Province over the past 5 years was performed. The analysis revealed a pattern of delayed medical care-seeking among patients who predominantly accessed tertiary hospitals. Alzheimer's disease (AD) emerged as the most common diagnosis. Memory impairment was identified as the most frequent initial symptom. Tertiary hospitals demonstrated superior diagnostic and treatment capabilities compared to non-tertiary institutions. In addition, the results revealed that the patients received fewer pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The findings highlight the urgent need for the Sichuan region to strengthen health education on cognitive impairment, allocate more diagnostic and intervention resources, and enhance primary healthcare capabilities to improve the quality of care and life for patients with cognitive impairment.