Assessment of the relationship between functional dependency and cognitive status with skin lesions in elderly individuals

Introduction: Skin lesions observed concomitantly with increasing functional dependency and/or cognitive impairment can lead to significant additional challenges. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between functional dependency, cognitive status, and skin lesions in elderly individuals Methods: Individuals presenting to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary reference center were included in a cross-sectional study. The level of dependency was determined using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale, classifying individuals as "totally dependent," "partially dependent," or "independent." Cognitive status was assessed using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), with scores of 24 and above considered "normal." Results: Of the 228 individuals included in the study, 63.60% were male, with a mean age of 76.20 (±7.10) years. The three most commonly observed skin findings in the study group were scar (43.90%), xerosis (40.40%), and dermatophytosis (36.40%). It was revealed that the occurrence of xerosis, infection-related lesions, eczema, diabetic foot ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and pruritus was statistically significantly lower in individuals with "totally independent" ADL, "totally independent" IADL, and/or "normal" cognitive function assessed by MMSE. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between functional and cognitive status and the occurrence of skin lesions in elderly individuals. Certain skin lesions such as xerosis, infection-related lesions, eczema, diabetic foot ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and pruritus may be particularly common in elderly individuals who are functionally dependent and/or have impaired cognitive functions and should be taken into consideration in clinical practice.