Rehabilitation after intercurrent morbid event of patients suffering from neurocognitive disorders in a pilot unit: management and outcomes

People suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, at a stage still allowing physical activity, encounter more difficulties to access to re-education and rehabilitation care. A trial unit specialized in medical care and rehabilitation (SMR) was created to handle these patients, who suffered a morbid intercurrent event not related to the neurocognitive disorder. The trial unit was created thanks to a dedicated funding from the Brittany Health Regional Agency (ARS) following-up a call for projects in October 2021. A retrospective monocentric descriptive study focusing on the overall evolution of the patient. To describe the social and medical characteristics of admitted patients and access the benefits regarding the patients regain of independence. Results: One hundred forty-nine patients (55 men, 94 women) were included, average age 85 ± 6.5 years. The average length of stay was 24 ± 11 days and the rehabilitative load was high (scores RR 275,2 ± 175,2). A significant improvement in the autonomy of patients was noted, of their physical dependence scores (p < 0,001) and cognitive dependence scores (p < 0,001), of their overall physical condition at SPPB (p<0,001) as well as a decrease in the use of psychotropic drugs (p < 0,001); their nutritional status was unchanged (p = 0.2). One in two patients went home. Our work seems to confirm the importance of specialized units in the care of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease in SMR.