Time until institutionalization in incident dementia cases--results of the Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged (LEILA 75+)

Abstract

Background: Information on the time until institutionalization and its predictors in demented subjects has so far been based on studies with selected samples or prevalent dementia cases. Thus, the aim of the study is to analyze the time until institutionalization and associated patient-related factors in incident dementia cases.

Methods: Data were derived from the Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged (LEILA 75+), a population-based study of individuals aged 75 years and older. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the time until institutionalization. Factors associated with time until institutionalization were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: One hundred and nine subjects with incident dementia who resided in a private home setting at the time of the dementia diagnosis were identified. Fifty-two (47.7%) of these subjects had become residents of a nursing home by the end of the study. The median time until institutionalization was 1,005 days (95% CI = 808-1,202). Being widowed/divorced (compared to being married) was associated with a significantly shorter time until institutionalization (univariate model: HR = 4.50, 95% CI = 1.09-18.57).

Conclusion: Being without a spouse seems to be an important factor for a shorter time until institutionalization in incident dementia cases. Tailored interventions for these subjects at risk are required.