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Cognitive impairment and dementia among older prisoners: A report from an Italian prison
Author(s) -
Fabbo Andrea,
Neviani Francesca,
Petrella Stefano,
Beretta Roberto,
De Salvatore Luigi,
Mussi Chiara
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.044010
Subject(s) - dementia , prison , psychiatry , psychology , neurocognitive , population , medicine , cognition , disease , gerontology , clinical psychology , criminology , environmental health , pathology
Background Prison population is aging. Older prisoners are increasing and age‐related problems are a new challenge for the prison officers. Dementia is under detected among old prisoners although life style, substance abuse, custody condition, jail environment increase dementia risk. Older prisoners either may be affected by dementia before the crime or develop dementia during the detention. In Italy in 2017 there were 3700 older prisoner aged 60 and over and 776 aged 70 and over. Method In Sant’Anna prison in Modena district currently there are 19 prisoners over 65. In our district is possible to require psychogeriatric evaluation for older prisoners . Results Since 2017 10 prisoners in sex offender section have been evaluated (mean age 73,7 ds 8,6): 4 of them (30%) have been identified as people with dementia (20% vascular dementia and 10% mixed dementia) and 30% have been diagnosed as neurocognitive minor disorder. 1 of them 87 years old (10%) had Alzheimer disease (MMSE20/30) at the moment of the crime. He needs to be supported by a younger prisoner who is now involved in his care, as educational program. Conclusion In our preliminary experience all older prisoners examined have challenging behaviour related to dementia or cognitive impairment, evaluated with NPI scale (mean 25, 3 min 18 max 38). This is a preliminary picture of Italian dementia reality in prison. This topic deserves future attention.