Functional decline and survival in dependent elderly people.

A survey of dependency levels was carried out in 1985 and 1989 in 41 residents of old peoples homes and 25 patients in geriatric continuing care wards. There was an increase in all levels of dependency for those in both types of care. In the hospital patients surveyed in 1985, mortality was greatest in the most dependent, particularly those with impaired mental function. There was a positive correlation between length of survival and mental function. The results of this study emphasise the important role of dementia in the health and survival of old people.