Introduction. Cognitive impairment is a common problem for the elderly. Thus, recognizing conditions for the occurrence of cognitive impairment in elderly patients may be vital in ensuring they receive optimal care during hospitalization. Aim. The aim of study was to evaluate the influence of hospitalization on the cognition of elderly patients, and recognize the conditions for the occurrence of cognitive impairment in geriatric patients hospitalized at the Internal Medicine Ward. Material and method. The study included 60 patients above 65 years of age. Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), SSL 12-I Social Support List, and an original questionnaire were used to collect data. Results. The study showed occurrence of cognitive impairment with different levels of intensity both upon admission (53%) and discharge (48%) from the ward. Statistical analysis did not show a change in cognition during hospitalization (p = 0.482). Cognitive impairment occurred in patients more often when their functional performance decreased (p < 0.001), the period of hospitalization was longer (p < 0.05), social support was lower (support in daily life p = 0.03; support provision p = 0.012), and depression symptoms worsened (upon admission p = 0.03; upon discharge p < 0.01). It was showed that cognition lowered with patient’s age (p < 0.001), and was significantly lower in patients who completed vocational education (p = 0.022), became widowed (p = 0.003), and lived in the countryside (upon admission p = 0.011; upon discharge p = 0.002). Conclusions. Cognitive impairment with different levels of intensity occurred in a half of patients upon admission and discharge. The level of cognition during hospitalization did not change significantly in majority of patients. The occurrence of cognitive impairment in the elderly is conditioned by sociodemographic factors, the level of functional performance, the period of hospitalization, the level of social support, and occurrence of depression.

Key words: cognitive impairment, geriatric patient, hospitalization.