Overview of Intellectual Functions in The Elderly at The Social Service Center for The Elderly, Mappakasunggu, Parepare City

Aging is a natural process that causes a decline in physical and cognitive functions, including intellectual function. This decline can affect the ability of the elderly to carry out daily activities and their quality of life. One way to measure cognitive status in a simple way is through the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), especially in elderly with low levels of education. To determine the description of intellectual function in elderly at PPSLU Mappakasunggu, Parepare City, using the SPMSQ instrument. This study used a quantitative descriptive design. A sample of 9 elderly people was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through the SPMSQ questionnaire and analyzed univariately to describe the characteristics of respondents based on gender, age, education level, and level of intellectual impairment. Most respondents were female (66.7%), were in the 75–90 years age category (77.8%), and had elementary school and high school/vocational school education (44.4% each). Based on the SPMSQ results, 33.3% of elderly people experienced moderate intellectual impairment, 33.3% had severe intellectual impairment, 11.1% had mild intellectual impairment, and 11.1% had intact intellectual function. Most elderly people at the Mappakasunggu Community Health Center (PPSLU) experience moderate to severe intellectual disability. This highlights the importance of early detection and non-pharmacological interventions to maintain cognitive function.