Factores de riesgo de carga en cuidadores de ancianos con síndrome demencial / Burden risk factors in caregivers of elder people with dementia syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: las demencias son enfermedades que producen discapacidad física y mental, con una disminución notable en la calidad y expectativa de vida del enfermo y su cuidador. Objetivo: identificar la frecuencia de carga y los factores de riesgo asociados a esta en cuidadores de ancianos con síndrome demencial del municipio San Miguel del Padrón, provincia La Habana. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal (de casos y controles), realizado en San Miguel del Padrón, de enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2015. Se estudiaron 329 cuidadores seleccionados por muestreo intencional no probabilístico, pertenecientes a las seis áreas de salud de dicho municipio. La variable dependiente fue la carga y las independientes fueron las relacionadas con el cuidador, el anciano y la familia. Para las diferencias de porcentajes o tablas de contingencia se utilizó el Chi2 de Pearson, con el tamaño del error prefijado de p ≤ 0,05. Para identificar los posibles factores de riesgo de carga se empleó la regresión logística múltiple con respuesta dicotómica. Resultados: la mitad de los cuidadores presentaban carga, y los factores de riesgo identificados fueron la religiosidad, la severidad de los síntomas psicológicos y conductuales, la depresión, los motivos para el cuidado, padecer enfermedad crónica y el funcionamiento familiar. Conclusiones: los resultados evidencian la necesidad de diseñar futuras intervenciones educativas para disminuir la carga del cuidador del anciano con síndrome demencial (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: dementias are diseases that cause physical and mental disability, with a marked decrease in the life quality and life expectancy of the patient and his/her caregiver. Objective: to identify the burden frequency and risk factors associated with it in caregivers of the elder people with dementia syndrome from the municipality of San Miguel del Padrón, La Habana province. Materials and methods: cross-sectional analytical observational study (of cases and controls), carried out in San Miguel del Padrón, from January 2013 to December 2015. The authors studied 329 caregivers chosen by intentional non-probabilistic sampling, belonging to the six health areas of that municipality. The dependent variable was the burden, and the independent ones were those related to the caregiver, the elder person and the family. For percentage differences or contingency tables Pearson's Chi2 was used, with the prefixed error size of p ≤ 0.05. The multiple logistic regression with dichotomous answer was used to identify the possible burden risk factors. Results: half of the caregivers had burden, and the identified risk factors were religiosity, the severity of psychological and behavioral symptoms, depression, the reasons of care, suffering a chronic disease, and family functioning. Conclusions: the results evidenced the need of designing future educational interventions to lessen the burden on the caregiver of elder person with dementia syndrome (AU).

Clinical and radiological features of main dementias / Aspectos clínicos e radiológicos das principais demências

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline of two or more cognitive functions, affecting social or professional life. Alzheimer's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that represents 53% of dementia cases; memory loss, inability to recognize faces, impaired judgement, disorientation and confusion are possible common symptoms. Vascular Dementia is responsible for 42% of dementia cases, due to cerebrovascular pathologies, and the clinical aspects are related to the extension and location of the brain injury. Lewy Bodies Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that represents 15% of dementia cases, and its symptoms include visual hallucinations, parkinsonism and fluctuating cognitive decline. Frontotemporal dementia is a group of clinical syndromes, divided in Behavioral-variant, characterized by disinhibition, compulsions, apathy, aberrant sexual behavior and executive dysfunction; and Primary Progressive Aphasia, which is subdivided in Nonfluentvariant and Semantic-variant. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a reversible cause of dementia, with a wide clinical feature, that includes psychiatric symptoms such as depression and irritability, hematological symptoms related to anemia (e.g. dyspnea and fatigue), and neurological symptoms including dementia and neuropathy. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is also reversible, presenting forgetfulness, changes in mood, decline of executive functions, reduced attention, and a lack of interest in daily activities as symptoms. The radiological findings vary depending on the etiology of dementia. For that reason, understanding neuroimaging and clinical aspects is important to diagnose effectively.

A demência é uma síndrome que consiste em um declínio de um ou mais domínios cognitivos, que afeta o desempenho social ou profissional do indivíduo. A Doença de Alzheimer é um transtorno neurocognitivo que representa 53% dos casos de demência; seus sintomas podem incluir perda de memória, incapacidade de reconhecer rostos familiares, julgamento comprometido desorientação e confusão mental. A Demência Vascular é responsável por 42% dos casos de demência e é causada por doenças cerebrovasculares, seus achados clínicos são relacionados com o local e com a extensão do dano cerebral. Já a Demência por Corpos de Lewy é uma doença neurocognitiva que representa 15% dos casos de demência, cujos sintomas incluem alucinações visuais, parkinsonismo e flutuação cognitiva. A Demência Frontotemporal, por sua vez, é um grupo de síndromes, que se dividem em variante comportamental ­ caracterizada por desinibição, compulsão, apatia, hipersexualidade e disfunções executivas ­ e Afasia Progressiva Primária, subdividida em variante não-fluente e variante semântica, que cursam com disfunções da linguagem. Há, ainda, a Deficiência de Vitamina B12, uma causa reversível de demência. Ela possui um quadro clínico variado, que inclui sintomas psiquiátricos, como depressão e irritabilidade, sintomas hematológicos relacionados a anemia, como dispneia e fadiga) e sintomas neurológicos, que incluem demência e neuropatias. Uma outra causa reversível é a Hidrocefalia de Pressão Normal, que se apresenta com esquecimentos, alterações de humor, perda de função executiva e redução da atenção e do interesse nas atividades cotidianas. Os achados de neuroimagem variam dependendo da etiologia da demência. Assim, compreender os aspectos clínicos e radiológicos é importante para um diagnóstico efetivo..

Olfactory impairment and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults: a meta-analysis / Distúrbio olfativo e o risco de declínio cognitivo e demência em idosos: uma metanálise

Abstract Introduction The prediction of the impact of olfactory impairment on cognitive decline in older adults has been different among different age groups. Objective This meta-analysis sought to estimate the predictive power of olfactory impairment on cognitive decline during follow-up in older adults of different ages. Material and methods A medical literature search was carried out using these databases for eligible studies: MEDLINE, COCHRANE and EMBASE. Studies recording olfaction and cognition detection at the beginning and end of the follow-up were included in the preliminary screening. The medical records of older adults without cognitive impairment at the beginning of the follow-up were taken into account in this analysis. Raw data was extracted in order to estimate the relative risk and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Subgroup analysis of age was performed to eliminate the effect of age on the results. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using the I 2 index and Cochran's Q test. Results Eight studies were enrolled in this analysis (3237 events and 13165 participants), and the pooled relative risk for the 70-80 years old subgroup was 2.00 (95% CI = 1.79-2.23). Conclusion Relatively, there is a higher risk of cognitive impairment at the end of follow-up in younger adults with olfactory impairment at the beginning of follow-up. The length of follow-up has a little effect on the relative risk.

Resumo Introdução A previsão do impacto do comprometimento olfativo no declínio cognitivo em idosos tem sido distinta entre diferentes faixas etárias. Objetivo Esta metanálise buscou estimar o poder preditivo do comprometimento olfativo no declínio cognitivo durante o seguimento em idosos de diferentes idades. Material e métodos Foi feita uma pesquisa na literatura médica nos seguintes bancos de dados para estudos elegíveis: Medline, Cochrane e Embase. Os estudos que registraram olfação e detecção de cognição no início e no fim do seguimento foram incluídos na triagem preliminar. Os prontuários médicos de idosos sem comprometimento cognitivo no início do seguimento foram considerados nessa análise. Os dados brutos foram extraídos para estimar o risco relativo e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) correspondente. A análise de subgrupos da idade foi feita para eliminar o efeito da idade nos resultados. A heterogeneidade estatística foi medida utilizando o índice I2 e o teste Q de Cochran. Resultados Oito estudos foram incluídos nesta análise (3.237 eventos e 13.165 participantes) e o risco relativo combinado para o subgrupo de 70 a 80 anos foi de 2,00 (IC95% = 1,79-2,23). Conclusão Relativamente, existe um risco maior de comprometimento cognitivo no fim do seguimento em adultos mais jovens que se se apresentam com comprometimento olfativo no início do seguimento. A duração do seguimento tem um pequeno efeito no risco relativo.

Influence of Alzheimer's disease on the relationship between nutritional status and risk of fall

Although malnutrition and risk of falls in the elderly have increased in recent years, uncertainties exist as to whether these conditions are associated after controlling for sociodemographic variables, body composition, metabolic condition, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to analyze the association between nutritional status and risk of fall in the elderly population. Participants were matched by gender and age, after they had been grouped on the basis of diagnosis of AD. The risk of falls, nutritional status, and mental status were assessed using the Downton Fall Risk Score (FRS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE), respectively. Logistic regression modelsadjusted for the main confounders were used in the analyses. Among the 68 elderly individuals studied, participants who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition were more likely to fall (odds ratio = 8.29; 95% confidence interval = 1.49-46.04) than those with normal nutritional status, regardless of gender, age, education, body composition, and metabolic condition. This association did not remain significant after adjustment for AD, a potential confounder in this association. Malnutrition or its risk was independently associated with high risk of fall; thus, malnutrition should be considered in the prevention of falls among the elderly population.

Demência rapidamente progressiva por linfoma primário do sistema nervoso central: um relato de caso / Rapidly progressive dementia due to primary central nervous system lymphoma: a case report

As demências rapidamente progressivas são condições que impactam a vida do paciente, entretanto nem sempre são consideradas durante a investigação da síndrome demencial. Este relato descreve uma paciente portadora de artrite reumatoide em uso crônico de corticoterapia que evoluiu com um quadro de demência rapidamente progressiva no período de cinco meses. Durante a investigação, evidenciou-se o linfoma primário de sistema nervoso central como causa de sua síndrome demencial. Faz-se importante destacar que o uso prolongado de corticoide pode estar associado a um estado de imunossupressão, o que é fator de risco para o surgimento do linfoma de sistema nervoso central.

Rapidly progressive dementias are conditions that worsening the patient's life; however they are not always considered during the investigation of dementia syndrome. This report describes the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic use of corticosteroid therapy, who developed rapidly progressive dementia within 5 months. During the investigation, the primary lymphoma of the central nervous system was evidenced as the cause of its dementia syndrome. Importantly, prolonged use of corticosteroids may be associated with a state of immunosuppression, which is a risk factor for the onset of central nervous system lymphoma.

Estimulação cognitiva em idosos com demência: qual o impacto na saúde de seus cuidadores? / Cognitive stimulation in older adults with dementia: what is the impact on their caregivers' health?

OBJETIVOS: Identificar e avaliar o efeito das intervenções de estimulação cognitiva (EC) em idosos com demências na saúde dos cuidadores. MÉTODO: Revisão sistemática da literatura conduzida de acordo com as diretrizes do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA). A busca foi realizada em maio de 2018, por dois pesquisadores independentes, nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Escala da Base de Dados de Evidência em Fisioterapia (PEDro), PsycINFO e PubMed. Os descritores utilizados foram "dementia" AND "cognitive stimulation" e seus equivalentes em português e espanhol. Foram incluídos apenas artigos experimentais, publicados entre janeiro de 2007 e abril de 2018, que realizaram EC em idosos com demência, conduzida por profissional ou pelo próprio cuidador e cujo desfecho incidisse no cuidador. A qualidade dos estudos selecionados foi avaliada pela Escala PEDro. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta de 10 estudos, sendo que apenas dois verificaram benefícios da EC sobre a saúde do cuidador do idoso com demência. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo não encontrou evidências consistentes sobre os reais benefícios da realização de EC no idoso com demência para a vida do seu cuidador.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate the effect of cognitive stimulation (CS) interventions for older adults with dementia on caregivers' health. METHOD: This systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was performed by two independent researchers in May 2018, using Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature Database (LILACS), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PsycINFO, and PubMed databases. The terms used were "dementia" AND "cognitive stimulation" and their equivalents in Portuguese and Spanish. For inclusion, articles should have been experimental, published from January 2007 to April 2018, with CS delivered to older adults with dementia by a professional or by a caregiver, and outcome measured in the caregiver. Quality of selected studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 10 studies, and only two reported CS benefits to the health of caregivers of older adults with dementia. CONCLUSION: This study found no consistent evidence of actual benefits of CS in older adults with dementia to their caregivers' health.

Cuidados paliativos al final de la vida en pacientes con demencia terminal / End-of-life palliative care in patients with terminal dementia

Resumen La demencia es condición que típicamente involucra un deterioro gradual y progresivo de la cognición, el comportamiento y el funcionamiento de un individuo, hasta alcanzar la muerte. La medicina paliativa asiste a pacientes que enfrentan procesos degenerativos progresivos como este y les provee insumos para mejorar su calidad de vida, aliviar su dolor y apoyar a quienes les asisten; en una forma interdisciplinaria e integral hasta el final de su vida. Este trabajo pretende exponer brevemente, mediante una revisión de literatura vigente, el conocimiento y teorías actuales sobre demencia como una condición terminal que requiere atención paliativa; desde una perspectiva integral, enfocándose en el manejo y los objetivos de cuidado del paciente con esta condición, que reúna tanto la visión médica como la del paciente, su red de apoyo y su entorno. Se describe la demencia como una condición terminal que requiere de atención paliativa desde el momento de su diagnóstico, las necesidades propias del paciente con esta condición y las implicaciones de su atención, requiriendo un abordaje integral y un planteamiento de objetivos claros, humanizados y centrados en el paciente; que satisfacen sus necesidades, consideran y respetan su individualidad y contemplan aspectos como la voluntad adelantada.

Abstract Dementia is a condition that typically involves a gradual and progressive deterioration of the cognition, behavior and functioning of an individual, to death. Palliative medicine assists patients who face progressive degenerative processes like this one and provides them with supplies to improve their quality of life, relieve their pain and support those who assist them; in an interdisciplinary and integral way until the end of his life. This work aims to briefly expose, through a review of current literature, knowledge and current theories about dementia as a terminal condition that requires palliative care; from a holistic perspective, focusing on the management and objectives of patient care with this condition, which brings together both the medical and the patient's vision, their support network and their environment. Dementia is described as a terminal condition that requires palliative care from the moment of diagnosis, the specific needs of the patient with this condition and the implications of their care, requiring a comprehensive approach and a clear, humanized and patient-centered approach to goals of care; that meet their needs, consider and respect their individuality and contemplate aspects such as their advanced wills.

The validity and reliability of the CAMDEX-DS for assessing dementia in adults with Down syndrome in Brazil

Objective: Alzheimer's disease occurs at a higher prevalence and an earlier age in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) than typically developing individuals. However, diagnosing dementia in individuals with intellectual disability remains a challenge due to pre-existing cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS) for individuals with DS. Methods: Two psychiatrists, working independently, evaluated 92 adults with DS ≥ 30 years of age. The concurrent validity of the CAMDEX-DS was analyzed in relation to the gold standard of established international criteria. In a subgroup of 20 subjects, the concurrent validity of the CAMDEX-DS was analyzed in relation to an independent objective assessment of cognitive decline over three years. We analyzed the inter-rater reliability of cognitive assessment. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of the CAMDEX-DS compared to the gold standard was 96.7%. CAMDEX-DS-based diagnosis was considered consistent with cognitive decline. The probability of a participant with dementia having cognitive decline was 83%. Inter-rater reliability for the participant assessment was good, with a kappa of > 0.8 for 93% of the CAMDEX-DS items. Conclusion: The CAMDEX-DS can be considered the first valid and reliable instrument for evaluating dementia in adults with DS in Brazil. Its use in such individuals could improve clinical practice and research.

The convergence of stroke and dementia / A convergência do acidente vascular cerebral e da demência

ABSTRACT Neurological disorders account for the most Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY's) -of the Global Burden of Disease (10%). More than half of neurological DALY's result from the combination of stroke (42%) and dementia (10%). The two pose risk for each other and share the same predisposing factors. A stroke doubles the risk of dementia. The close interactions call for convergent approaches. Stroke and dementia also converge at the microscopic level. The neurovascular unit has emerged as a key organizational structure of the brain. Involvement of any of its elements affects all the others. Thus, neurodegeneration impairs the microcirculation and disturbances of the microcirculation accelerate neurodegeneration. Evolving technologies allow "in vivo" imaging of the usual mixture of vascular and neurodegenerative pathology of the elderly that makes them prone to stroke and dementia. Since they occur together, they should be prevented together with a multimodal approach of lifestyle changes and mechanistic therapeutic targets. The two fields are also converging at the policy level. The World Stroke Organization has updated its Proclamation to include potentially preventable dementias that has been endorsed by Alzheimer Disease International, The World Federation of Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology and 20 international, regional and national organizations. Those interested in stroke and those dealing with dementia should work together where they can, differ where they must, with the common aim of preventing jointly, both stroke and dementia.

RESUMO As doenças neurológicas são responsáveis pela maior parte dos Anos de Vida Ajustados por Incapacidade (DALY's) segundo o Estudo da Carga Global de Doença (10%). Mais da metade dos DALY's de origem neurológica resultam da combinação de acidente vascular cerebral-AVC (42%) e demência (10%). Estas duas condições representam risco uma para a outra e compartilham dos mesmos fatores predisponentes. Um AVC quase triplica o risco de demência. Esta grande interação demanda abordagens convergentes. AVC e demência também convergem em nível microscópico. A unidade neurovascular emergiu como estrutura de organização chave da saúde do cérebro. O envolvimento de qualquer um dos seus elementos afeta todos os outros. Desse modo, a neurodegeneração compromete a microcirculação, enquanto distúrbios da microcirculação aceleram a neurodegeneração. Novas tecnologias permitem a obtenção de imagens "in vivo" da combinação usual entre patologia vascular e neurodegenerativa de idosos, que os torna vulneráveis ao AVC e à demência. Como estas duas condições ocorrem associadas, devem ser prevenidas em conjunto, com uma abordagem multimodal que conjugue mudanças de hábitos de vida e alvos terapêuticos mecanísticos. Estes dois campos também estão convergindo no campo das políticas de saúde. A Organização Mundial do AVC atualizou sua Proclamação de modo a incluir demências potencialmente passíveis de prevenção, que foi endossada pela Associação Internacional da Doença de Alzheimer, pela Federação Mundial de Neurologia, pela Academia Americana de Neurologia, e por 20 outras organizações internacionais, regionais e nacionais. Os colegas interessados em AVC e aqueles que lidam com demência devem trabalhar juntos onde puderem, diferindo onde devem, com o objetivo comum da prevenção conjunta tanto do AVC quanto da demência.

Time use by family caregivers of elderly with dementia: an integrative review / Uso del tiempo por cuidadores familiares de ancianos con demencia: revisión integrativa / Uso do tempo por cuidadores familiares de idosos com demência: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the development of measures used between 1993 and 2016 to evaluate time use by family caregivers of elderly with dementia and to find out the patterns of time use identified in the literature. Method: An integrative review of articles was performed, indexed by the following terms: time use management, family caregiver and elderly. Results: A total of 17 articles were found, of which seven were methodological. Among these seven articles, five were psychometric. The most frequently used measures were self-reporting (matrices, questionnaires and inventories), validated through objective measures of occurrence and duration. Longitudinal, prospective, clinical and correlational studies showed that care time covaries with the receptors' dependence and that the caregivers' subjective well-being is more affected by the time restriction to free choice activities than the burden resulting from obligatory activities. Final considerations: Valid self-reporting measures are widely used nowadays and they are considered to be effective to assess the objective and subjective costs of health care for dementia.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la evolución de las medidas utilizadas para la evaluación del uso del tiempo por cuidadores familiares de ancianos con demencias entre 1993 y 2016 y conocer los patrones de uso del tiempo identificados por esa literatura. Método: revisión integrativa de artículos indexados por los siguientes términos: time use measurement, family caregiver y elderly. Resultados: 17 artículos, entre los cuales siete metodológicos; de entre ellos, cinco eran psicométricos. Las medidas más usadas fueron de autoinforme (matrices, cuestionarios e inventarios), validadas por medidas objetivas de ocurrencia y duración. Los estudios longitudinales, prospectivos, clínicos y correlacionales muestran covarianza entre el tiempo de cuidado y la dependencia del receptor. Además, el bienestar subjetivo del cuidador es más afectado por la restricción del tiempo para actividades de libre elección que por la sobrecarga derivada de las actividades obligatorias. Consideraciones finales: Las medidas válidas de autoinforme son hoy ampliamente usadas y consideradas como eficaces para evaluar costos objetivos y subjetivos del cuidado en las demencias.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a evolução das medidas utilizadas para a avaliação do uso do tempo por cuidadores familiares de idosos com demências, entre 1993 e 2016, e conhecer os padrões de uso do tempo identificados por essa literatura. Método: Revisão integrativa de artigos indexados pelos termos time use measurement, family caregiver e elderly. Resultados: Dezessete artigos, dentre os quais sete metodológicos. Dentre estes, cinco eram psicométricos. As medidas mais usadas foram de autorrelato (matrizes, questionários e inventários), validadas por medidas objetivas de ocorrência e duração. Estudos longitudinais, prospectivos, clínicos e correlacionais mostram que o tempo de cuidado covaria com a dependência do receptor e que o bem-estar subjetivo do cuidador é mais afetado pela restrição do tempo para atividades de livre escolha do que pela sobrecarga decorrente das obrigatórias. Considerações finais: Medidas válidas de autorrelato são hoje amplamente usadas, consideradas como eficazes para avaliar custos objetivos e subjetivos do cuidado nas demências.

Doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob: forma esporádica: relato de caso em paciente de 81 anos / Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease-sporadic form: case report of 81-year-old patient

As doenças priônicas são neurodegenerativas e possuem longo período de incubação, progredindo inexoravelmente, assim que os sintomas clínicos aparecem. A doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob é a mais frequente das doenças priônicas, embora ainda seja rara. O quadro clínico dela é caracterizado por uma demência rapidamente progressiva, sintomas cerebelares e extrapiramidais, e a ressonância magnética, o eletroencefalograma e a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano possuem achados típicos. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 81 anos que se apresentou com declínio cognitivo rapidamente progressivo seguido, posteriormente, de mutismo acinético. Proteína 14-3-3 foi detectada no líquido cefalorraquidiano. A ressonância magnética revelou hipersinal do núcleo caudado e putâmen em imagem em difusão, T2 e FLAIR.(AU)

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative, and have long incubation periods, progressing inexorably once clinical symptoms appear. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is the most frequent of the human prion diseases, although being still rare. The clinical picture of this disease is characterized by a rapidly progressing dementia, cerebellar and extrapyramidal symptoms, and rather specific magnetic resonance (MR), electroencephalography and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. We report the case of an 81-year-old patient who presented with rapidly progressive cognitive decline followed by akinetic mutism. Protein 14-3-3 in cerebrospinal fluid was detected. Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed hyperintensity of the caudate and putamen in diffusion-weighted imaging, T2 Weighted sequences and FLAIR images. Patients who have progressive dementia should be evaluated by means of magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for Creutzfeldt-Jakob.(AU)

Alternativas instrumentales para la exploración cognitiva breve del adulto mayor: más allá del Minimental Test / Instrumental alternatives for brief cognitive exploration in the senior adult: beyond the Minimental Test

Introducción: en Cuba, la esperanza de vida al nacer supera actualmente los 77 años. Esta realidad trae consigo un incremento exponencial en el número de adultos mayores que son diagnosticados con un síndrome demencial. Uno los instrumentos de screening cognitivo más conocido y utilizado es el Minimental Test A pesar de su extendido uso, desde hace más de dos décadas se sugiere la necesidad de emplear otras herramientas en lugar del tradicional Minimental, aludiendo entre otras razones dificultades estructurales y problemas psicométricos. Objetivo: realizar una valoración crítica del Minimental y ofrecer una panorámica general de instrumentos alternativos de screening cognitivo que pueden emplearse en la práctica clínica y que superan las limitaciones del Minimental Test. Conclusiones: el empleo del Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised, el Montreal Cognitive Assessment, y el INECO Frontal Screening sería de inestimable valor para el personal médico que tiene bajo su responsabilidad la atención de adultos mayores en todos los niveles de atención, superando con su uso las múltiples limitaciones que presenta el Minimental Test(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba, life expectancy at birth now surpasses the rate of 77 years. This reality brings about an exponential increase in the number of senior adults diagnosed with dementia syndrome. One of the most well-known and used cognitive screening instruments is the Minimental Test. Despite its widespread use, it has been suggested for more than two decades the need to use other tools instead of the traditional Minimental test, referring, among other reasons, structural difficulties and psychometric problems. Objective: To carry out a critical assessment of the Minimental test and to offer an overview of alternative cognitive screening instruments that can be used in clinical practice and that overcome the limitations of the Minimental Test. Conclusions: The use of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the INECO Frontal Screening would be of inestimable value for the medical staff responsible for the care of senior adults at all levels, while its use would overcome the multiple limitations presented by the Minimental test(AU)

Stroke occurring in patients with cognitive impairment or dementia / Comprometimento cognitivo prévio ou demência em pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT One in six patients admitted for stroke was previously demented. These patients have less access to appropriate stroke care, although little is known about their optimal management. Objective To determine how pre-stroke cognitive impairment can be detected, its mechanism, and influence on outcome and management. Methods Literature search. Results (i) A systematic approach with the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly is recommended; (ii) Pre-stroke cognitive impairment may be due to brain lesions of vascular, degenerative, or mixed origin; (iii) Patients with pre-stroke dementia, have worse outcomes, more seizures, delirium, and depression, and higher mortality rates; they often need to be institutionalised after their stroke; (iv) Although the safety profile of treatment is not as good as that of cognitively normal patients, the risk:benefit ratio is in favour of treating these patients like others. Conclusion Patients with cognitive impairment who develop a stroke have worse outcomes, but should be treated like others.

RESUMO Um em cada seis pacientes internados em decorrência de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) apresenta diagnóstico prévio de demência. Estes indivíduos têm menor acesso à assistência recomendada para pacientes com AVC, mas pouco ainda se sabe em relação aos cuidados médicos ideais que devem receber. Objetivo Determinar como o comprometimento cognitivo prévio ao AVC pode ser detectado, qual o mecanismo etiológico subjacente, e as consequências para o prognóstico e para o acompanhamento clínico. Método Pesquisa bibliográfica. Resultados (i) O rastreamento sistemático com o Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly é recomendado; (ii) O comprometimento cognitivo preexistente pode ser devido a lesões cerebrais de origem vascular, degenerativa ou mista; (iii) Pacientes com demência prévia ao AVC têm pior prognóstico, maior frequência de crises epilépticas, de delirium e depressão, além de taxas de mortalidade mais altas; eles frequentemente são institucionalizados após o AVC; (iv) Embora a tolerabilidade às medicações não seja tão boa quanto a de pacientes com AVC sem comprometimento cognitivo, a relação risco/benefício é a favor de tratamento similar àquele oferecido aos demais pacientes. Conclusão Pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo que apresentam AVC têm pior prognóstico, porém eles devem ser tratados de modo semelhante aos demais casos.

Pain assessment in elderly with dementia: Brazilian validation of the PACSLAC scale / Avaliação de dor em idosos dementados: validação da versão brasileira da escala PACSLAC

ABSTRACT Objective To validate the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese in demented elderly and to analyze its measurement properties. Methods We evaluated 50 elderly with dementia, residing in a nursing home and with limited communication ability, when exposed to potentially painful situations. The tool was applied at two different moments. First, two interviewers applied it simultaneously, and the intensity of pain was asked based on the caregiver’s opinion. After 14 days, with no analgesic intervention, one of the interviewers applied it again. Results The sample comprised more females, aged over 80 years, with dementia due to Alzheimer, presenting musculoskeletal pain of moderate to severe intensity. The psychometric properties of the tool demonstrated appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.827). The scale had excellent reproducibility, according to the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the tool has been duly validated. Conclusion The Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese had adequate measuring properties for use with elderly presenting limited communication.

RESUMO Objetivo Validar o Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese em idosos dementados e analisar as propriedades de suas medições. Métodos Foram avaliados 50 idosos dementados, residentes de uma casa de repouso e com capacidade de comunicação verbal limitada, quando expostos a situações potencialmente dolorosas. A ferramenta foi utilizada em dois momentos diferentes. Primeiro, foi aplicada por dois entrevistadores simultaneamente, e a intensidade da dor foi questionada com base na opinião do cuidador. Depois de 14 dias, sem intervenção de analgésico, a ferramenta foi aplicada novamente por um dos entrevistadores. Resultados A amostra teve predominância de mulheres, acima de 80 anos de idade, com demência de Alzheimer, apresentando dores musculoesqueléticas com intensidade moderada a grave. As propriedades psicométricas do instrumento demonstraram consistência interna adequada (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,827). A escala teve excelente reprodutibilidade, de acordo com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e o instrumento demonstrou validade adequada. Conclusão O Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate – Portuguese teve propriedades de medição adequadas para idosos com limitações de comunicação.

Severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and associated factors

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and to examine the factors associated with these interactions. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. The enrolled patients were selected from six geriatrics clinics of tertiary care hospitals across Mexico City. The patients had received a clinical diagnosis of dementia based on the current standards and were further divided into the following two groups: those with severe drug-drug interactions (contraindicated/severe) (n=64) and those with non-severe drug-drug interactions (moderate/minor/absent) (n=117). Additional socio-demographic, clinical and caregiver data were included. Potential drug-drug interactions were identified using Micromedex Drug Reax 2.0® database. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were enrolled, including 57 men (31.5%) and 124 women (68.5%) with a mean age of 80.11±8.28 years. One hundred and seven (59.1%) patients in our population had potential drug-drug interactions, of which 64 (59.81%) were severe/contraindicated. The main severe potential drug-drug interactions were caused by the combinations citalopram/anti-platelet (11.6%), clopidogrel/omeprazole (6.1%), and clopidogrel/aspirin (5.5%). Depression, the use of a higher number of medications, dementia severity and caregiver burden were the most significant factors associated with severe potential drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Older people with dementia experience many severe potential drug-drug interactions. Anti-depressants, antiplatelets, anti-psychotics and omeprazole were the drugs most commonly involved in these interactions. Despite their frequent use, anti-dementia drugs were not involved in severe potential drug-drug interactions. The number and type of medications taken, dementia severity and depression in patients in addition to caregiver burden should be considered to avoid possible drug interactions in this population.

Criterios de médicos tratantes para indicar instalación de gastrostomía en pacientes con demencia avanzada / A survey about the criteria for the indication of a gastrostomy in patients with advanced dementia

Background: Decision making concerning patients with advanced dementia is complicated. The indication of a gastrostomy is among these hard decisions, especially considering that there is no consensus about its real benefit. Aim: To explore the criteria used by Chilean physicians to indicate a gastrostomy in patients with advanced dementia. Material and Methods: A questionnaire about the decision making to indicate a gastrostomy was delivered to 72 physicians working in public and private hospitals. Results: The survey was answered by 43 physicians. Fifty one percent had indicated a gastrostomy to patients with advanced dementia in the last year, 79% believed that gastrostomy reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia, 50% thought that gastrostomy helps in bed sore healing and 74% believed that gastrostomy improves survival. Conclusions: The majority of physicians who answered the survey think that gastrostomy will improve the health status of patients with advanced dementia.

Prevalência de sintomas depressivos e sinais de demência em idosos na comunidade / Prevalence of depressive symptoms and signs of dementia in the elderly in the community

Estudo transversal que analisou a prevalência de sintomas depressivos, sinais de demência e fatores associados em idosos residentes em município do sul do Brasil. Foi realizado inquérito domiciliar a uma amostra de 359 idosos cadastrados nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, utilizando questionário Brazil Old Age Schedule. Para análise dos fatores associados empregou-se teste Qui-Quadrado e Razão de Prevalência. A prevalência de sintomas depressivos foi 65,2%, maior para mulheres (RP=1,2; p=0,029) e idosos que moram só (RP=1,3; p=0,009). Os sinais de demência, presentes em 37,6%, foram mais frequentes em mulheres (RP=1,8; p<0,001), idosos de 70 a 79 anos (RP=1,4; p=0,014), de 80 anos e mais (RP=1,6; p=0,015), viúvos (RP=1,7; p<0,001) e analfabetos (RP=2,8; p<0,001). A compreensão dos fatores associados aos sintomas depressivos e sinais de demência é essencial para aperfeiçoar ações em saúde mental do idoso na comunidade, principalmente mulheres, viúvos, acima de 70 anos, analfabetos e que moram sozinhos.

A cross-sectional study that analyzed the prevalence of depressive symptoms, signs of dementia and associated factors in seniors residing in a city located in the south of Brazil. A house survey was conducted in a sample of 359 seniors registered in the Basic Health Units, using the questionnaire Brazil Old Age Schedule. To analyze associated factors, Chi- Square test and Prevalence Ratio were calculated. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 65,2%, higher for women (PR = 1,2; p=0,029) and for elders living alone (PR=1,3; p=0,009). Dementia signs were present in 37,69%, they were more frequent in women (PR=1,8; p<0,001), elders of 70 to 79 years (PR=1,4; p=0,014), of 80 or more years (PR=1,6; p=0,015), widowed (PR=1,7; p<0,001) and illiterate (RP=2,8; p<0,001). It is essential to comprehend the associated factors to depressive symptoms and signs of dementia to improve mental health actions for the elderly in the community, especially for women, widowed, those aged more than 70 years, illiterate and those living alone.

Etiological prevalence of epilepsy and epileptic seizures in hospitalized elderly in a Brazilian tertiary center – Salvador - Brazil / Prevalência etiológica de epilepsia e crises epilépticas em idosos hospitalizados em centro terciário – Salvador – Brasil

Epilepsy in the elderly has high incidence and prevalence and is often underecognized. Objective To describe etiological prevalence of epilepsy and epileptic seizures in elderly inpatients. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on elderly patients who had epilepsy or epileptic seizures during hospitalization, from January 2009 to December 2010. One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. They were divided into two age subgroups (median 75 years) with the purpose to compare etiologies. Results The most common etiology was ischemic stroke (36.7%), followed by neoplasias (13.3%), hemorrhagic stroke (11.7%), dementias (11.4%) and metabolic disturbances (5.5%). The analysis of etiological association showed that ischemic stroke was predominant in the younger subgroup (45% vs 30%), and dementias in the older one (18.9% vs 3.8%), but with no statistical significance (p = 0.23). Conclusion This study suggests that epilepsy and epileptic seizures in the elderly inpatients have etiological association with stroke, neoplasias and dementias. .

Epilepsia no idoso tem alta incidência e prevalência e é frequentemente sub diagnosticada. Objetivo Descrever a prevalência etiológica da epilepsia e crises epilépticas em idosos internados. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, envolvendo idosos hospitalizados, de 60 anos ou mais, que foram admitidos de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2010 por terem apresentado epilepsia e crises epilépticas durante a hospitalização. Cento e vinte pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois subgrupos de idade (mediana 75 anos), com o propósito de comparar etiologias. Resultados A etiologia mais comum foi o acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (36,7%), seguido por neoplasias (13,3%), acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico (11,7%), demências (11,4%) e distúrbios metabólicos (5,5%). A análise da associação etiológica mostrou que o acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico predominou no subgrupo mais jovem (45% vs 30%), e as demências no subgrupo mais velho (18,9% vs 3,8%), contudo essa diferença não evidenciou significância estatística (p = 0,23). Conclusão Este estudo sugere que epilepsia e crise epiléptica em idosos internados têm associação etiológica com acidente vascular cerebral, neoplasias e demências. .

[Effect of family education program on depression, anxiety and stress of family caregivers of elderly individuals with dementia]

Due to rising elderly population and the subsequent increase in chronic disorders such as dementia, the expected number of family caregivers and health care complications, especially psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, etc are on the rise. Therefore, present study aimed to investigate the effect of family education program on depression, anxiety and stress in family caregivers of elderly individuals with dementia. This study was a clinical trial investigating the effect of a family education program on 50 family caregivers in referral centers for elderly with dementia located in Isfahan. Convenience sampling and random assignment were used in our study. Data collection tools were mini mental status examination [MMSE] and DASS [42 items]. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and chi-square, independent t-test, and analysis of variance with repeated measures. Demographic characteristics did not show any statistically significant different. Compared with control group, mean score for depression, anxiety and stress of experimental group in caregivers decreased significantly [P<0.01]. Implementation of this program could improve psychological status of family-caregivers of elderly individual with dementia, it is suggested that some programs be standardized and developed after evaluation of different research designs

Comparison of Demographic Characteristics, Comorbidity, and Health Habits of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Older Adults with Normal Cognitive Function

PURPOSE: This study was done to compare demographic characteristics, comorbidity, and health habits of elders with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and elders with cognitively normal function (CNF). METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the Database of the Seoul Dementia Management Project for 5,773 adults age 60 and above. RESULTS: The MCI group showed an older age distribution, but there was no significant education difference between the two groups. Elders with MCI had more diabetes and stroke than elders with CNF. In subgroups, the same findings were observed in women, but not in men. While more men with MCI had hypertension compared to men with CNF, there was no significant difference in hypertension between the two groups for women. Elders with MCI, men in particular, had a lower prevalence of obesity than men with CNF. MCI individuals did less exercise compared to individuals with CNF. While there were no significant differences in alcohol consumption and smoking between MCI and CNF groups, the over 80's subgroup with MCI reported more alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study could be helpful in designing community-based dementia prevention programs and health policies to reduce the prevalence of dementia or related cognitive impairments.