Research of gnostic functions in the elderly people suffering from dementia

The study was aimed at investigating the features of gnostic functions in the elderly people suffering from dementia. To implement the objectives of the study and to solve the set tasks, the following methods were used: visual gnosis tests (recognition of images, the selection of three subject pictures, selecting parts of a whole, etc.), the acoustic gnosis tests (score and perception of rhythms, recognition of nonspeech sounds), and tactile gnosis tests (tactile identification, Teuber test, Foerster test). When running the visual gnosis tests, the elderly people with the dementia diseases slowly initiated the tasks, made numerous errors, and sometimes could not cope with the tasks at all. Also, the perception integrity disorders, the presence of fragmentation, lack of accuracy, differentiation, preservation of specific objective images-objects, and the violation in the understanding of the spatial arrangement of things were revealed. When performing the auditory-motor coordination tests, the elderly people suffering from dementia needed more time to listen to, they asked for the repeated sound representation, and there were often errors in the rhythmic structure reproduction. When performing the tactile gnosis tests, the elderly people suffering from dementia had difficulties in identifying the subject by touch, in understanding the right and left-sided spatial relationships, and also made errors in recognizing one of the touches when the experimenter touched their hands. Based on the study results, the recommendations have been developed for the preservation and improvement of the existing gnostic functions' disorders in the elderly people suffering from dementia. The recommendations are complex, and they can also be useful for the medical staff whose professional activity is directly related to the elderly people suffering from dementia, their relatives and the persons closest to them.

Corpus callosum and ventricle: MRI determination of dementia in Turkish population and healthy geriatric subjects / Cuerpo calloso y ventrículo: determinación de demencia con RM en una población turca y sujetos geriátricos saludables

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to identify the values of corpus callosum sections and ventricles in Dementia and healthy geriatric subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to establish both gender differences and differences between groups. The MRI results of 163 geriatric subjects (81 healthy individuals; 82 Dementia subjects) aged 60-89 years were studied. The midsagittal and axial images were used for measurements of the corpus callosum and lateral ventricle, respectively on MRI. The mean values of the widths of genu, body, splenium, height of the corpus callosum, longitudinal dimension of the corpus callosum and brain were 8.74±1.53 mm, 5.37±0.75 mm, 9.37±1.33 mm, 25.42±2.89 mm, 70.99±3.86 mm, 148.87±6.67 mm and 8.51±1.93 mm, 5.37±0.84 mm, 9.74±1.17 mm and 25.67±2.88 mm, 72.41±4.99 mm, 153.66±8.00 mm in females and males of healthy geriatric age, respectively. The same measurements were found to be 6.90±1.66 mm, 4.33±0.76 mm, 7.94±1.38 mm, 24.42±3.11 mm, 69.01±4.52 mm, 149.18±7.13 mm and 7.55±1.98 mm, 4.56±1.02 mm, 8.60±1.58 mm, 23.96±3.51 mm, 73.42±3.81 mm, 155.38±8.39 mm in females and males with Dementia, respectively. Additionally, the means of the frontal horn width and Evans index measurements were lower in healthy geriatric subjects, whereas the transverse inner diameter of the skull were higher in healthy geriatric subjects than dementia subjects in both sexes. The observations presented in this report have defined anatomic parameters of healthy and dementia geriatric subjects that need to be taken into consideration for reference data to determine sex discrepancies, and be helpful for radiologists and clinicians.

RESUMEN: El objetivo del estudio fue identificar los valores de las secciones del cuerpo calloso y los ventrículos en una población turca de sujetos geriátricos sanos y con demencia, mediante resonancia magnética (RM) y establecer diferencias tanto de sexo como diferencias entre los grupos. Se estudiaron los resultados de 163 sujetos geriátricos (81 sujetos sanos, 82 sujetos con demencia) de 60-89 años. Las imágenes sagitales y axiales se utilizaron para las realizar las mediciones del cuerpo calloso y del ventrículo lateral en RM, respectivamente. Los valores medios de los anchos de rodilla, cuerpo, rodete, altura del cuerpo calloso, dimensión longitudinal del cuerpo calloso y del cerebro fueron de 8,74 ± 1,53 mm, 5,37 ± 0,75 mm, 9,37 ± 1,33 mm, 25,42 ± 2,89 mm, 70,99 ± 3,86 mm, 148,87 ± 6,67 mm y 8,51 ± 1,93 mm, 5,37 ± 0,84 mm, 9,74 ± 1,17 mm y 25,67 ± 2,88 mm, 72,41 ± 4,99 mm, 153,66 ± 8,00 mm en mujeres y hombres sanos, respectivamente. Las mismas medidas fueron de 6,90 ± 1,66 mm, 4,33 ± 0,76 mm, 7,94 ± 1,38 mm, 24,42 ± 3,11 mm, 69,01 ± 4,52 mm, 149,18 ± 7,13 mm y 7,55 ± 1,98 mm, 4,56 ± 1,02 mm, 8,60 ± 1,58 mm, 23,96 ± 3,51 mm, 73,42 ± 3,81 mm, 155,38 ± 8,39 mm en mujeres y hombres con demencia, respectivamente. Además, las medias de la anchura del asta frontal y las mediciones del índice de Evans fueron menores en sujetos geriátricos saludables, mientras que el diámetro interno transversal del cráneo fue mayor en sujetos geriátricos sanos que en los sujetos con demencia en ambos sexos. Las observaciones presentadas en este informe han definido los parámetros anatómicos de los sujetos sanos y con demencia que deben tenerse en cuenta para identificar los datos de referencia para determinar las discrepancias de sexo y que puedan ser útiles para los radiólogos y los médicos.

Cognitive dysfunction in corticobasal degeneration / Disfunção cognitiva na degeneração corticobasal

ABSTRACT Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) was originally described as a distinct clinicopathological entity in 1967. Since then, different phenotypic presentations have emerged as possible manifestations of CBD histopathological findings. In addition, pathophysiological findings and the molecular basis have been delineated and several aspects of its cognitive manifestations have been clarified. Thus, not only the spectrum of what is currently designated as CBD has expanded, but overlap with other degenerative and even secondary disorders has made clinical diagnostic certainty even more challenging in the absence of specific and readily-available markers. Cognitive deficits in CBD are now recognized as a frequent initial presentation and may appear up to eight years before the motor symptoms, depending on the phenotypic variant. Characteristic cognitive features of CBD involve language deficits, visuospatial and executive dysfunctions, apraxia, and behavioral disorders. Semantic and episodic memories are usually preserved, while language is often impaired in the early stages.

RESUMO A degeneração corticobasal (DCB) foi originalmente descrita como uma entidade clínico-patológica distinta em 1967. Desde então, nossa compreensão sobre DCB evoluiu substancialmente. Diferentes apresentações fenotípicas emergiram refletindo possíveis manifestações das anormalidades histopatológicos da DCB. Adicionalmente, dados fisiopatológicos e moleculares foram delineados e aspectos das manifestações cognitivas foram explorados. Assim, não só o espectro do que é atualmente designado DCB foi expandido, mas a sobreposição com outras doenças degenerativas e até mesmo secundárias tornaram o diagnóstico clínico ainda mais desafiador na ausência de marcadores específicos e prontamente disponíveis. Déficits cognitivos na DCB são agora reconhecidos frequentemente como apresentações iniciais e podem surgir até 8 anos antes dos sintomas motores, dependendo da variante fenotípica. O quadro cognitivo envolve característicamente déficits de linguagem, disfunção visuoespacial e executiva, apraxia, e distúrbios comportamentais. Anormalidades da linguagem são frequentemente descritas nos estágios iniciais da DCB.

Proteção individual versus proteção coletiva: análise bioética do programa nacional de vacinação infantil em massa / Individual versus collective protection: bioethical analysis of the national program of mass child vaccination

A vacinação é considerada como uma das políticas de saúde pública mais efetivas e de menor custo-benefício, utilizada no controle e na prevenção de doenças. Mas é também considerada uma das técnicas biomédicas mais polêmicas e controversas, o que torna difícil evitar uma abordagem ética, principalmente quando a vacinação é utilizada de forma compulsória em toda a população. Com efeito, visto que as vacinas não são totalmente seguras e eficazes, há um conflito ético entre o interesse individual e o coletivo, pois as crianças carregam de fato o ônus da vacinação em benefício da saúde pública quando são acometidas com reações adversas graves e que ficam alheias aos cuidados que deveriam ser oferecidos pelo Poder Público. O objetivo deste artigo foi demonstrar que as ferramentas da bioética são relevantes nesta discussão para analisar e compreender criticamente estes conflitos, fornecendo argumentos cogentes para orientar a elaboração de biopolíticas que considerem não apenas, com rigor, a prevenção, mas, também, a responsabilidade solidária de todos como fundamento para uma proteção que seja tanto individual como coletiva.

Vaccination is considered one of the most efficient and cost-effective public health policies most used in the control and prevention of disease. However, it is also one of the most polemic and controversial biomedical techniques, making it difficult to avoid an ethical dilemma, especially when vaccination is compulsory for the entire population. Indeed, since vaccines are not totally effective and safe, there is an ethical conflict between the individual and the collective interest, because children effectively carry the burden of vaccination for the benefit of public health when they are affected with serious adverse reactions and do not benefit from the care that should be offered by the government. The objective of this article was to demonstrate that the tools of bioethics are relevant in this discussion to understand and analyze these dilemmas critically by providing convincing arguments to underpin the development of biopolitics that consider prevention not only rigorously, but also the joint responsibility of all as fundamental for individual and collective protection.

Effects of Family Support Programs for Caregivers of People with Dementia - Caregiving Burden, Depression, and Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of family support programs on caregiving burden, depression, and stress in family caregivers of people with dementia. METHODS: A literature search was conducted of electronic databases to identify randomized controlled studies with family support programs done between 2000 and 2014. Studies published in English and/or Korean were included for the analysis with search strategies adapted from the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group. Studies were rated for quality assessment by two independent reviewers using the appraisal checklist developed by Cochrane Reviews and Dissemination. Of 8,334 articles identified in the literature search, full texts of 76 articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed and 38 were found to include relevant outcomes. RESULTS: Results from selected studies were pooled in statistical meta-analysis using Review Manager Software and heterogeneity between combined studies was assessed using the Chisquare test. Meta-analysis showed that the effect sizes of family caregiver support programs were small to medium for categories of caregiving burden (Hedge's g= - 0.17, 95% CI= - 0.30~ - 0.04), depression (Hedge's g= - 0.30, 95% CI= - 0.40~ - 0.20), and stress (Hedge's g= - 0.39, 95% CI= - 0.52~ - 0.25). CONCLUSION: The review results indicate that a support programs can assist family caregivers in reducing their psycho-emotional distress.

Implementing Evidence into Practice for Best Dementia Care

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to discuss the need for translation studies in dementia care and current translational endeavors, and to provide recommendations for evolving evidence-based dementia care. METHODS: A literature review yielded current evidence and translational efforts. RESULTS: Dementia care interventions need to be implemented at various service levels. Barriers to translation include evidence gaps, lack of the use of a conceptual framework to explain the implementation process, and unsupportive funding mechanisms for applying innovations. CONCLUSION: There is clear evidence of the need for and benefits of evidence-based dementia care for patients with dementia, family caregivers, and care professionals. The urgent need now is finding ways to advance translational activities and facilitate future research into translation science.

A influência de um treinamento de caratê nas funções cognitivas e funcional em idoso com demência mista / The influence of karate training on motor and cognitive functions among elderly with mixed dementia

Dentre as diferentes e recentes formas de intervenções não-farmacológicas para pacientes com demência realizadas no Brasil, não foram encontrados estudos que investigaram o efeito de um protocolo de caratê em pacientes com este quadro clínico, mais especificamente em idosos com diagnóstico de demência mista, doença de Alzheimer associada com demência vascular. Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos de um treinamento de caratê nas funções cognitivas e funcionais de um idoso com demência mista. Método: O participante, clinicamente diagnosticado com demência mista, passou por uma anamnese, seguida de avaliação cognitiva e funcional, antes e depois de um treinamento de quatro meses. O treinamento de caratê foi adaptado e sistematizado, visando fortalecimento muscular, flexibilidade, técnicas de posturas, ataque (socos e chutes), bloqueios (defesas) e katas (luta imaginária com váriosoponentes), três vezes por semana, com duração de uma hora sessão em dias não consecutivos. Resultados: Os resultados encontrados foram manutenção das funções cognitivas e melhora no equilíbrio estático e dinâmico. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o treinamento adaptado e sistematizado do caratê contribui para melhora de equilíbrio estático e dinâmico e manutenção do status cognitivo. Podendo contribuir assim para uma nova alternativa de intervenção não-farmacológica em idosos com demência mista.

Among the different forms and recent non-pharmacological interventions for dementia patients already performed in Brazil, there are no studies that have investigated the effect of a protocol of karate in patients with this clinical conditions, more specifically in the elderly with a diagnosisof mixed dementia, Alzheimer?s disease associated with vascular dementia. Objective: Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the effects of a karate training in cognitive and functional with an elderly mixed dementia. Method: The participant, clinically diagnosed with mixed dementia, underwent a anamnesis, followed by cognitive and functional assessment, pre and post training four months. The karate training was adapted and systematized, in order to muscle strengthening, flexibility, posture techniques, attack (punches and kicks), blocks (defenses) and kata (imaginary fightwith multiple opponents), three times per week, lasting an hour session on nonconsecutive days. Results: The findings were maintaining cognitive function and improvement in static and dynamic balance. Conclusion: It was concluded that training adapted and systematized karate contributes toimproved static and dynamic balance and maintenance of cognitive status. May, thus contribute to a new alternative non-pharmacological intervention in elderly patients with mixed dementia.

Estudio de biomarcadores de demencia / Biomarker study of dementia

Realizar la genotipificación de APOE en la población de pacientes mayores de 50 años del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, y establecer posibles biomarcadores de demencia. Se aplicó un cuestionario diagnóstico de demencia validado, y se extrajeron muestras para la determinación de glicemia, insulina basal, TSH, T4l, perfil lipídico, así como para aislamiento de ADN. Se seleccionaron 50 pacientes con una edad promedio de 63±8 años. De acuerdo a la puntuación obtenida en el cuestionario se clasificaron 12 pacientes con “demencia posible” y uno con “demencia probable”. Se encontró un riesgo para demencia con glicemia mayor a 126 mg/dL (OR 2,2; IC 0,32 – 15,06), colesterol total >200 mg/dL (OR 3,3; IC 0,71 – 15,16), triglicéridos >150 mg/dL (OR 3,16; IC 0,77-12,96) e insulina >13 uUL (OR 3,9; IC 1,01 – 15,21), y protector con LDL >140 (OR 0,6; IC 0,06 – 5,7); Existe evidencia que apoya la relación entre múltiples factores de riesgo prevenibles y la presencia de demencia, sin embargo, es necesaria la investigación en trabajos longitudinales y en mayor población para extender el alcance de dichos hallazgos.

To tipify the APOE alleles in patients older than 50 yrs. attending an outpatient consult at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Venezuela and establish possible biomarkers of dementia. We used a validated questionnaire to diagnose dementia, and extracted samples to determine glicemia, lipids profile, insulinaemia, TSH, T4l, and DNA isolation. 50 patients were selected with a median age of 63±8 yrs. According to the score of the test we were able to classify 12 patients as possible “dementia:” and one as probable “dementia:”. We found a risk for dementia in patients with fasting blood glucose >126 mg/dL (OR 2,2; IC 0,32 – 15,06), total cholesterol >200 mg/dL (OR 3,3; IC 0,71 –15,16), triglicerides >150 mg/dL (OR 3,16; IC 0,77 - 12,96) and basal insulin>13uUL (OR 3,9; IC 1,01 – 15,21), and also found LDL >140 to be a protective factor (OR 0,6; IC 0,06 – 5,7); Evidence supports the relationship of dementia with multiple preventable risk factors, however to extend the reach of our findings it’s necessary to address a longitudinal research with a larger population of patients.

Cultural aspects in dementia: differences in the awareness of Brazilian caregivers / Aspectos culturais na demência: diferenças na consciência da doença de cuidadores brasileiros

Objective: To explore differences in disease awareness in participants of a psychoeducational group designed for Latin American caregivers of people with dementia. Method: We assessed participants of a group developed at an outpatient unit for Alzheimer's disease. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze differences in the caregivers' reports. Results and Discussion: The participants, mostly spouses and daughters, presented moderate caregiver burden and different levels of awareness (aware, partially aware, or unaware). Disease awareness and the development of coping strategies were influenced by familism, religiosity, and duty. Becoming a caregiver was considered positive in some cases, due to religious convictions and beliefs related to the importance of caregiving. Caregiver unawareness may reflect an attempt to maintain integrity of the patient's identity. Conclusions: Our data allow some comparisons across cultures, which may be valuable in assessing the influence of different psychosocial environments on the knowledge about dementia.

Objetivo: Examinar diferenças na consciência da doença em participantes de um grupo psicoeducacional direcionado a cuidadores latino-americanos de pessoas com demência. Método: Foram avaliados participantes de um grupo desenvolvido em um serviço para doença de Alzheimer. Utilizou-se análise fenomenológica interpretativa para analisar diferenças nos relatos dos cuidadores. Resultados e Discussão: Os participantes, em sua maioria esposas e filhas, apresentaram sobrecarga moderada e diferentes níveis de consciência da doença (preservada, parcial ou inexistente). A consciência da doença e o desenvolvimento de estratégias de enfrentamento foram influenciados pelo familismo, religiosidade e sentimento de obrigação moral. Tornar-se um cuidador também foi considerado positivo em alguns casos, por convicções religiosas e crenças relacionadas à importância do cuidar. A ausência de consciência pode refletir uma tentativa de manter a identidade do paciente. Conclusão: Os dados permitem algumas comparações entre culturas, as quais podem ser valiosas para avaliar a influência de diferentes contextos psicossociais no conhecimento sobre a demência.

Prevalence of dementia subtypes in a developing country: a clinicopathological study

OBJECTIVES: To assess the distribution of dementia subtypes in Brazil using a population-based clinicopathological study. METHOD: Brains from deceased individuals aged ≥50 years old were collected after the next of kin signed an informed consent form and provided information through standardized questionnaires. Post-mortem clinical diagnoses were established in consensus meetings, and only cases with moderate or severe dementia or without cognitive impairment were included in the analysis. Immunohistochemical neuropathological examinations were performed following the universally accepted guidelines. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was made when there were at least both a moderate density of neuritic plaques (Consortium to Establish a Register for Alzheimer's disease B or C) and Braak stage III for neurofibrillary tangle distribution. For the diagnosis of vascular dementia, at least three zones or strategic areas had to be affected by infarcts, lacunae, or microinfarcts. RESULTS: From 1,291 subjects, 113 cases were classified as having moderate or severe dementia, and 972 cases were free of cognitive impairment. The neuropathological diagnoses of the dementia sub-group were Alzheimer's disease (35.4%), vascular dementia (21.2%), Alzheimer's disease plus vascular dementia (13.3%), and other causes of dementia (30.1%). Small-vessel disease, which alone was not considered sufficient for a vascular dementia diagnosis, was present in 38.9% of all of the dementia cases and in 16.8% of the group without cognitive impairment (odds ratio = 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.51), adjusted for age, sex, and education. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high frequencies of vascular dementia and small-vessel disease in the dementia sub-group constitute relevant findings for public health initiatives because control of vascular risk factors could decrease the prevalence of dementia in developing countries. .

Tooth Loss Is Associated with Brain White Matter Change and Silent Infarction among Adults without Dementia and Stroke

Periodontal disease is a predictor of stroke and cognitive impairment. The association between the number of lost teeth (an indicator of periodontal disease) and silent infarcts and cerebral white matter changes on brain CT was investigated in community-dwelling adults without dementia or stroke. Dental examination and CT were performed in 438 stroke- and dementia-free subjects older than 50 yr (mean age, 63 +/- 7.9 yr), who were recruited for an early health check-up program as part of the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (PRESENT) project between 2009 and 2010. In unadjusted analyses, the odds ratio (OR) for silent cerebral infarcts and cerebral white matter changes for subjects with 6-10 and > 10 lost teeth was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.38-4.39; P = 0.006) and 4.2 (95% CI, 1.57-5.64; P < 0.001), respectively, as compared to subjects with 0-5 lost teeth. After adjustment for age, education, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, the ORs were 1.7 (95% CI, 1.08-3.69; P = 0.12) and 3.9 (95% CI, 1.27-5.02; P < 0.001), respectively. These findings suggest that severe tooth loss may be a predictor of silent cerebral infarcts and cerebral white matter changes in community-dwelling, stroke- and dementia-free adults.

Tooth Loss May Predict Poor Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Adults without Dementia or Stroke: The PRESENT Project

Periodontal disease is a potential predictor of stroke and cognitive impairment. However, this association is unclear in adults aged 50 yr and above without a history of stroke or dementia. We evaluated the association between the number of teeth lost, indicating periodontal disease, and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling adults without any history of dementia or stroke. Dental examinations were performed on 438 adults older than 50 yr (315 females, mean age 63+/-7.8 yr; 123 males, mean age 61.5+/-8.5 yr) between January 2009 and December 2010. In the unadjusted analysis, odds ratios (OR) of cognitive impairment based on MMSE score were 2.46 (95% CI, 1.38-4.39) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.57-4.64) for subjects who had lost 6-10 teeth and those who had lost more than 10 teeth, respectively, when compared with subjects who had lost 0-5 teeth. After adjusting for age, education level, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, the relationship remained significant (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69, P=0.027 for those with 6-10 teeth lost; OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.27-4.02, P=0.006 for those with more than 10 teeth lost). The number of teeth lost is correlated with cognitive impairment among community-dwelling adults aged 50 and above without any medical history of stroke or dementia.

Hippocampal volume and CDR-SB can predict conversion to dementia in MCI patients / O volume do hipocampo e a soma dos subitens da escala CDR podem predizer a conversão para a demência nos pacientes com comprometimento cognitivo leve

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combination of two factors: clinical dementia rating sum of boxes scores (CDR-SB) and hippocampal volume (HV) as predictors of conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals (9 normal and 19 with MCI) were classified according to their CDR sum of boxes scores into 3 groups. RESULTS: The hippocampal volume was significantly lower in the high-risk group and in those who developed dementia after two years. The rate of conversion was crescent among the three groups. CONCLUSION: We were proposed an additional measurement of the hippocampal volume which may be helpful in the prognosis. However, we noted that the CDR-SB is a method as efficient as neuroimaging to predict dementia with the advantage of being a procedure for low cost and easy implementation, more consistent with public policy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a combinação de dois fatores: clinical dementia rating sum of boxes scores (CDR-SB) e volume hipocampal (VH) como preditores de conversão de ditúrbio cognitivo leve (DCL) em demência. MÉTODO: Vinte e oito indivíduos (9 normais e 19 com DCL) foram classificados de acordo com a soma dos escores CDR-SB em 3 grupos. RESULTADOS: O volume do hipocampo foi significativamente menor no grupo de alto risco e naqueles que desenvolveram demência depois de dois anos. A taxa de conversão foi crescente entre os três grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Propusemos uma medição adicional do volume do hipocampo que pode ser útil no prognóstico. No entanto, notou-se que a CDR-SB é um método tão eficiente quanto neuroimagem para prever demência com a vantagem de ser um processo de baixo custo e de fácil implementação, mais consistente com a política pública.

Investigação da memória autobiográfica em idosos com Demência de Alzheimer nas fases leve e moderada / Autobiographical memory investigation among aged Alzheimer's disease patients in mild and moderate stages

O presente trabalho apresenta dados de pesquisa referentes à investigação de memória autobiográfica (MA) em idosos com Demência de Alzheimer (DA) nas fases leve e moderada. Participaram do estudo quarenta e quatro idosos, divididos em três grupos: DA leve (n = 15) e DA moderada (n = 15); e 14 idosos sem histórico de alterações neuropsiquiátricas que constituíram o grupo Controle. Utilizou-se na avaliação da memória autobiográfica versão reduzida do Teste de Memória Autobiográfica (TMA) e do Questionário de Memória Autobiográfica (QMA). Os dados evidenciaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos representantes da variável independente (estados leve e moderado de DA) e o grupo Controle, tendo-se verificado neste grupo maior número de memórias específicas, com elevada intensidade vivencial das características fenomenais da recordação, quando comparado aos grupos com DA. Tais dados permitem concluir que alterações na MA em sujeitos com DA podem ser observadas desde a fase inicial da doença, tanto no que diz respeito à capacidade de especificar a recordação, quanto com relação às características fenomenais da lembrança.

This research investigated autobiographical memory (AM) in elderly individuals having Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mild and moderate stages. 44 aged persons participated in this research, divided in three sub-samples: AD in mild stage (n = 15), AD in moderate stage (n = 15) and subjects without morbid indication of AD (control group). A short version of Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) and Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire were used for memory evaluation. Data showed significant differences between AD (mild and moderate) and Control groups, the former being able to recall a greater number of specific memories, along with elevated emotional intensity in phenomenal qualities of these memories, when compared to the other two AD groups. These findings allow the main conclusion that changes in autobiographic memory among AD patients can be observed since early stages of this disease, in terms of both capacity of recalling and emotional quality of remembered content.

Aspectos sintomáticos neuropsiquiátricos asociados a la enfermedad de Parkinson con demencia / Sumptomatic and Neuropsychiatric Aspects Associated with Parkinson's Disease with Dementia

Como es sabido, la enfermedad de Parkinson suele presentar una evolución crónica, prolongada, e insidiosa. Para la cual aún no se disponen de terapéuticas efectivas que curen a dicha enfermedad, si no se posee un arsenal de fármacos (agonistas dopaminérgicos) capaces de mitigar los síntomas, mejorar y prolongar la calidad de vida y enlentecer el propio desarrollo de la enfermedad, que lleva hacia un deterioro profundo de la motricidad, funcionalidad y de las funciones neurocognitivas. También es sabida la asociación de la enfermedad de Parkinson con la demencia por la misma enfermedad. Pero a lo largo de ella, con o sin demencia, se suelen presentar en una proporción importante, una serie de síntomas asociados neuropsiquiátricos (NP), y neuroconductuales (NC) que hay que diferenciar si son producto de la propia enfermedad de Parkinson, o son desencadenados por el tratamiento. Algunos de estos síntomas asociados, los más importantes en cuanto a su frecuencia y gravedad sobre todo asociados a demencia son, depresión, excitación psicomotriz, ideación patológica, delirios, alucinaciones visuales, síndrome confusional (delirium), trastornos del sueño, ansiedad, apatía. Estos síntomas agravan la evolución de la propia enfermedad de Parkinson y la demencia asociada haciendo que su pronóstico se torne más desfavorable, y más deteriorante, afectando también a los cuidadores y alterando la calidad de vida del paciente y su entorno. En este trabajo me propongo dar una noción básica de dichos trastornos para su rápido reconocimiento y tratamiento, teniendo en cuenta la posible polifarmacia en estos pacientes, con las implicancias de las interacciones farmacológicas. La rápida resolución de estos síntomas asociados a la EP, con o sin demencia redundará en un menor deterioro funcional del paciente, mejorando su pronóstico y la calidad de vida del propio paciente y sus cuidadores.

Throughout the progression of Parkinson's disease, whether or not with dementia, a series of associated neuropsychiatric and neurobehavioral symptoms may appear, such as depression, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, delirium, visual hallucinations, confusional syndrome (delirium), sleep disorders, apathy, which aggravate the patients' prognosis and accelerate their overall deterioration and the quality of life of them and the people around them. The prompt identification and management of these associated neuropsychiatric and neurobehavioral symptoms, considered in conjunction with the possible pharmacological interactions among polymedicated patients, shall result in the patients' better quality of life and a more favorable prognosis.

Estudo da utilização de pistas visuais na orientação espacial de um paciente com doença de Alzheimer / Study of the use of visual cues in spatial orientation of a patient with Alzheimer's disease

Objetivo - A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma síndrome demencial progressiva caracterizada pela perda da memória, de funções cognitivas e alterações de comportamento que prejudicam o desempenho social, ocupacional e a execução das atividades diárias dos pacientes acometidos. Uma alteração característica da DA é o comprometimento da Memória de Orientação Espacial (MOE). A MOE armazena informações que possibilitam ao indivíduo a orientar-se espacialmente em diversos ambientes, seja dentro de sua casa ou até mesmo na própria vizinhança. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se pacientes com DA são capazes de orientar-se espacialmente em diferentes ambientes com a utilização de pistas visuais externas. Métodos - Foi realizado um estudo caso-controle de um paciente com diagnóstico médico de DA no estágio inicial, que foi submetido a uma série de testes de orientação espacial com diferentes níveis de pistas visuais externas. Foram analisados o tempo de realização e o número de erros. Estes dados foram comparados com os de um sujeito controle da mesma idade sem patologias associadas. Resultados - O paciente apresentou maior tempo na realização das tarefas de orientação espacial em todas as condições sem aferência visual quando comparada ao controle, além de apresentar dificuldades em estabelecer relação espacial direita e esquerda.Conclusão - O paciente com DA estudado apresentou pior desempenho que o sujeito controle nas atividades de orientação espacial em situações onde não havia pistas visuais.

Objective - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive dementia characterized by memory loss, cognitive functions and behavior changes that undermine the social, occupational and execution of daily activities of affected patients. A change characteristic of AD is the impairment of spatial orientation memory (SOM). The SOM stores information enabling the individual to orient themselves spatially in different environments, either inside your home or even in their own neighborhood. The objective of this study was to determine whether patients with AD are able to orient themselves spatially in different environments with the use of external visual cues. Methods - We performed a case-control study of a patient with a medical diagnosis of AD in the initial stage, which has undergone a series of tests of spatial orientation with different levels of external visual cues. We analyzed the timing of completion and number of errors. These data were compared with those of a control subject of similar age without associated diseases. Results - The patient had more time in the tasks of spatial orientation in all conditions without afferent visual compared to the control, and presents difficulties in establishing spatial relationships right and left. Conclusion - The patient with AD studied showed worse performance than the control subject in the activities of spatial orientation in situations where there was no visual clue.

Factores previsibles en la salud física y psicosocial del cuidador crucial del anciano con demencia en el hogar / Predictable factors in physical and psychosocial health of crucial carer of elderly presenting with dementia at home

Para algunos autores el cuidador crucial es un paciente oculto o desconocido que precisaría de un diagnóstico precoz de su enfermedad y de una oportuna e inmediata intervención. Con el objetivo de caracterizar la correlación existente entre múltiples factores que previsiblemente influyen en la salud del cuidador crucial del anciano con demencia en el hogar, se realizo un estudio con diseño descriptivo de corte transversal en 116 cuidadores, del área de salud Finlay, municipio Camagüey, entre Julio 2006 y diciembre 2008. Se obtuvo como resultados valores significativos en las correlaciones realizadas, y se observó un nivel de capacitación inadecuado del 78,1 por ciento, ausencia de un cuidador sustituto en el 81,6 por ciento, con una relación entre el tiempo como cuidador y el grado de sobrecarga percibida en el 75,8 por ciento de los casos. Esto resultados que nos permitieron proponer recomendaciones preliminares, en aras de mantener o restablecer los factores protectores de la salud física, psicológica y social de los cuidadores cruciales y su repercusión en la atención y el cuidado al anciano con demencia en el hogar(AU)

For some authors the crucial carer is a ùhiddenù or ùunknownù patient in whom it is necessary an early diagnosis of his disease and also of a proper and immediate intervention, To characterize the correlationship between multiple factors that may to influence in the health crucial carer of elderly presenting with dementia at home, a cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in 116 carers from the ùFinalyù health area of Camaguey municipality between July, 2006 and December, 2008. As result there were significant values in the correlationships carried out and also an inappropriate training of 78,1 percent, a lack of a substitute carer in the 81,6 percent with a relation to the time as carer and the overload level present in the 75,8 percent of cases. These results allowed us to propose preliminary recommendations to maintain or to restore the factors protecting the physical, psychological and social health of crucial carers and its repercussion on the care and management of elderly presenting with dementia at home(AU)

Cerebellum and psychiatric disorders / O cerebelo e os transtornos psiquiátricos

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this update article is to report structural and functional neuroimaging studies exploring the potential role of cerebellum in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. METHOD: A non-systematic literature review was conducted by means of Medline using the following terms as a parameter: "cerebellum", "cerebellar vermis", "schizophrenia", "bipolar disorder", "depression", "anxiety disorders", "dementia" and "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". The electronic search was done up to April 2008. DISCUSSION: Structural and functional cerebellar abnormalities have been reported in many psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies have reported smaller total cerebellar and vermal volumes in schizophrenia, mood disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies using cognitive paradigms have shown alterations in cerebellar activity in schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In dementia, the cerebellum is affected in later stages of the disease. CONCLUSION: Contrasting with early theories, cerebellum appears to play a major role in different brain functions other than balance and motor control, including emotional regulation and cognition. Future studies are clearly needed to further elucidate the role of cerebellum in both normal and pathological behavior, mood regulation, and cognitive functioning.

OBJETIVO: Este artigo de atualização tem como objetivo avaliar estudos em neuroimagem estrutural e funcional a fim de explorar o papel do cerebelo na patofisiologia dos transtornos psiquiátricos. MÉTODO: Uma revisão não sistemática foi realizada através do Medline utilizando-se como parâmetro os seguintes termos: "cerebellum", "cerebellar vermis", "schizophrenia", "bipolar disorder", "depression", "anxiety disorders", "dementia" e "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". A busca eletrônica foi feita até abril de 2008. DISCUSSÃO: Anormalidades cerebelares estruturais e funcionais têm sido relatadas em muitos transtornos psiquiátricos, entre eles a esquizofrenia, transtorno bipolar, transtorno depressivo, transtornos ansiosos, demências e transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade. Estudos utilizando imagem por ressonância magnética estrutural relataram a diminuição do volume total do cerebelo e do vermis cerebelar na esquizofrenia, transtornos do humor e transtorno de falta de atenção com hiperatividade. Estudos utilizando ressonância magnética funcional e paradigmas cognitivos têm demonstrado alterações na atividade cerebelar na esquizofrenia, transtornos ansiosos e transtorno de falta de atenção com hiperatividade. Nas demências, o cerebelo é afetado nos estágios mais avançados dessas doenças. CONCLUSÃO: Contrastando com as primeiras teorias, o cerebelo parece apresentar um papel mais importante em diferentes funções cerebrais além do controle motor e do equilíbrio, incluindo a regulação emocional e cognição. Futuros estudos são necessários para melhor elucidar o papel do cerebelo em ambos os comportamentos, normal e patológico, na regulação do humor e nas funções cognitivas.

A psicanálise sob o risco da demência / Psychoanalysis under the risk of dementia

Nossa pesquisa começa por uma "aposta pascaliana" sobre a existência de um sujeito na demência, existência negada na maioria dos trabalhos sobre a demência ou pelo menos bastante explícita clinicamente. A análise dos trabalhos sobre as perturbações da linguagem demonstra uma recusa em reconhecer as possibilidades de comunicação e de relação com os dementes. As pesquisas reduzem as dimensões pragmáticas do discurso de Austin e as análises do sujeito da enunciação de Benveniste e de Bakhtin, provocando uma destituição do demente do campo da fala. Nós propomos uma nova análise do paciente demente, sublinhando sua existência na fala. Através de um diário clínico que cartografa diferentes modos de abordagem dos dementes, propomos um método de trabalho com esse tipo de paciente. Nós analisamos algumas produções, certamente reduzidas, dos dementes como autênticas formações do inconsciente, tal como as concebem Freud e Lacan. Nossa proposta articula-se em torno das abordagens clínicas de Ferenczi e Winnicott, apresenta técnicas relacionais a partir de um cuidado materno e de um fluxo de compaixão. Uma ética vem à luz, tomada do referencial analítico.

Our research starts with a type of "Pascal's bet": the existence of a subject inhabited by speech within dementia. Analysis of various works on speech defects shows a lack of knowledge regarding the communication possibilities of these individuals. Research leaves out Austin's pragmatic dimensions, Benveniste's overhangs and Bakthin's analysis, and therefore dismisses the demented person from the field of speech. We offer a new analysis of the demented patient which underlines his existence within the speech area. Helped by Freud and Lacan's unconscious development and by a clinical diary (which will "map-make" the various caring approaches of the demented person) we offer a clinical method. Developed around Ferenczi and Winnicott's clinical perspectives our work presents relationship techniques based upon mothering-type care and compassionate flow. An ethical path then appears, not opposed to an analytical referential.