Efectos de la terapia no farmacológica en el envejecimiento normal y el deterioro cognitivo: consideraciones sobre los objetivos terapéuticos / Effects of non-pharmacological therapy on normal ageing and on cognitive decline: reflections on treatment objectives

Introducción: Las terapias no farmacológicas (TNF) en el envejecimiento y las demencias representan un conjunto de intervenciones orientadas a estimular el rendimiento de los procesos cognitivos, mejorar la afectividad, potenciar la independencia en la vida cotidiana y, en última instancia, incrementar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Métodos: Se aplicó una batería de pruebas que valoraban 4 dominios principales (estado mental eneral, afectividad, calidad de vida y actividades de la vida diaria) a una muestra de 317 adultos con más de 64 a˜nos (240 con envejecimiento normal y 77 con deterioro cognitivo). Posteriormente, fueron asignados a grupos de TNF en función de sus capacidades o a otras actividades no específicas. Se valoró el beneficio tras 9 meses de TNF con la misma batería de pruebas. Resultados: Los resultados evidencian una mejora del estado mental general en el envejecimiento sano y ausencia de progresión en el envejecimiento patológico. En los 2 grupos, la afectividad (ansiedad y depresión) y la calidad de vida autopercibida se vio beneficiada por la TNF. No obstante, no parecen mejorar otros aspectos habitualmente incluidos entre los objetivos terapéuticos, como la independencia en las actividades de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: Este trabajo evidencia los resultados positivos que se obtienen por la aplicación de un programa de TNF en el envejecimiento. Es importante destacar que los individuos con deterioro cognitivo se benefician más del mismo, si bien su aplicación generalizada parece resultar un óptimo programa preventivo primario en estos aspectos cognitivos y emocionales (AU)

Introduction: Non-pharmacological therapies for normal ageing and dementia are a set of treatment programmes intended to improve the performance of cognitive processes, improve emotional well-being, promote independence in daily life activities, and ultimately increase patients’ quality of life. Methods: We applied a battery of tests assessing four major domains (general mental state, emotional well-being, quality of life, and daily life activities) to a sample of 317 adults older than 64 (240 with normal ageing and 77 with cognitive impairment). They were then assigned either to non-pharmacological therapy groups according to their abilities or to other non-specific activities. Progress was assessed 9 months later using the same test battery. Results: The results show a general improvement in mental state in the group with normal ageing and absence of disease progression in the group with pathological ageing. In both groups, emotional well-being (anxiety and depression) and self-identified quality of life both benefited from non-pharmacological therapy. However, other aspects commonly included among the therapeutic targets did not seem to improve, including independence in daily life activities. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that non-pharmacological therapy in ageing patients can produce positive results. It must be stressed that benefits are greater in individuals with cognitive impairment, although generalising use of this therapy could prove to be an excellent primary programme for preventing cognitive and emotional disorders (AU)

Effects of non-pharmacological therapy on normal ageing and on cognitive decline: reflections on treatment objectives.

INTRODUCTION: Non-pharmacological therapies for normal ageing and dementia are a set of treatment programmes intended to improve the performance of cognitive processes, improve emotional well-being, promote independence in daily life activities, and ultimately increase patients' quality of life. METHODS: We applied a battery of tests assessing four major domains (general mental state, emotional well-being, quality of life, and daily life activities) to a sample of 317 adults older than 64 (240 with normal ageing and 77 with cognitive impairment). They were then assigned either to non-pharmacological therapy groups according to their abilities or to other non-specific activities. Progress was assessed 9 months later using the same test battery. RESULTS: The results show a general improvement in mental state in the group with normal ageing and absence of disease progression in the group with pathological ageing. In both groups, emotional well-being (anxiety and depression) and self-identified quality of life both benefited from non-pharmacological therapy. However, other aspects commonly included among the therapeutic targets did not seem to improve, including independence in daily life activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that non-pharmacological therapy in ageing patients can produce positive results. It must be stressed that benefits are greater in individuals with cognitive impairment, although generalising use of this therapy could prove to be an excellent primary programme for preventing cognitive and emotional disorders.