BackgroundDementia imposes a high burden of disease worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies in European community samples are scarce. In Portugal, community prevalence data is very limited. The 10/66 Dementia Research Group (DRG) population-based research programmes are focused in low and middle income countries, where the assessments proved to be culture and education fair. We applied the 10/66 DRG prevalence survey methodology in Portugal, where levels of illiteracy in older populations are still high.MethodsA cross-sectional comprehensive one-phase survey was conducted of all residents aged 65 and over of two geographically defined catchment areas in Southern Portugal (one urban and one rural site). Nursing home residents were not included in the present study. Standardized 10/66 DRG assessments include a cognitive module, an informant interview and the Geriatric Mental State-AGECAT, providing data on dementia diagnosis and subtypes, mental disorders including depression, physical health, anthropometry, demographics, disability/functioning, health service utilization, care arrangements and caregiver strain.ResultsWe interviewed 1405 old age participants (mean age 74.9, SD = 6.7 years; 55.5% women) after 313 (18.2%) refusals to participate.The prevalence rate for dementia in community-dwellers was 9.23% (95% CI 7.80–10.90) using the 10/66 DRG algorithm and 3.65% (95% CI 2.97–4.97) using DSM-IV criteria. Pure Alzheimer’s disease was the most prevalent dementia subtype (41.9%). The prevalence of dementia was strongly age-dependent for both criteria, but there was no association with sex.ConclusionsDementia prevalence was higher than previously reported in Portugal. The discrepancy between prevalence according to the 10/66 DRG algorithm and the DSM-IV criteria is consistent with that observed in less developed countries; this suggests potential underestimation using the latter approach, although relative validity of these two approaches remains to be confirmed in the European context. We improved the evidence base to raise awareness and empower advocacy about dementia in Portugal, so that the complex needs of frail older people may be met in better ways.
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a tolerant species that accumulates cadmium. We studied the effect of Cd (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 lM) on growth parameters, chlorophyll and proline contents, enzymatic antioxidative response and lipid peroxidation of tobacco plants grown in hydroponic culture for 11 days to clarify the strategy of plant response against oxidative stress caused by this heavy metal. Cadmium accumulated more in roots than in shoots. Plant growth was not significantly affected by the cadmium concentrations used. Young leaves were more affected, showing visible chlorosis and a significant decrease in chlorophyll content at high Cd concentrations. Dry weight of both leaves and roots increased indicating a lower capacity for roots to absorb water. An increase in malondialdehyde levels was observed, indicating that lipid peroxidation occurred as a result of ROS formation. The activity of guaiacol peroxidase in leaves increased, indicating that it was very important in the scavenging of H 2 O 2 , while superoxide dismutase activity only increased in old leaves. Ascorbate peroxidase showed constant activity levels in tobacco leaves, suggesting that the ascorbate-glutathione pathway was less important as a defense mechanism.
Having 2 or more relatives involved in the informal care of people with dementia is frequent worldwide. There are, however, few comparisons of primary and secondary caregivers and even fewer of those who are caring for the same person. Our study aimed to contrast these 2 experiences of caregiving. We compared 2 related samples of 61 primary and 61 secondary family caregivers of the same persons with dementia in a nonrandomized cross-sectional study. Caregivers’ main outcome assessments were the Zarit Burden Interview (for subjective burden), the General Health Questionnaire (for psychological distress), and the Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale. We controlled for caregiver variables (e.g., demographics, caregiving arrangements, social support, sense of coherence) and the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Subjective burden was higher in primary than secondary caregivers (p = .013), but positive aspects of caregiving did not differ (p = .150). Psychological distress was high at clinically relevant levels in primary and secondary caregivers, without statistically significant differences between groups (p = .456). The findings demonstrate that notwithstanding the difficulties faced by primary caregivers, secondary caregivers may also experience clinically significant distress. Therefore, their needs for assistance and support should be addressed more systematically. These findings call for systemic family-focused interventions in dementia that address the support each person provides or might provide, as well as the psychological distress each person may feel.
The effect of moderate heat treatment combined with calcium dips on the quality of minimally processed kiwifruit was studied. Whole fruits were treated for 25 min at 45°C by dipping in deionised water or CaCl 2 solutions (1%, 2% and 3% (w/v)) and cooled to 4°C. Twenty-four hours later fruits were peeled, sanitized, cut into slices and packed. The firmness of kiwifruit slices' was subsequently evaluated during 8 days of storage. Calcium content, pectinmethylesterase activity and heat shock proteins accumulation were also investigated. Heat treatment conducted in water induced a firming effect and avoid softening of fruit slices while calcium dips had a marginal effect on this parameter. A calcium loss was observed due to dip treatment, but this effect was minimized when treatment was conducted in 3% CaCl 2 solution. The firming effect provided is due to the activation of pectinmethylesterase and the presence of calcium in treatment solution reduces or inhibits enzyme activation. Under the tested conditions, no heat shock proteins de novo synthesis was detected.
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