Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in community-dwelling elderly persons: Data from the FIBRA Study - UNICAMP

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between participation in advanced activities of daily living (AADLs) and cognitive performance in communitydwelling elderly persons. Method: The data presented is drawn from the population-based study entitled Frailty Profile of Elderly Brazilians (FIBRA-Unicamp). The sample comprised 2,549 older adults without cognitive impairments suggestive of dementia. Data was collected relating to socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, years of education and family income), health status (number of diseases and depressive symptoms), cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Examination -MMSE) and self-reported social, physical and intellectual AADLs. Results: Mean MMSE scores were significantly higher among men, younger individuals and those with more years of education, higher income, fewer diseases and fewer depressive symptoms. Multivariate linear regression analysis and hierarchical regression analysis showed that years of education, family income and participation in intellectual AADLs were positively associated with cognitive performance. Conclusion: The findings suggest that these factors may have a protective role in cognitive aging and that participation in intellectual AADLs can represent a feasible strategy for the promotion of mental health among older adults.

Factors associated with cognitive performance in elderly caregivers

“…The literature has highlights various risk factors for cognitive performance, finding a strong relationship between lower education level, socioeconomic conditions, and aging-related cognitive deficits 3,5 . These findings are mirrored in studies focused on elderly populations in Brazil 6 .…”

“…This may have led to poor sleep efficacy and a worse lifestyle, compromising cognitive capabilities during the aging process 29 . In developing countries, the average family income is between one and three minimum wages 6,29 . In Brazil, most of the income of older adults comes from retirement and pension.…”

Aspectos sociodemográficos e desempenho cognitivo de idosos residentes na zona rural*

“…Nesse sentido, é importante que as ações de saúde sejam apropriadas aos diferentes grupos, de maneira a considerar as suas diferenças sociais e de saúde. Uma pesquisa da Rede de Pesquisa sobre Estudos da Fragilidade em Idosos Brasileiros (Rede Fibra) observou associação positiva entre o engajamento em atividades avançadas de vida diária e o desempenho cognitivo (21). Assim, salientase a importância de se investigar a funcionalidade dos idosos, principalmente em casos de comprometimento cognitivo.…”

Ansiedade e sua relação com a qualidade de vida em idosos: revisão narrativa

“…21,22 Junto com o envelhecimento, nota-se o aumento sempenho cognitivo, como a redução da atenção e da velocidade do processamento de informação. 37 As mudanças psicológicas com o envelhecimento resultam da dificuldade de adaptações a novos papéis sociais, falta de motivação, baixa-estima, dificuldade de mudanças rápidas, perdas afetivas e orgânicas, somatização, hipocondria e depressão. 30 A ansiedade e a depressão são os agravos psiquiá-tricos mais comuns na velhice e estão associadas à percepção de suporte social como negativo ou insuficiente, ao menor grau de proximidade com outras pessoas e à menor satisfação com as relações sociais.…”