Cognitive aging and combined interventions: self-efficiency as a device to improve brain function

Abstract

Cerebral neurodegeneration may be associated with functional changes, being able to generate cognitive decline, a decrease in the skills that make up brain function. The main objective of this study is to evaluate how self-efficacy belief, personal development and mood states are related to neurocognitive aging. The present study is based on the quasi-experimental and longitudinal development model. The study sample consisted of 33 elderly people with a mean age of 71 years (SD = ± 6.32), spaced from 61 to 89 years of age. Six instruments were applied for data collection, namely: Sociodemographic Data Sheet, Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination, Personal Development Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale - Revised Version, Geriatrics Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Scale. Statistical normality tests were used at a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding the results, the sample is statistically significant in relation to four variables, namely: memory (p = 0.00), verbal fluency (p = 0.00), cognition (p = 0.00) and self-efficacy (p = 0.00); moreover, from the difference between groups related to cognitive interventions (Stimullus + MEMO), based on the self-efficacy construct, for example, it is possible to notice that the self-efficacy variable (p = 0.03) manifests statistical significance. It is concluded that the sense of perceived efficacy can be used as a device to mediate neurocognitive gains, being able to improve brain function, supported by combined interventions.