Effect of educational status on performance of older adults in digital cognitive tasks: A systematic review

Abstract

As people age, cognitive abilities may decline resulting in serious disabilities. Neuropsychological instruments can provide information on the cognitive state of older adults. Researchers worldwide have been using digital cognitive tests to assess cognitive domains.ObjectiveTo determine whether educational status affects the performance of older adults on digital cognitive tasks.MethodsA systematic review of articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish published in the last 5 years was conducted. The databases searched were SCOPUS, PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo and PsychInfo. The PRISMA method was used.ResultsA total of 7,089 articles were initially retrieved. After search and exclusion with justification, seven articles were selected for further review.ConclusionThe findings revealed that researchers using digital tasks generally employed paper-based tests to compare results. Also, no association between years of education and test performance was found. Finally, a dearth of studies using digital tests published by Brazilian researchers was evident.

Hypothesis on ontogenesis and pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease

“…(3,4) Currently, AD is the most common type of dementia, affecting mainly the elderly population over 65 years and impairing aspects related to attention, language, learning, memory, and judgment. (5,6) It dramatically affects the patient's individuality, since it gradually makes them dependent on help of family members and caregivers to perform daily activities, from the simplest to the most complex tasks. (7) Worldwide, approximately 36.5 million people have dementia, mainly related to AD.…”