Meire Cachioni

Mini-Mental State Examination performance in frail, pre-frail, and non-frail community dwelling older adults in Ermelino Matarazzo, São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUNDnFrailty in older adults is a multifactorial syndrome defined by low metabolic reserve, less resistance to stressors, and difficulty in maintaining organic homeostasis due to cumulative decline of multiple physiological systems. The relationship between frailty and cognition remains unclear and studies about Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance and frailty are scarce. The objective was to examine the association between frailty and cognitive functioning as assessed by the MMSE and its subdomains.nnnMETHODSnA cross-sectional population-based study (FIBRA) was carried out in Ermelino Matarazzo, a poor subdistrict of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were 384 community dwelling older adults, 65 years and older who completed the MMSE and a protocol to assess frailty criteria as described in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS).nnnRESULTSnFrail older adults had significantly worse performance on the MMSE (p < 0.001 for total score). Linear regression analyses showed that the MMSE total score was influenced by age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), family income (p < 0.001), and frailty status (p < 0.036). Being frail was associated more significantly with worse scores in Time Orientation (p < 0.004) and Immediate Memory (p < 0.001).nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur data suggest that being frail is associated with worse cognitive performance, as assessed by the MMSE. It is recommended that the assessment of frail older adults should include the investigation of their cognitive status.

Depressive symptoms in old age: relations among sociodemographic and self-reported health variables

BACKGROUNDnDepression in old age is a complex multifactorial phenomenon that is influenced by several biopsychosocial variables. Depressive symptoms are associated with the presence of chronic diseases, with being female, with low education and low income levels, and with poor perceived health assessment. In impoverished areas, older adults may have more physical disability, as they may have less access to health services. Therefore, they may be more likely to report depressive symptoms.nnnMETHODSnPopulation-based cross-sectional research was undertaken using data from the FIBRA study conducted in Ermelino Matarazzo, a poor subdistrict of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The participants comprised 303 elderly people, aged 65 years and over, who attended a single-session data collection effort carried out at community centers. The protocol comprised sociodemographic and self-reported health variables, and the Geriatric Depression Scale.nnnRESULTSnThe majority of the subjects reported five or fewer symptoms of depression (79.21%), reported one or two self-reported chronic diseases (56.86%), declared themselves to have one or two self-reported health problems (46.15%), and had good perceived health assessment (40.27%). The presence of depressive symptoms was associated with a higher number of self-reported health problems, poor perceived health assessment, and lower schooling levels, in the total sample and in analyses including men only. For women, depressive symptoms were associated with the number of self-reported health problems and family income.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe presence of health problems, such as falls and memory problems, lower perceived health, and low education (and low family income for women) were associated with a higher presence of depressive symptoms among elderly people in this poor area of São Paulo.

Semantic and cultural equivalence of the Intergenerational Exchanges Attitude Scale (IEAS)

Introduction: Understanding the multidimensionality of attitudes originating from exchanges between different generations is fundamental for the establishment of intergenerational cooperation and the reduction of stereotypes and prejudices. Objective: To obtain the semantic and cultural equivalence of the Intergenerational Exchanges Attitude Scale (IEAS). Method: Two translators translated the scale from English into Portuguese. A third translator synthesized these two translations. The synthesized version was back-translated into English. From the observations of the initial and back translations, a semantic version of the scale was consolidated, which was applied to 32 professionals who developed intergenerational activities (elderly/children) and activities directed at elderly persons only. Following application, a version of the scale that was culturally adapted for the Portuguese language was obtained. Results: The scale was alterered due to cultural refinement, with differences in the following items: 4) around and near; 6) overprotective and highly protective; 8) be around and to want to get close to; 11) earn and obtain; 13) have warm relationships and to relate affectionately; 17) affection and fondness; 18) form a good team and are good companions; 20) feel sick and get irritated. The responses used are evaluative statements of positive or negative attitudes about the exchanges that take place between children and the elderly, based on a Likert scale of just five points. Conclusion: The Intergenerational Exchanges Attitude Scale (IEAS) has been adapted and validated for the Brazilian population and is known as the Escala de Atitudes em relacao a Trocas Intergeracionais (Scale of Attitudes in Relation to Intergenerational Exchanges) (EATI). It can be a useful tool for programs featuring activities involving children and the elderly, as well as for professionals working and developing strategies in this field.

Quality of life of elderly people who care for other elderly people with neurological diseases

Objective: to investigate the relationships between the perceived quality of life of elderly people who care for other elderly people with neurological diseases (dementia and strokes) and the gender, age and caregiver burden, diagnosis, functional dependence, and cognitive status of the care recipient. Method: 75 caregivers aged over 60 years were interviewed using the Quality of Life Scale (CASP-19) and Zarit Burden Interview. The levels of physical vulnerability of the elderly were identified through the Lawton and Brody questionnaires and the Katz scale and the cognitive assessment of elderly care Palavras-chave: Qualidade de Vida. Cuidadores. Idosos. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562018021.180077

Attitudes of elderly persons and professionals towards intergenerational exchanges

Objective: to describe and compare the responses of elderly persons and professionals involved in permanent education programs in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, using the Intergenerational Exchanges Attitude Scale (IEAS), considering the variables living with children, for the elderly persons, and work with intergenerational groups or only with the elderly, for the professionals. Method: The convenience sample consisted of 148 elderly persons and 52 professionals. The participants responded to the IEAS and a questionnaire to delineate their profile in terms of age, gender and educational level. Palavras-chave: Atitude. Relações entre Gerações. Crianças. Idosos. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562017020.160194