Tiago Nascimento Ordonez

Effects of cognitive training based on metamemory and mental images

There is scant research evidence regarding training effects among elderly with limited educational experience. Research indicating an association between metamemory and memory performance is based on samples of older adults with at least 12 years of education. Objectives To test the efficacy of a cognitive training program based on the creation of mental images and changes in specific aspects of metamemory in individuals with 3 to 15 years of education (M=8.38, SD=4.24). Methods 37 older adults participated in five training sessions (Training Group (TG)) and 32 control subjects completed only pre and post test assessments (Control Group (CG)) including the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB)(naming and memorization of 10 pictures, animal category verbal fluency test, the Clock Drawing Test (CDT)), the Story subtest from the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q), and the Picture and Story domains from the Memory Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (MSEQ). Results The TG showed significant improvement between pre and post tests on the delayed recall of the 10 pictures and in self-efficacy for the memorization of stories. These same changes were not found in the CG. Conclusions Five-session cognitive training may lead to significant improvements in episodic memory and memory self-efficacy, an aspect of metamemory, in individuals with an average of 8 years of education.

Síntomas depresivos en adultos mayores participantes de una universidad abierta a la tercera edad

INTRODUCTION Although depressive disorders prevalence among older adults usually is less than in the younger population, the presence of significant symptoms of depression is common in elderly people. Studies show that taking part in social, educational and pleasure activities is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms above the elderly participants of a Third Age Open University, taking the time taking part as a reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional design was implemented, with a participation of 95.2% (n=140) of the total enrolled in the first trimester of 2009 in the activities of the Third Age Open University of the Schools of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of the University of São Paulo. They all answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). RESULTS The prevalence of depressive symptoms found was 3.57%. The statistical analysis showed a relationship between participation formore than one semester in the Third Age Open University and a lower index of depressive symptoms (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS Participating for longer than one academic semester is associated with less depressive symptoms, possibly being a protector factor against depression.

Effects of a psychoeducational intervention in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease

Psychoeducational activities are a way of promoting help for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, representing a forum for knowledge sharing, and in which the primary focus is on psychological themes aimed at carers developing coping skills and strategies. Objective The main objective of this study was to gauge perceptions about care and its impact among family caregivers of patients with AD participating in a psychoeducational group intervention, as well as the possible positive and negative aspects associated with this role. The subjective impact of AD on the lives of these caregivers was assessed on each of the dimensions of the Caregiver Burden Scale using a semi-directed interview on perceptions about care. Methods This was a prospective study, in which information was collected twice, before and after, psychoeducational intervention. Through the application of the scale, benefits were evident for all dimensions assessed in the instrument (general strain, isolation, disappointment, emotional involvement and environment). Results The results showed that after the psychoeducational intervention, caregivers felt less burdened by care compared to pre-intervention. Conclusion: These findings confirm that expanded implementation of psychoeducational interventions for caregivers of patients with AD can be beneficial for both caregivers and patients.

Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ): indicadores psicométricos e relações com medidas afetivas em amostra idosa

We examined psychometric indicators of the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and their relationship with measures of affective experience, satisfaction with life and depression in the elderly. One hundred and fifty-three elderly people (M = 66.8 years, SD = 5.20, 71.2% female) of an Open University for Seniors responded to the ERQ, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Life Satisfaction Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Two factors (Cognitive Reappraisal and Emotional Suppression) explained 50.1% of variance; internal consistency and temporal stability were above .70. There were positive relations between Cognitive Reappraisal and life satisfaction and positive affect; and there were negative relations with depression. Increased use of Cognitive Reappraisal is an indication of emotional health in the elderly.

Depressive symptoms in elderly participants of an open university for elderly

Although the prevalence of depressive disorders among the elderly is lower than among the younger population, the presence of significant symptoms of depression is common in this group. Studies report that participation in social, educational and leisure activities is related to fewer depressive symptoms in this population. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression among elderly participants of an Open University for the Third Age, in terms of the time studying. Methods The study had a cross-sectional design and the participation of 95.2% (n=184) of total enrollers in the first half of 2010 on the activities of the Third Age Open University’s School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of the University of São Paulo. All participants answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results An association between studying time of over one semester at the University of the Third Age and a lower rate of depressive symptoms, was observed. Conclusion Study time of over one semester was associated with less depressive symptoms, acting as a possible protective factor against depression.

Subjective and psychological well-being of students of a University of the Third Age Benefits of continuing education for psychological adjustment in the elderly

Objectives The present study sought to characterize the degree of general satisfaction with life and degree of satisfaction on four domains: health, physical capacity, mental capacity and social involvement, and to determine the characteristics of self-reports of individuals enrolled on the program in relation to their psychological well-being focusing on the dimensions: autonomy, personal growth, control, positive relationships with others, purpose, personal acceptance and generativity, and to analyse the effect of time studying on level of well-being. Method A total of 140 elderly students of a University for the Third Age took part in the study. The Global Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Self Development Scale (with six psychological well-being subscales) were applied. Continuous variables for the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship among numeric variables. Internal consistency of the instrument scales was analysed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results Results showed that students who had attended the University of the Third Age for six months or longer had a higher level of satisfaction with life and greater psychological adjustment compared with new entrants to the same institution. Conclusion The study results confirmed the positive effects of continuing education on the well-being of elderly and its contribution to successful aging.

Motivational Factors and Predictors for Attending a Continuing Education Program for Older Adults

The objectives were to describe the stated motives of participants who enrolled in a program at the Open University for the Elderly (UnATI, in Portuguese), identify correlations between the stated motives and sociodemographic data, and find a set of predictors related to the listed motives. A total of 306 middle-aged and elderly adults aged 50 or older were surveyed through a sociodemographic questionnaire and a five-item scale to check their motives to enroll in the program. The following motivational factors were identified, in order of importance: enhancing general knowledge, investing in personal development, increasing social interaction, learning more in order to help others, and employing ones free time profitably. Age and years of schooling combined were strong predictors of participants seeking new knowledge. Being single and not retired was correlated with the motive Investing in Personal Development. Having attended elementary school only and being married was closely correlated to the motive Increasing Social Interaction. Employing Ones Free Time Profitably was associated with single or widowed individuals with family income between 3.1 and 4.0 times the minimum wage. As for Learning More in Order to Help Others, no predictors were found for this motive. It was found that participants seek to satisfy a desire to learn/ know more, to be up-to-date, to exercise their rights as citizens, and to play an active role in society. Our data suggest that these are the assumptions that drive middle-aged and elderly adults to look for various types of educational programs.

Elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their family relationships. Caregiver perspectives

Objective The present study was to investigate the status of the family relationships of elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease from a caregiver’s perspective. Methods A total of sixteen relatives/caregivers of AD patients were assessed by applying a semi-structured questionnaire about family relationships. Frequency tables containing categorical variables (gender, schooling, personal income and current occupation) were compiled. Descriptive statistics were calculated of continuous variables such as age. Answers to open questions were submitted to Bardin’s content analysis. The data were held on the Epidata program and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS v.17.0 software package. Results In line with the literature, the family was the main source of caregivers and the typical caregiver profile was female. In contrast to other studies, emotional burnout was not a major complaint in the sample studied. The ties created among family members and the life experience of each individual influences how interviewees cope with AD. Conclusion The family relationships of caregivers of AD patients represent a constant challenge, due to changes in roles within the family structure as well as to disease progression. However, participation in psychological and socio-educational activities run by pioneering institutions in Brazil, act as a mediator of stress in the lives of both caregivers and patients.

Beliefs, perceptions, and concepts of old age among participants of a University of the Third Age.

The objective of the study was to identify correlations between beliefs, perceptions, and concepts about old age and personal experience of aging among older persons attending a public university for the third age. Participants were 256 older adults with a mean age of 67 ± 5.54 years, 69% female. The study protocol included sociodemographic data, the Beliefs Toward aging scale, and tailored questions to assess perceptions of old age and personal aging and concepts regarding a good old age. There was a trend toward positive and neutral beliefs; the assigned age for the beginning of old age was 68 years; participants did not identify with being old; notions of a good old age were associated with physical health, good personal relationships, expectations for the future, and satisfaction with life. The multivariate analysis indicated two significantly distinct groups in terms of age, beliefs, and concepts of good old age. On an individual level, the study participants failed to acknowledge their own aging.

Redes de relações sociais dos idosos residentes em Ermelino Matarazzo, São Paulo: um estudo epidemiológico

OBJETIVOS: Descrever o perfil sociodemografico e a rede social dos idosos residentes na comunidade de Ermelino Matarazzo, por meio de inquerito epidemiologico. METODO: Participaram deste estudo de corte transversal de base domiciliar 382 idosos residentes em Ermelino Matarazzo, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. A amostragem foi probabilistica, por conglomerados, em dois estagios. Foi realizado sorteio de 35 setores censitarios do distrito de Ermelino Matarazzo, na zona leste do municipio de Sao Paulo, e, em 2007, realizou-se o recrutamento dos idosos residentes nos domicilios desses setores. Aplicaram-se o questionario sociodemografico e um instrumento grafico, o Mapa Minimo de Relacoes do Idoso (MMRI). RESULTADOS E DISCUSSAO: A analise descritiva dos dados sugere que a populacao caracterizou-se por idosos de baixa renda e escolaridade, maioria casada ou viuva, aposentada e pensionista. Quanto a rede social, os familiares sao o principal suporte dos pesquisados. Quanto ao tamanho da rede, a maioria dos participantes apresentou uma pequena rede social. Quanto ao estado civil, verificou-se que idosos viuvos possuiam uma rede social maior do que a de individuos solteiros. As variaveis de idade e renda familiar correlacionaram-se positivamente com o tamanho de rede social. CONCLUSOES: O presente estudo aponta achados que entram em concordância com a literatura, quanto aos membros mais presentes da rede social dos idosos, familiares; ao genero, feminino; quanto ao tamanho de rede, pequena. Ressalta-se que o estudo traz dados representativos da populacao idosa brasileira por se tratar de estudo com metodologia epidemiologica.