Abstract
The P300 is a long-latency auditory evoked potential highly dependent on cognitive skills. It is believed that cognitive changes caused or not by depressive symptoms may interfere with the P300. AimTo investigate the influence of aging, cognitive and depression aspects of the P300 latency in elderly people. MethodsClinical and experimental study with 60 elderly patients with sensorineural hearing loss of mild to moderately severe level, 20 males and 40 females, average age of 71.1. Participants were submitted to the long latency auditory evoked potential, in which the P300 latency (milliseconds) was studied. The cognitive aspects were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog). In the assessment of depressive symptoms the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was applied. ResultsWe found a significant positive correlation between latency and age (p = 0.031). There were no significant differences among the P300 latency and the ADAS-Cog (p = 0.584), MMSE (p = 0.199) and GDS (p = 0.541) categories. ConclusionAging caused an increase in the P300 latency; however, cognitive performance and the presence of depressive symptoms did not influence the P300 results in this elderly population.
Highlights
The higher population longevity brings about an increase in organic, functional and psychosocial diseases and dysfunctions to the elderly
Aging caused an increase in the P300 latency; cognitive performance and the presence of depressive symptoms did not influence the P300 results in this elderly population
Sample selection and series We considered the following eligibility criteria to make up the sample: a) having symmetrical mild to moderately-severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss[15]; c) not having overt neurological and/or psychiatric diseases; d) not use any medication or drug which acts in the central nervous system that could alter the person’s concentration or attention and e) being 60 years old or older, in other words, be an elderly according to the National Statute of the Elderly (Brazil, 2003)
Summary
The higher population longevity brings about an increase in organic, functional and psychosocial diseases and dysfunctions to the elderly. The effects of aging on the peripheral and central auditory systems interact with the cognitive decline, and hearing loss may worsen the effects of a cognitive deficit and vice-versa[2,3,4]. These changes stemming from the aging process may lead to a number of changes in family and social lives. Among such changes is the onset or worsening of depression symptoms, because of communication difficulties generated by a reduction in hearing[5,6]. Another relevant fact is that depression may simulate dementia, for it worsens the performance of patients in cognitive tests[7]
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