Cognitive Stimulation Sessions Research Articles

Analysis of Physical-Cognitive Tasks Including Feedback-Based Technology for Alzheimer's Disorder in a Randomized Experimental Pilot Study.

Alzheimer's disease causes great changes, with the prefrontal cortex being the most frequently damaged zone; these changes affect physical and cognitive behavior and compromise autonomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical-cognitive tasks on memory, attention, balance, gait, and risk of falling in Alzheimer's by using feedback-based technology. Forty patients with Alzheimer's were recruited from an Alzheimer's Association; of these, 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the pilot RCT (eight in the control group; seven in the experimental group). The Cognitive Mini-Examination Scale, Oddball Test and Attention Network, Berg Scale, Tinetti, Timed Up and Go, and Geriatric Deterioration Scale. The experimental group was treated with physical-cognitive tasks by using combined feedback-based technology (visual, acoustic, simultaneous, immediate, and terminal feedback, as well as knowledge of the results and performance) under the supervision of physiotherapists twice per week for 16 thirty-minute sessions. The control group underwent their usual care (pharmacological treatment, mobility exercises, and cognitive stimulation sessions). In the experimental group, the contrast tests showed differences for the re-test (except in attention), with the significative Timed Up and Go test being significant (p = 0.020). The interaction between groups showed significant differences for the experimental group according to the MEC (p = 0.029; d = 0.14) and Tinetti (p = 0.029; d = 0.68). Memory, balance, gait, and risk of falling improved in the Alzheimer's patients through the use of physical-cognitive tasks involving combined feedback-based technology. The effects on attention were inconclusive. The outcomes should be treated with caution due to the sample. This can promote intergenerational bonds, use at home, and adherence to treatment.

A methodology for emotional intelligence testing in elderly people with low-cost EEG and PPG devices

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a basic concept in psychology that is gaining social importance. According to Goleman, it refers to the ability to be aware of and to handle one’s emotions in varying situations. Current research indicates that EI can be improved through training, leading to an increased awareness of how we can contribute to the emotional management. In this paper, a low-cost ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) and PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) based proposal is introduced in order to assess the level of emotional intelligence among elderly people during cognitive stimulation sessions. Twenty-five older people , who were baby boomers (people born from 1946 to 1964), were recruited during 2 months, while they participated in a cognitive stimulation program. During those months, these participants were trained in different techniques of emotional management and they learned how to use several low-cost EEG and PPG devices. They were subjected to several emotional stimulation sessions where stress and anxiety scenarios were considered. By using our proposal, different supervised learning algorithms were evaluated in order to allow emotion detection, having the Support Vector Machine (SVM) technique as the one that reached better scores. Later, our solution supports emotional intelligence test and promising outcomes were achieved.

Quality of life, mood and cognitive performance in older adults with cognitive impairment during the first wave of COVID 19 in Argentina

BackgroundIn Argentina, government has established lock down on 19 March in order to decrease SARS‐COV 2 infection. These restrictions have remained effective for long time, with increase of anxiety depression and insomnia as shown in several studies. Older population was particularly at risk due to greater limitations to go out. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of confinement in quality of life, mood and cognitive performance of older adults with cognitive impairment.MethodLongitudinal descriptive‐observational study. Patients with cognitive impairment (CDR 0.5‐1) attending to virtual cognitive stimulation sessions have participated. Participants have completed by themselves Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale (QOL AD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II), Test your Memory (TYM) and an attention and executive battery created by our institution. Same assessments were done at the beginning of the lock down and 7 months later. SPSS program was used and means, standard deviations and paired‐samples t test were calculated.Result51 adults (43 women, mean age: 68.53 SD: 8.06, mean education: 14.33 SD: 2.63) were included. An increase in BDI ‐II score (p = 0.049) and worse performance in one of the executive attention tests (p = 0.012) were found. No significant differences in total score of QOL‐AD (p = 0.090), TYM (p = 0.067), verbal fluency (p = 0.323) or memory tests (p = 0.098) were found. Reviewing sub items, differences in changes in sleep habits (p = 0.021), decrease in the energy level (p = 0.004), worse subjective record of memory capacity (p = 0.028) and decrease in ability to do housework (p = 0.007) were found. In those who lived alone a higher score in BDI ‐ II (p = 0.030) and TYM (p = 0.22) were found.ConclusionThis is the first longitudinal study that measures the impact of lockdown on quality of life and cognitive performance in older adults with cognitive impairment in Argentina. Lockdown and isolation have shown worsening of mood and some quality of life variables and decrease in attention. Finally, our results show an increase in depressive symptoms in those patients who lived alone.

536 - Moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the efficacy of cognitive stimulation. A controlled trial.

Background:It´s been proved that cognitive stimulation (CS) has direct effects over the improvement of general cognitive functions in people with cognitive impairment (PCI). The restrictions in daily life associated to COVID-19 pandemic had an impact in the quality of life of PCI and it might have affected the efficacy of the CS programs targeting this population.Research Objective:To analyse if there was a moderating effect of the pandemic on the efficacy of CS programs.Method:Participants were enrolled in a public memory clinic; 213 PCI were assigned to two groups: 173 received CS treatment before the pandemic (PRECOVID) and 40 received CS during the pandemic (COVID). Pre and post assessments were carried out with the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), the clock-test and the brief Geriatric Depression Scale. The treatment consisted of 32 sessions of CS held twice a week during 4 months. No significant differences (p<.05) were found between groups at baseline in age (74.46±7.80 years), cognitive function (MMSE=23.43±3.30), gender (58% women) and the remaining variables.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:After treatment, both samples improved in depression (t = 4.56, p < .05), the COVID group improved in MMSE (t = -3.40, p < .05) and clock-test (t= -3.78, p < .05), the rest of the changes were not significant. Between group effect sizes favoured the COVID group intervention for MMSE (dc = 0.74) and the clock test (dc = 0.48). No between group differences were found for depression (dc = -0.48).Conclusions:Older people participating of CS during the pandemic benefited more from the treatment than those participating before the pandemic. This apparently contradictory result might be explained by the context of lack of social, emotional and cognitive stimulation associated to the restrictions inherent to social confinement. The continuity of CS care to PCI is essential in the context of generalised restrictions in daily life associated to COVID-19 pandemic and might play an important role in preventing cognitive loss and associated disabilities.

Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation as an enhancer of cognitive stimulation sessions on mild cognitive impairment: Preliminary results

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a state between normal cognition and dementia. Currently, there is little evidence of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as an enhancing tool for Cognitive Stimulation (CS) on MCI. The importance of this study consists in its assessment of the enhancing effect of rTMS on CS in 22 MCI patients randomized and divided into two group: active (AG) and sham (SG). Diagnoses and assessments were determined during 30 sessions over a 10-week period by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Neuropsí test. Results were statistically significant in the intergroup analysis with MoCA and intragroup only for AG.

Stimulation cognitive chez les personnes âgées : effets d’une méthode de stimulation cognitive par les jeux sur les fonctions cognitives et l’estime de soi

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a cognitive stimulation program with games on scores to cognitive tests (processing speed, mental flexibility, working memory, inhibition) and how this program can benefit to a psycho-affective measure, self-esteem in older adults. Forty-eight participants over 60 years old took part in the experiment. They were divided into two groups: 1 group followed a program of cognitive stimulation using leisure activities with games and 1 control group in which people gathered every week. There were 8 sessions of cognitive stimulation using leisure activities like games, one-hour session a week. Measures have focused on speed of processing and executive functions (shifting, updating and inhibition). They have been evaluated before and after the training program. Results show that the cognitive stimulation program using leisure activities with games is effective on speed of processing, memory span, inhibition and self-esteem but shows no benefits on shifting and updating. These results indicate that it seems to be possible to enhance cognitive resources, inhibition and self-esteem using leisure activities with games as a tool for cognitive stimulation.

Improving Engagement of Mild to Moderate Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Using Evidence-Based Visual Cognitive Stimulation Exercises

Introduction: Different studies have proven the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation (CS) for people with mild to moderate dementia, but further research is needed to gain insight into how CS interventions should be designed and developed. Objectives: The objective of this study was to gather and analyze data about the development of a series of CS sessions with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, to gain insight into how different individuals engage to different CS activities. Methods: 24 AD patients with mild to moderate dementia (GDS = 4 and 5) participated in the study. Twelve different sessions were held with a different stimulation exercise each. Information about the achievement and engagement for each of the exercises were recorded for each patient. Results: A significant correlation was found between the global engagement and the GDS level, and between engagement and gender (and also with educational level) for one of the exercises. These results may be useful for designing CS sessions depending on the composition of the group. For example, five exercises got very different engagement results when comparing patients with GDS = 4 and GDS = 5; if the session group consists of patients with both GDS levels, these kinds of exercises should be avoided to gain homogeneity in the engagement and prevent discouragement. Conclusions: The type and characteristics of CS exercises have an impact on the engagement level of AD patients with mild to moderate dementia. Further studies are necessary to better understand which characteristics of the exercises affect the engagement of the patient according to their particularities. This kind of study may help the design of CS sessions and improve the results obtained.

Efeitos de um programa de estimulação cognitiva no funcionamento cognitivo de idosos institucionalizados

Enquadramento: devido ao envelhecimento populacional e ao declínio cognitivo associado à idade, torna-se necessário implementar programas de estimulação cognitiva que promovam o funcionamento cognitivo. A implementação deste tipo de programas pode prevenir o declínio cognitivo. Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos da implementação de um programa de estimulação cognitiva no funcionamento cognitivo de idosos institucionalizados. Metodologia: neste estudo participaram 9 idosos institucionalizados com idade média de 83,67 anos, sujeitos ao programa “Fazer a diferença” com 14 sessões de estimulação cognitiva, validado para a população portuguesa. Estudo com medidas repetidas de um grupo único recorrendo a questionário sociodemográfico e ao Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). Resultados: os resultados obtidos apresentam um aumento da média global do funcionamento cognitivo e, após a análise individual das avaliações, constata-se que 77,78% dos participantes apresentam uma melhoria dos resultados do MOCA. Conclusão: a implementação do programa demonstrou potencial de melhoria cognitiva sendo relevante para a aplicação em idosos institucionalizados, com vista à prevenção do declínio cognitivo. Os profissionais de saúde devem identificar alterações ao nível cognitivo, adequando as suas intervenções, promovendo assim o funcionamento cognitivo e a saúde.

Demencia frontotemporal: programa de intervención psicológica en afasia progresiva primaria fluente

La Demencia Frontotemporal (DFT) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que carece de tratamiento curativo en la actualidad. La prevalencia de este síndrome es menor que otras demencias como la Enfermedad de Alzheimer, pero constituye la segunda causa de demencia en población no anciana. En la DFT se distingue una variante frontal cuyos síntomas son puramente conductuales y tres variantes de Afasia Progresiva Primaria (APP) que se caracterizan por afectación en el lenguaje. En concreto, la variante fluente o semántica de la APP constituye un 20% de los casos de DFT, y los síntomas principales que presentan estos pacientes, están relacionados con dificultad para acceder al significado de las palabras, así como al significante de las mismas. Esta enfermedad se describe como un declive gradual de la memoria semántica, mientras que otros procesos cognitivos aparecen relativamente conservados, al menos en las primeras fases de la enfermedad. La vida diaria de estos pacientes tiene grandes limitaciones que a su vez comprometen la vida diaria de sus familiares y cuidadores. Con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas afectadas por APP en su variante fluente o semántica, se presenta una propuesta de intervención formada por 12 sesiones de estimulación cognitiva. Dicha propuesta está dirigida a estimular las funciones del lenguaje, sin olvidar otros dominios cognitivos. Antes y después de implementar el programa debe realizarse una evaluación de las capacidades cognitivas de la persona, para poder comprobar la evolución del paciente. Por último, se presentan algunas recomendaciones importantes para el asesoramiento y apoyo de los familiares y cuidadores.

Efeitos de um programa de estimulação cognitiva em idosos institucionalizados

Background: The evidence suggests that cognitive stimulation in the elderly has positive results in cognition and depressive symptomatology. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive stimulation program in cognition and depressive symptomatology in institutionalized older people. Methodology: Experimental study in a sample of 100 elderly individuals. The Portuguese versions of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 were applied to each one of the groups in the pre-test and post-test. The experimental group was submitted to 14 sessions of cognitive stimulation. Results: The cognitive stimulation program improved cognition (p 0.05). From a clinical point of view, there was a reduction in depressive symptomatology (p 0.05). Conclusion: The cognitive stimulation program significantly improved cognition, explaining 9.8% of identified variability. The results are encouraging, demonstrating that the program benefits institutionalized older people, thus contributing to the maintenance of their mental health

Cognitive stimulations effects and Taigeiko in elderly women's cognition: an intervention.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention through cognitive stimulation associated with Taigeiko practice in memory performance and executive function of elderly women, compared to a group exposed to Taigeiko alone. A quasi-experimental study was performed with 16 elderly women. 10 were allocated to the experimental group (EG) submitted to 16 sessions of cognitive stimulation and Taigeiko, and 6 elderly women in the control group (CG) submitted to Taigeiko alone. Cognition was assessed before and after intervention by the tests: Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning (RAVLT); Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; Trail-Making Test; Stroop Effect; Digit Span Test and Semantic Verbal Fluency Test. Both groups presented differences in RAVLT domains (EG p=0.004, CG p=0.005) and Stroop Effect (EG p=0.012; CG p=0.024). However, in EG, better scores were shown in the tests, although not statistically significant. Taigeiko has been shown to be a potential activity in obtaining cognitive gains, independently of the associated cognitive stimulation.

Cognitive Stimulation of Elderly Residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a program of cognitive stimulation of the elderly residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014. MethodsQuasi-experimental study with pre and post tests in control and experimental groups. A sample of 37 elderly residents in Social Protection Centers participated: 23 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. A survey and a mental evaluation test (Pfeiffer) were applied. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of cognitive stimulation. ResultsThe paired t-test showed statistically significant differences in the Pfeiffer test, pre and post intervention, compared to the experimental group (P=.0005). The unpaired t-test showed statistically significant differences in Pfeiffer test results to the experimental and control groups (P=.0450). The analysis of the main components showed that more interrelated variables were: age, diseases, number of errors and test results; which were grouped around the disease variable, with a negative association. ConclusionsThe intervention demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functionality of the elderly. Nursing can lead this type of intervention. It should be studied further to strengthen and clarify these results.

Rehabilitación del reconocimiento de emociones combinada con estimulación cognitiva para personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer. Eficacia sobre aspectos cognitivos y funcionales

The ability to recognize facial emotional expression is essential for social interactions and adapting to the environment. Emotion recognition is impaired in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus rehabilitation of these skills has the potential to elicit significant benefits. To assess the efficacy of a combined treatment of rehabilitation of emotion recognition (RER) and cognitive stimulation (CS) for people with AD, due to its potential implications for more effective psychosocial interventions. 36 patients were assigned to one of three experimental conditions: an experimental group (EG) that received 20 sessions of RER and 20 sessions of CS; a control group (CG) that received 40 sessions of CS, and a treatment as usual group (TAU). 32 patients completed the treatment (77.53 ± 5.43 years). Significant differences were found in MMSE30 (F = 5.10; p = 0.013), MMSE35 (F = 4.16; p = 0.026), affect recognition (Z = -2.81; p = 0.005) and basic activities of daily living (Z = -2.27; p = 0.018) favouring the efficacy of the combined treatment. The TAU group showed a decline in depression (Z = -1.99; p = 0.048), apathy (Z = -2.30; p = 0.022) and anosognosia (Z = -2.19; p = 0.028). The combined treatment of RER + CS was more effective than TAU and CS alone for the treatment of patients with AD. This is the first study about the rehabilitation of affect recognition in AD.

Group cognitive intervention targeted to the strengthening of executive functions in children at social risk.

The present study set out to evaluate the effectiveness of a group cognitive intervention aimed at promoting executive functions in children at social risk. The quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design included a control group. The sample was made up of 178 children (52% boys), aged 6-10. The children were evaluated by means of a battery of neuropsychological EF tests and a teacher-rated behavioral EF scale. The intervention program included 30 group cognitive stimulation sessions that increased in difficulty and were embedded into school curricula. Trained children performed better in terms of cognitive flexibility, planning, metacognition and inhibitory control, as compared to their baseline values and to children in the control group. This study provides new evidence of the effectiveness of cognitive interventions for children and of children's capability to transfer cognitive improvements to daily school activities.

Cognitive Stimulation of Elderly Residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a program of cognitive stimulation of the elderly residents in Social Protection Centers in Cartagena, 2014. MethodsQuasi-experimental study with pre and post tests in control and experimental groups. A sample of 37 elderly residents in Social Protection Centers participated: 23 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. A survey and a mental evaluation test (Pfeiffer) were applied. The experimental group participated in 10 sessions of cognitive stimulation. ResultsThe paired t-test showed statistically significant differences in the Pfeiffer test, pre and post intervention, compared to the experimental group (P=.0005). The unpaired t-test showed statistically significant differences in Pfeiffer test results to the experimental and control groups (P=.0450). The analysis of the main components showed that more interrelated variables were: age, diseases, number of errors and test results; which were grouped around the disease variable, with a negative association. ConclusionsThe intervention demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functionality of the elderly. Nursing can lead this type of intervention. It should be studied further to strengthen and clarify these results.

Individual cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia: a clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Group cognitive stimulation therapy programmes can benefit cognition and quality of life for people with dementia. Evidence for home-based, carer-led cognitive stimulation interventions is limited. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of carer-delivered individual cognitive stimulation therapy (iCST) for people with dementia and their family carers, compared with treatment as usual (TAU). A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial assessing clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Assessments were at baseline, 13 weeks and 26 weeks (primary end point). Participants were recruited through Memory Clinics and Community Mental Health Teams for older people. A total of 356 caregiving dyads were recruited and 273 completed the trial. iCST consisted of structured cognitive stimulation sessions for people with dementia, completed up to three times weekly over 25 weeks. Family carers were supported to deliver the sessions at home. Primary outcomes for the person with dementia were cognition and quality of life. Secondary outcomes included behavioural and psychological symptoms, activities of daily living, depressive symptoms and relationship quality. The primary outcome for the family carers was mental/physical health (Short Form questionnaire-12 items). Health-related quality of life (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions), mood symptoms, resilience and relationship quality comprised the secondary outcomes. Costs were estimated from health and social care and societal perspectives. There were no differences in any of the primary outcomes for people with dementia between intervention and TAU [cognition: mean difference -0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.00 to 0.90; p-value = 0.45; self-reported quality of life: mean difference -0.02, 95% CI -1.22 to 0.82; p-value = 0.97 at the 6-month follow-up]. iCST did not improve mental/physical health for carers. People with dementia in the iCST group experienced better relationship quality with their carer, but there was no evidence that iCST improved their activities of daily living, depression or behavioural and psychological symptoms. iCST seemed to improve health-related quality of life for carers but did not benefit carers' resilience or their relationship quality with their relative. Carers conducting more sessions had fewer depressive symptoms. Qualitative data suggested that people with dementia and their carers experienced better communication owing to iCST. Adjusted mean costs were not significantly different between the groups. From the societal perspective, both health gains and cost savings were observed. iCST did not improve cognition or quality of life for people with dementia, or carers' physical and mental health. Costs of the intervention were offset by some reductions in social care and other services. Although there was some evidence of improvement in terms of the caregiving relationship and carers' health-related quality of life, iCST does not appear to deliver clinical benefits for cognition and quality of life for people with dementia. Most people received fewer than the recommended number of iCST sessions. Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of carer-led cognitive stimulation interventions for people with dementia. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN65945963. This project was funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 64. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further information.

Cognitive output of a neuropsychological stimulation program in an elderly day care center with low educated participants: An observational study.

ObjectiveIn the present paper we present an observational study of the implementation of a Neuropsychological Stimulation Program at an Elderly Day Care Center in low-educated participants with very similar backgrounds concerning social economic status.MethodsThe implemented program tackled several dimensions, including daily orientation sessions, cognitive stimulation sessions twice a week, followed by movement sessions, and structured sessions conducted every two weeks. Cognitive Evaluation was performed before and after implementation of the program.ResultsResults are discussed taking into consideration cognitive outputs as well as non-cognitive outputs and the specificities of community-based intervention.ConclusionIt was concluded that community-based intervention is set to become vital in promoting dementia prevention.

Bridging the gap between illiterate older adults and cognitive stimulation technologies through pervasive computing

The global ageing of the population has made the increase in age-related diseases more obvious, some of which are accompanied by a patient's cognitive decline (CD). That is a hard problem for Mexico, as a large number of older adults belong to marginalized sectors. These older adults are characterized by their illiteracy and limited financial resources, which make them more vulnerable to conditions such as the Alzheimer's disease. According to the literature, a person who participates often in cognitive stimulation (CS) activities reduces the risk of suffering a CD-related condition. This has provided the motivation to carry out case studies to understand older adults' interactions in CS sessions, and their relation with technologies and with members of their social family networks (SFN). To address these technological, social and illiteracy gaps, a pervasive CS collaborative system has been designed and evaluated which eases interaction through natural interfaces and enables SFN members to interact with older adults during their CS activities regardless of their physical location. The evaluation results provide evidence that participants perceived the system as useful, easy to use and providing a pleasurable user experience. Furthermore, these results show the feasibility of augmenting traditional board games (e.g. chess, checkers) to create pervasive CS collaborative applications and the importance and benefits of integrating SFN members as informal caregivers.

P3‐136: Over‐diagnosis of dementia in younger patients: A nationwide register‐based study

test the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation in non-demented elderly subjects in relation to APOE genotype. Methods: Invece.Ab is a longitudinal multidimensional population study on brain aging (NCT01345110; http:// clinicaltrials.gov) in 1321 subjects living in Abbiategrasso (Milan, Italy) and born between 1935 and 1939. Within this population, 77 non-demented cognitively healthy subjects with familiarity for sporadic dementia (NDFAM) and 54 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were enrolled to test the effectiveness of cognitive stimulation. They were separately randomly assigned to a “treatment” (ten sessions of light physical activity and exercises for cognitive functions) and a “control” (two sanitary education lessons) group. MMSE, MOCA test and CORSI test were administered before and after the interventions by a blind trained psychologist. A blood sample was taken for APOE genotyping by Real-Time Allelic Discrimination assay.Results:NDFAMandMCI benefited from both cognitive stimulation and sanitary education. NDFAM registered a better improvement of performance in the neuropsychological tests after cognitive stimulation than MCI subjects and only for NDFAM, the improvement after the intervention was significantly different between the treatment and the control group. Furthermore subjects carrying at least an APOE34 allele, a risk factor for dementia, were less likely to benefit from the cognitive stimulation protocol adopted. Conclusions: The participation to cognitive stimulation sessions or to sanitary education lessons improved cognitive performance in non-demented subjects with and without mild cognitive impairment. Anyway, only cognitively healthy subjects got a higher benefit from participating to the cognitive stimulation sessions rather than to sanitary education lessons. Furthermore, the extent of the benefit arisen from cognitive stimulation was related to the presence of the risk factor APOE34.

Desempenho de idosos em testes específicos: efeito de grupo de estimulação

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o envelhecimento, pode ocorrer um declínio cognitivo. Sabe-se que melhorar o desempenho das funções cognitivas em idosos tem consequências importantes em sua qualidade de vida. A literatura sugere que o treinamento pode aprimorar as funções cognitivas em idosos saudáveis. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito de grupo de estimulação cognitiva em idosos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal no qual foram avaliados 32 participantes escolarizados, com idade acima de 60 anos, divididos em dois grupos. O grupo-caso participou de 10 sessões de estimulação cognitiva em grupo. O grupo-controle foi formado por 15 indivíduos, com idade e escolaridade similares. A amostra foi avaliada antes e após a intervenção, através de uma versão adaptada da bateria CERAD, teste do relógio e check-list de queixas cognitivas. Foi usada uma análise descritiva, bem como o teste t-pareado, com o intuito de observar as diferenças entre os grupos após a estimulação. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto à idade, gênero e escolaridade. Na avaliação inicial, os grupos não apresentaram diferenças no desempenho dos testes aplicados. Na testagem após a intervenção, foi observada melhora apenas no grupo-caso nas tarefas de nomeação, fluência semântica, fluência total (bateria CERAD) e desenho do relógio, assim como na check-list de queixas cognitivas. CONCLUSÃO: A estimulação cognitiva realizada diminuiu as queixas cognitivas dos idosos participantes e melhorou seu desempenho em testes cognitivos.