Care arrangements for people with dementia in developing countries

Background: Rapid demographic ageing will soon lead to large increases in the numbers of persons with dementia in developing countries. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of care arrangements for people with dementia in those regions. Methods: A descriptive and comparative study of dementia care; caregiver characteristics, the nature of care provided, and the practical, psychological (Zarit Burden Interview, General Health Questionnaire) and economic impact upon the caregiver in 24 centres in India, China and South East Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa. Results: We interviewed 706 persons with dementia, and their caregivers. Most caregivers were women, living with the person with dementia in extended family households. One-quarter to one-half of households included a child. Larger households were associated with lower caregiver strain, where the caregiver was co-resident. However, despite the traditional apparatus of family care, levels of caregiver strain were at least as high as in the developed world. Many had cutback on work to care and faced the additional expense of paid carers and health services. Families from the poorest countries were particularly likely to have used expensive private medical services, and to be spending more than 10% of the per capita GNP on health care. Conclusions: Older people in developing countries are indivisible from their younger family members. The high levels of family strain identified in this study feed into the cycle of disadvantage and should thus be a concern for policymakers in the developing world. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Depression severity levels and cognitive functions in institutionalized elderly patients

Depression is a highly prevalent illness among institutionalized aged and assumes peculiar characteristics such as the risk for progressing to dementia. The aims of this study was to assess the cognitive functions of institutionalized elderly with clinical diagnosis of depression and compare the severity of depressive symptoms with cognitive performance. From 120 residents at a nursing home in Rio Claro, Brazil, we study 23 individuals (mean age: 74.3 years; mean schooling: 4.0 years) with diagnosis of depression. At first, a clinical diagnosis of depression and measurement of its symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Scale were performed. The patient then underwent a neuropsychological assessment based on the following tests: Mini-Mental Examination, Verbal Fluency, Visual Perception, Immediate Memory, Recent Memory, Recognition, Clock Drawing Test. The patients were divided into two groups: those with less severe depression symptoms (Group 1: N=9) and more severe symptoms (Group 2: N=14). The significant difference between symptom severity of the two groups was p=0.0001. Patients with more severe symptoms revealed a slightly inferior cognitive performance in most of the tests when compared to those with less severe symptoms (p>0.05). In relation to Verbal Fluency, patients with more severe depression symptoms presented a significantly inferior cognitive performance when compared to those with less severe symptoms (p=0.0082). Verbal Fluency revealed to be a more sensitive test for measuring early cognitive alterations in institutionalized aged with depression, and appears to be a useful resource in monitoring the cognitive functions of patients faced with the risk of dementia. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.

Effects of motor intervention in elderly patients with dementia: An analysis of randomized controlled trials

The objective of this study was to analyze randomized controlled trials published in the last decades involving motor intervention as a treatment for dementia, based on Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) criteria. A database search was performed using the following keywords: randomized controlled trial, dementia, physiotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physical education, motor approach, exercise, and physical activity. Ten trials were found: 4 related to physiotherapy, 3 to occupational therapy, 1 to physical education, and 2 to interdisciplinary motor intervention. The efficacy of motor intervention was confirmed in the following variables: psychosocial function, physical health and function, affective status, and caregiver's distress (P < .05). Results related to mobility were not significant (P > .05). Behavior, cognitive performance, activities of daily living, and risk of falls were not similar among the articles. From a total score of 10 points, with excellence characterized as the highest punctuation, the articles were classified between 3 and 7 by PEDro. Motor intervention was shown to be an alternative for minimizing physical and mental decline. PEDro has been confirmed as a very reliable tool to analyze studies and as an evaluation criteria, both qualitative and quantitative, allowing the establishment of motor intervention strategies for the treatment of patients with dementia. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Risk factors for vascular dementia in elderly psychiatric outpatients with preserved cognitive functions

The aim of the study was to assess risk factors for vascular dementia (VaD) in elderly psychiatric outpatients without dementia, and to determine to what extent clinical interventions targeted such risk factors. Out of 250 clinical charts, 78 were selected of patients over 60 years old, who showed no signs of dementia. Information was obtained regarding demographics, clinical conditions (diagnosis according to ICD-10), complementary investigation, cognitive functions (via CAMCOG), neuroimaging, and the presence of risk factors for VaD. Depression was the most prevalent psychiatric disorder (74%). A great majority of the patients (86%) had at least one risk factor for VaD. One-third of the sample showed three or more risk factors for VaD. The clinical conditions related to risk factors for VaD were hypertension (48.7%), heart disease (30.8%), hypercholesterolemia (25.6%), diabetes mellitus (23.1%), stroke (12.8%), tryglyceride (12.8%), and obesity (5.1%). In terms of lifestyle, smoking (19.2%), alcohol abuse (16.7%), and sedentarism (14.1%) were other risk factors found. Definite risk factors for VaD were found in 83.3% of the patients. Previous interventions targeting risk factors were found in only 20% of the cases. The high rates of risk factors for VaD identified in this sample suggest that psychiatrists should be more attentive to these factors for the prevention of VaD. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influenza among the elderly in the Americas: A consensus statement

Influenza exacts a heavy burden on the elderly, a segment of the population that is estimated to experience rapid growth in the near future. In the past decade most developed and several developing countries have recommended influenza vaccination for those > 65 years of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal of 75% influenza vaccination coverage among the elderly by 2010, but it was not achieved. In 2011, the Technical Advisory Group at the Pan American Health Organization, Regional Office of WHO for the Americas, reiterated the influenza vaccine recommendation for older adults. Relatively little information has been compiled on the immunological aspect of aging or on reducing its impact, information particularly relevant for clinicians and gerontologist with firsthand experience confronting its effects. To fill this data gap, in 2012 the Americas Health Foundation (Washington, D.C., United States) and the nonprofit, Fighting Infectious Diseases in Emerging Countries (Miami, Florida, United States), convened a panel of Latin American clinicians and gerontologists with expertise in influenza to discuss key issues and develop a consensus statement. The major recommendations were to improve influenza surveillance throughout Latin America so that its impact can be quantified; and to conduct laboratory confirmation of influenza for all patients who have flu-like symptoms and are frail, immunosuppressed, have comorbidities, are respiratory compromised, or have been admitted to a hospital. The panel also noted that: since evidence for antivirals in the elderly is unclear, their use should be handled on a case-by-case basis; despite decreased immunological response, influenza vaccination in older adults is still crucial; indirect immunization strategies should be encouraged; and traditional infection control measures are essential in long-term care facilities.

Percepção dos profissionais que atuam na Estratégia de Saúde da Família quanto à assistência prestada aos idosos: revisão integrativa da literatura

A presente investigação é uma revisão integrativa cujo objetivo foi buscar na literatura e avaliar a percepção dos profissionais quanto ao atendimento dispensado ao idoso pelas equipes da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF). Para a seleção dos trabalhos, utilizaram-se duas bases de dados, Medline e Lilacs, compondo a amostra que se constitui de dez publicações. Após a análise dos trabalhos incluídos na revisão, os resultados evidenciaram que os profissionais da ESF reconheceram a falta de preparo da equipe em relação à pessoa idosa, enfatizaram a dificuldade da estrutura organizacional e política da ESF no que se refere à velhice e admitiram a falta de integralização do cuidado das equipes à assistência ao idoso.

O envelhecimento na perspectiva do cuidador de idosos

Este estudo relata a percepção de cuidadores de idosos que atuam em três instituições de amparo ao idoso na cidade de Araçatuba, São Paulo. Foram abordadas questões em relação ao envelhecimento, motivações pessoais dos cuidadores em buscar trabalho com essa parcela da população, relacionamento com o idoso, dificuldades durante o trabalho e a satisfação encontrada junto ao idoso. Realizou-se entrevista com os cuidadores, e o material verbal coletado foi analisado utilizando a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Pôde-se perceber, através dos relatos, o envolvimento emocional do cuidador com seu trabalho, a sobrecarga física e emocional à qual está exposto. Relatos a respeito do envelhecimento também puderam ser coletados, além de questões de ordem social, que motivaram o cuidador a buscar esse tipo de trabalho. Os diversos olhares do cuidador nos impulsionam na busca de estratégias de capacitação teórica e suporte psicológico a esse grupo, pensando no seu bem-estar e no bem-estar do idoso.

Avaliacao das condicoes de saude bucal dos idosos em um municipio brasileiro

This study assessed the oral health of individuals 60 years or older in the city of Araraquara, Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1998. Of the 194 people who participated in the study, 91 of them were institutionalized and had an average age of 73.6 years, and 103 were not institutionalized and had an average age of 69.3 years. The study participants were examined by a previously trained oral surgeon who determined the prevalence of the most common oral health problems. The results revealed a large number of edentulous individuals (72% of those institutionalized and 60% of the noninstitutionalized participants) and many persons with extracted teeth (93% and 90%, respectively), as well as a high frequency of periodontal pockets (57% and 75%, respectively) and of inadequate dentures (80% and 61%, respectively). Our results show reduced quality of life for a large proportion of these older individuals, and also indicate that public health services should pay greater attention to this population group.

Caracterização e análise do estado mental e funcional de idosos institucionalizados em instituições públicas de longa permanência

Background: This study had as objective to characterize the institutionalized elderly residents in three long-term care facilities, about their functional capacity and mental state, and to evaluate if there is a correlation between both. Methods: To do so, three instruments were used: an identification form, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel's Index. For statistical analysis the Person's Correlation and ANOVA Test were used. Results: The population studied consisted of 115 elders with ages between 62 and 104 years old, 40.66% females and 59.13% males. 49.56% are literate and 50.43% illiterate. Regarding the marital status, singles (46.65%) and widows (21.8%) were predominant. About the mental and functional state, there was a high rate of elders showing cognitive decline (76.72%) and functionally independent (75.65%). Conclusions: According to the results, one can notice that there is a mild degree of correlation between the Barthel's Index and MMSE (r = 0.441; p < 0.000), and the variables of gender and age are not influenced in the results of these instruments. There is a significant statistical relation (p < 0.0001) between education and mental and/or functional state of the individual.

Farmacología en la tercera edad: Medicamentos de uso continuo y peligros de la interacción medicamentosa

Introduction: It was observed a considerable growth of elderly people. They are who use more medicines. The physiological changes associated with the age advancing can make pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations. The cognitive decline, physical limitations and associate chronic pathology affect the medications appropriately use ability. Aims: Based in a literature review, appoint the main pharmacological groups prescribed to the elderly and the drug-drug interaction risks. Conclusion: The most of elderly use continually at least 3 medicines, the most prescribed are to cardiovascular and psychic diseases treatment.

Humanização na atenção básica de saúde na percepção de idosos

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a percepção do idoso quanto ao cuidado humanizado na atenção básica de saúde, com enfoque sobre os aspectos do atendimento ambulatorial que interferem na qualidade do atendimento. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo do tipo transversal, abrangendo todas as unidades básicas de saúde de um município do interior do Estado de São Paulo, por meio de entrevistas dirigidas aos idosos que frequentavam essas unidades. O instrumento utilizado foi desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), que, em busca de maior objetividade para a avaliação da qualidade do cuidado à saúde, propôs o conceito de responsividade, para referir-se aos elementos não diretamente ligados ao estado de saúde, e sim aos envolvidos no atendimento acolhedor e resolutivo com responsabilidade e vínculo. Dessa forma, os domínios de responsividade avaliados foram: pronta atenção, dignidade, comunicação, autonomia, escolha dos profissionais, confidencialidade e estrutura física e conforto. Os resultados foram analisados através do software Epi Info 3.5.2. Verificou-se que alguns domínios da atenção em saúde, altamente valorizados pelos idosos, tiveram desempenho bem inferior, como: Autonomia, em que apenas 54,4% tiveram liberdade para tomar decisões sobre sua saúde ou tratamento; e Comunicação, em que 67,6% não obtiveram informações sobre outros tipos de tratamentos ou exames e 79,2% não tiveram oportunidade para esclarecimentos quanto às dúvidas sobre o tratamento. Sugere-se, portanto, mudanças nos serviços de atenção básica à saúde prestados, principalmente quando se trata de idosos, uma população especial que necessita receber uma assistência diferenciada.

Integralidade do cuidado com o idoso na estrategia de saude da familia: visao da equipe

Tal estudo buscou compreender como vem sendo realizado o cuidado ao idoso em Unidade de Saúde da Família segundo a visão dos profissionais de saúde.MÉTODOS:Estudo qualitativo, com a análise fenomenológica social de Alfred Schutz.RESULTADOS:Foram entrevistados sete profissionais de nível superior por meio de questão norteadora. A análise possibilitou evidenciar: cuidados pautados em programas de saúde, com prejuízo da integralidade do cuidado e da clínica ampliada, e visão das necessidades e perspectivas do cuidado integral.CONCLUSÃO:O estudo revela a necessidade de avançarmos no cuidado ao idoso. Os profissionais reconhecem o envelhecimento da população e apontam a necessidade de capacitação para o cuidado. A educação dos trabalhadores se dá como ponto de partida para a mudança. Também é preciso que os gestores e o Estado organizem uma rede de cuidado que inclua a pessoa idosa, com ofertas de serviços de acordo com a demanda apresentada.

Projeto Memória e Envelhecimento: capacitando profissionais e aprimorando aspectos cognitivos em idosos institucionalizados

The increase in elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon and has different consequences not only in terms of health, but also in economic terms. One of those consequences is the institutionalization. The project, running in two elderly care institutions (hereafter IRLPi) located in Marília – SP aims to: a) Train multidisciplinary team to work in IRLPi’s; b) Develop and promote activities that improve life quality focusing on the preservation of mental health; c) study general and mental health conditions of patients under elderly care institution programs. The project was implemented in three phases: a) data collection and elaboration of plan of activities; b) Application of activities; and c) assessment/ analysis of results. Regarding Phase 1, data were collected from 3 forms, through which it was possible to verify: Institutional Data; Social Data and General Health. The data related to health were collected from the medication of continuous use. All data were launched into the database (Access) and subjected to the descriptive statistical analysis. Data related to mental health were confirmed from the application of clinical trials (Geriatric Depression Scale - EGD, and MMSE-T).

Estudo epidemiológico do perfil do idoso institucionalizado do interior paulista

The increase in the elderly population is a worldwide phenomenon and has different consequences not only in terms of health, but also in terms of economy. One of those consequences is the institutionalization. The understanding of this process, as well as of the reality of the institutionalized elderly is essential to develop policies of care. Goals: a) present the epidemiological profile of institutionalized elderly who live in institutions in the countryside of São PauloState and describe the development of an extension project implemented in two elderly-care institutions (IRLPI’s). Methods and procedures: data were collected in three forms, from which it was possible to verify: a) institutional data; b) social data and c) data about general and mental health. The data related to health were collected from the medication of continuous use. All data were launched into the database (Access) and subjected to the descriptive statistical analysis. Data related to mental health were confirmed from the application of clinical trials (Geriatric Depression Scale – GDS and Mini Mental State Examination: MMSE).