Fatores associados ao melhor desempenho cognitivo entre idosos: estudo de base populacional em Estação, RS / Factors associated with the best cognitive performance among the elderly: basic study population in Estação, RS
Aiming to verify the factors associated to the best cognitive performance between the aged with preserved cognition, a cross-sectional population-based study was performed. The gathering of data was done through householdsurvey, using the surveyquestionnaireHealth, Well-being and Aging. Was considered as a dependent variable the best cognitive performance, and as independent variable marital status, living area, self-perception of health, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, chronic self-reported pain, independence to perform the basic daily tasks and physical activities practice. To evaluate the cognitive performance a mini exam of the mental condition was held. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. 357 seniors with preserved cognition participated. The average age was 69 years old, 54,6% female, 88,2% live with someone else, 88,5% are satisfied with their lives and 59,9% practice physical activities. In the adjusted analysis remained associated to the best cognitive performance the variable conditions of coexistence, satisfaction with life and practice of physical activities (p<0,05). Actions focused on stimulating the practice of physical activities and the keeping of a social life can contribute to the improvement or the conservation of the cognitive performance in seniors.