Neuropsychological and Anatomical-Functional Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Stroke Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Aphasia: A Systematic Review.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been found to be promising in the neurorehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Aphasia and cognitive impairment (CI) are prevalent post-stroke; however, there is still a lack of consensus about the characteristics of interventions based on TMS and its neuropsychological and anatomical-functional benefits. Therefore, studies that contribute to creating TMS protocols for these neurological conditions are necessary. To analyze the evidence of the neuropsychological and anatomical-functional TMS effects in post-stroke patients with CI and aphasia and determine the characteristics of the most used TMS in research practice. The present study followed the PRISMA guidelines and included articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE databases, published between January 2010 and March 2023. In the 15 articles reviewed, it was found that attention, memory, executive function, language comprehension, naming, and verbal fluency (semantic and phonological) are the neuropsychological domains that improved post-TMS. Moreover, TMS in aphasia and post-stroke CI contribute to greater frontal activation (in the inferior frontal gyrus, pars triangularis, and opercularis). Temporoparietal effects were also found. The observed effects occur when TMS is implemented in repetitive modality, at a frequency of 1 Hz, in sessions of 30 min, and that last more than 2 weeks in duration. The use of TMS contributes to the neurorehabilitation process in post-stroke patients with CI and aphasia. However, it is still necessary to standardize future intervention protocols based on accurate TMS characteristics.

Effect of Physical Exercise Programs Based on Mobile Health and Ecological Momentary Assessment on the Physical and Mental Health, Cognitive Functions, and Social Environment of Adults in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Although there is strong evidence of the positive effects of physical exercise on health, adherence to face-to-face exercise programs in the adult population is low, identifying several barriers that hinder their practice. There is research that demonstrates the viability of physical exercise programs with the use of Mobile Health in Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) mode, which contributes to overcoming many reported barriers. To synthesize the methodological characteristics and health effects of physical exercise programs based on mobile health in EMA modality in adults in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to guidelines established by the PRISMA statement in APA PsycArticles and CINAHL databases by EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published between 2008 and March 2024. Results: Telephone counseling on clinical-behavioral factors is believed to reduce morbidity and mortality in developed countries, but this aspect is not explored in developing countries. We included nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 4394 male and female participants aged 18 to 60 years. The interventions were mainly carried out by text messages, lasting between 20 to 80 min per session, 3 to 5 days per week, and most were carried out over 12 months. The interventions on the variables of physical activity, nutrition, and medical assessments showed significant effects, and variables such as quality of life and anthropometric measurements were not significant in most studies. Conclusions: This systematic review included studies from different developing countries, the most common diseases being diabetes, overweight, obesity, and hypertension. All the studies used mobile devices as the technology, finding a profile of the adults studied, as well as the characteristics of exercise programs based on mobile health in EMA modality.

Association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality: a prospective analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between a lifestyle score and all-cause mortality in the Chilean population. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTINGS: The score was based on seven modifiable behaviours: salt intake, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. 1-point was assigned for each healthy recommendation. Points were summed to create an unweighted score from 0 (less healthy) to 7 (healthiest). According to their score, participants were then classified into: less healthy (0-2 points), moderately healthy (3-4 points) and the healthiest (5-7 points). Associations between the categories of lifestyle score and all-cause mortality were investigated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for confounders. Nonlinear associations were also investigated. PARTICIPANTS: 2706 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009-2010. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10·9 years, 286 (10·6 %) participants died. In the maximally adjusted model, and compared with the healthiest participants, those less healthy had 2·55 (95 % CI 1·75, 3·71) times higher mortality risk due to any cause. Similar trends were identified for the moderately healthy group. Moreover, there was a significant trend towards increasing the mortality risk when increasing unhealthy behaviours (hazard ratio model 3: 1·61 (95 % CI 1·34, 1·94)). There was no evidence of nonlinearity between the lifestyle score and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Individuals in the less healthy lifestyle category had higher mortality risk than the healthiest group. Therefore, public health strategies should be implemented to promote adherence to a healthy lifestyle across the Chilean population.

[Reference values and risk factors in the deterioration of the physical fitness of physically active older chilean adults]. / Valores de referencia y factores de riesgo de la condición física en personas mayores chilenas físicamente activas.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness assessment of older adults is essential because it is a key component of functional independence and healthy aging. AIM: To establish physical fitness reference values for physically active older Chilean adults of both sexes and identify the variables associated with the deterioration of their physical condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 342 older adults aged 60 and over. Their physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). The timed up and go (TUG), chair stand (CS), arm curl (AC), and aerobic resistance (2 min) tests were evaluated. RESULTS: Performance in the physical fitness tests by age group decreased in all tests as older adults advanced in age. Scores for men were more evenly distributed across the different age groups. The main risk factors for the deterioration of physical fitness were age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) (p-value < 0.05). The primary risk factor for men was age and for women age and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of both men and women in the different SFT tests decreased as older adults aged. Age, sex, and BMI were the main risk factors for the deterioration of the physical fitness of physically active older adults.

[Trend in Physical Activity Counseling and Cardiometabolic Diseases in Maule, Chile: COVID-19 Pre-Pandemic Study between 2012 and 2019]. / Tendencia de consejerías en actividad física y enfermedades cardiometabólicas en el Maule, Chile: estudio previo a pandemia por COVID-19 entre 2012 y 2019.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) practice reduces the adverse effects of COVID-19. PA counseling promotes healthy lifestyles and prevents cardiometabolic diseases. AIM: To assess the trend in cases of PA counseling and the cardiometabolic disease between 2012 and 2019 (before COVID-19) in a southern Chilean region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of Maule Region Health Service for 731.163 men, and 829.097 women aged < 10 to ≥ 65 years were analyzed. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) during the study period and the annual percentage change (APC) during intermediate periods, were calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in PA counseling in women in the study period (AAPC: -13.6%). In the 2012-2017 period a significant decrease in counseling for total, men and women were observed (APC: -18.1, -16.5 and -19.1%, respectively). Obesity increased significantly in total, men and women in the 2012-2019 period (AAPC: 10.1, 8.5 and 10.7%, respectively). The same trend was observed for hypertension (AAPC: 8.1, 8.5 and 7.6% respectively) and elevated blood glucose (AAPC: 10, 11.5 and 9.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the study period PA counseling decreased along with an increase in obesity, hypertension and high blood glucose. Increasing PA counseling is a mainstay in the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases and probably to prevent contagion and complement the treatment of COVID-19.

[Effects of a telehealth-based physical exercise program on functional capacity in patients with osteoarthritis]. / Efectos en la capacidad funcional de un programa de ejercicio físico terapéutico basado en telesalud en personas con diagnóstico de osteoartritis de rodilla y cadera.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth is a novel therapeutic alternative. AIM: To determine the effects of a remote therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP), based on telehealth, on functional physical capacity in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An eight-week TPEP was undertaken by 36 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The control group received printed exercise instructions, while the experimental group received the same instructions plus TPEP using tutorial videos and voice messaging via WhatsApp. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Barthel index (BI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), senior fitness test and with the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS). RESULTS: The experimental group decreased the VAS score and improved tandem balance, three-meter walk, sit and stand 5 times, sit and stand in 30 seconds, push-ups in 30 seconds, two minutes' walk, join the right hand behind the back and SPPB general score. The control group increased the BI score and improved the three meters walking test, sitting, and standing 5 times, sit and stand 30 seconds chair test, 2 minutes walking test and the SPPB general score. No differences between groups were observed for the LEFS scale, BI, VAS and functional capacity. CONCLUSIONS: A TPEP based on telehealth has similar effectiveness than a TPEP based on traditional paper-based intervention to improve functional physical capacity in patients with OA. (Rev Med Chile 2022; 150: 33-45).

[Sexual, physical, mental and sleep sequelae four months after SARS-CoV-2 disease]. / Evaluación de la salud sexual, mental y sueño en hombres chilenos posterior a infección por SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: Long term sequelae can be observed after SARS-CoV2. AIM: To describe the sexual, physical, mental and sleep sequelae four months after SARS-CoV2 diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients recovering from SARS-CoV2 with different degrees of disease severity were consecutively included and separated in two study groups, namely Group 1 including patients that had an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Group 2 including those with mild or moderate COVID-19. Handgrip strength, respiratory polygraphy (RP), Quality of life using the SF-12 questionnaire, and the international index of erectile (IIEF-5) function were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty patients who had ARDS, and 10 without ARDS were included. Erectile dysfunction was observed in 77 and 10% of patients with and without ARDS, respectively (p < 0.01). The figures for sleep obstructive apnea were 82 and 40% respectively (p = 0.02) and for the physical domain SF-12 score were 39.2 and 47.9 points respectively (p = 0.01). No differences in muscle strength were observed. After a multivariable analysis, previous ARDS due to COVID-19 was independently associated with erectile dysfunction, with an odds ratio of 30.6 (95% confidence intervals, 3.08300.3, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Among men with ARDS due to COVID-19, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction was high and independently associated with a severe disease four months after discharge.

[Factors associated with inactivity during COVID-19 confinement among Latin American adults]. / Factores socio demográficos y de estilos de vida asociados a un bajo nivel de actividad física durante el confinamiento producto del COVID-19 en adultos latinoamericanos.

BACKGROUND: The confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyles of the population affecting their levels of physical activity. AIM: To determine the factors associated with a low level of physical activity in adults during confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adults from Chile, Colombia, México and Perú were invited through social networks to answer an online survey. Questions about sociodemographic, health status and lifestyle variables were included. The level of physical activity and sedentary behavior were determined through the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: The survey was answered by 3,362 adults aged between 18 and 60 years. Respondents more likely to be inactive were women, those with less than eight years of education, those with overweight or obesity, those who smoked at least one cigarette a day, consumed alcohol four or more times a week, slept less than six hours per day and spent more than 6 hours per day in sedentary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a sociodemographic and lifestyle profile associated with physical inactivity during the period of confinement in Latin American adults. The results confirm the need to promote healthy lifestyles in the population during periods of confinement.

[Quality of life according to type of confinement of Chilean university students during COVID-19 pandemic]. / Calidad de vida en personas según tipo de confinamiento de estudiantes universitarios chilenos en pandemia por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 confinement measures in the population affected the quality of life and sleep. AIMS: To determine if confinement is associated with a lower quality of life and sleep. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A self-reported survey including questions about type of confinement, time spent in front of a screen, the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), the Sleep Self Report questionnaire and the SF-36 quality of life survey, was answered by 621 Chilean university students. RESULTS: Confined and not confined respondents spent a great amount of time in front of a screen, in sedentary activities and sleeping > 8 or < 6 hours per day. Those who were in confinement reported having a poorer quality of sleep and quality of life compared to those who were not in confinement. Those who required mandatory confinement for suspected COVID-19 had the worst quality of sleep and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: University students had sedentary lifestyles regardless of the type of confinement. Those who were in confinement, especially for suspected COVID-19 infection, had the worst quality of sleep and quality of life.

[Association between educational level and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in Chilean older people]. / Asociación entre nivel educacional y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. AIM: To determine the association between educational attainment and suspicion of cognitive imparirment in older Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 2,005 adults aged ≥ 60 years assessed during 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ≤ 8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: > 12 years. suspicion of cognitive imparirment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. RESULTS: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24; 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (≤ 8 years) were more likely to be at risk of suspicion of cognitive imparirment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of suspicion of cognitive imparirment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ≤ 8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42; 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing suspicion of cognitive imparirment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.

[Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with adiposity markers]. / Asociación del fitness cardiorrespiratorio con marcadores de adiposidad corporal: estudio de corte transversal de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Chile 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. AIM: To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). RESULTS: One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.

[Handgrip strength as a predictor of adverse health outcomes]. / Fuerza de prensión manual. Un sencillo, pero fuerte predictor de salud en población adulta y personas mayores.

Muscle strength can be measured through different methods and handgrip strength is one of the most used techniques in epidemiological studies. Given its easy application, high reliability, and low cost, it is considered an important health biomarker. Handgrip strength is associated with adverse health outcomes such as mortality and risk of developing chronic diseases, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer and dementia. There is a paucity of evidence in Chile about the association of handgrip strength with these health outcomes limiting its visibility and implementation in clinical settings. Therefore, this narrative review summarizes the scientific evidence about the association of grip strength with non-communicable chronic diseases and mortality in middle age and older adults.

[Association between physical activity and income levels in chilean adults]. / Niveles de actividad física y tiempo sedente según ingreso económico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: The Chilean population reports high levels of physical inactivity. The relationship between income level, physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors is not well known. AIM: To describe the levels of PA and sedentary time, according to income levels in the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,130 participants (52.9% women). The levels of PA and sedentary time were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Income levels were established according to the self-reported income per capita of the households and presented as quintiles. PA levels according to income levels were estimated by linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Transport-related PA was higher in the lowest income quintiles (p = 0.039). There were no trends for income levels and PA domains including moderate, vigorous, total, occupational and leisure PA. The prevalence of leisure and occupational physical inactivities were higher in the lowest quintiles of income. Sitting time was higher in the higher income levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: People in the lowest quintile for income spent more time in transport-related PA and less time sitting. However, physical inactivity prevalence during leisure and work time were higher in people with lower income.

[Association of adiposity and diabetes mellitus type 2 by education level in the Chilean population]. / Asociación entre adiposidad y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según nivel educacional en población chilena: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity and education are two independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is limited evidence whether both education and adiposity are associated with T2D in an additive manner in the Chilean population. AIM: To investigate the joint association between adiposity and education with T2D in the Chilean adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017, which included 5,033 participants with a mean age of 43 years, (51% women). Poisson regression analyses with robust standard error were used to investigate the joint association of the education level and general and central adiposity with T2D. The results were reported as Prevalence Ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (PR, 95% CI). RESULTS: Obesity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in men than in women, however central adiposity was associated with a higher probability of having T2D in women than in men. Compared with men who had higher education (> 12 years) and had normal body weight, those with the same educational level and who were obese had 2.3-times higher probability of having T2D (PR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.02; 5.39]). For women, having a low education and being obese was associated with 4.4-times higher probability of having T2D compared to those with higher education and normal body mass index (BMI) (PR: 4.47 [95% IC: 2.12; 9.24]). Similar results were observed when waist circumference was used as a marker of obesity rather than BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Women and men with higher BMI and low education had a higher risk of T2D. However, this risk was higher in women than in men.

[Older people in Chile: the new social, economic and health challenge for the 21st century]. / Personas mayores en Chile: el nuevo desafío social, económico y sanitario del Siglo XXI.

Ageing will be one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century worldwide. In the last 40 years, Chile has tripled its older adult population. As a result, by 2050 the country will have the highest proportion of older adults in Latin America. This remarkable growth reinforces the need to identify their current situation and to revise what is the society doing to maintain older people as active members. In this context, this narrative revision aimed to describe the sociodemographic, epidemiologic and sociocultural profile of the older Chilean adults. Besides, programs and public policies focused on the improvement of their quality of life were identified.

[Comparison between self-reported and device measured physical activity according to nutritional status]. / Comparación de los niveles de actividad física medidos con cuestionario de autorreporte (IPAQ) con medición de acelerometría según estado nutricional.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown if nutritional status could influence the accuracy of self-reported physical activity (PA) levels. AIM: To compare PA measured using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and by accelerometry (ActiGraph) according to nutritional status in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study that used information from the GENADIO project carried out in Chile between 2009-2011. The sample consisted of 322 people. PA levels and sitting time were determined through the IPAQ self-report questionnaire and ActiGraph accelerometers (GTM1). The nutritional status was determined according to body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Compared with the measurement made with accelerometry, the IPAQ self-report questionnaire underestimated the levels of light PA, total PA and sedentary time in -171.5, -54.8 and -40.6 min / day, respectively. However, IPAQ overestimated the levels of moderate PA and vigorous PA in 91.0 and 47.3 min/day respectively, compared with accelerometry. Compared with normal weight, obese subjects reported higher levels of moderate PA (105.5 and 48.9 min/day, respectively) and vigorous PA (54.1 and 38.3 min/day respectively). Total PA had a greater delta of underestimation between IPAQ and accelerometer measurements in normal weight than in obese subjects (-122.1 vs -16.5 min/day, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of PA by means of a self-report questionnaire was discrepant with its objective measurement with an accelerometer. The discrepancy is even higher in obese people.

[Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among people with cancer]. / Nivel de actividad física y sedentarismo en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer en Chile.

BACKGROUND: One of the side effects of cancer treatment is a low level of physical activity (PA) due to fatigue and pain. AIM: To quantify PA levels in Chilean people with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of the National Health Survey 2016-2017 including 6,233 participants, comparing those with and without a self-report of cancer was conducted. Levels of PA and sitting time were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: 3% of participants [confidence intervals (CI): 2.6; 3.9] reported having cancer and 34% [95% CI: 22.7; 46.7] of these reported being physically inactive, compared to 25% [95% CI: 22.5; 27,3] of those without cancer. Participants with cancer performed 56 and 77 minutes/day lower vigorous and total PA than participants without cancer. No differences between groups were observed for commuting PA, moderate PA and sedentary time. Lower level of PA was independent of the years elapsed since the diagnosis of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: People with cancer are less physically active than their counterparts without the disease.

[Sociodemographic Patterning of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Derived by Equation in the Chilean Population: Findings from the Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017]. / Fitness cardiorrespiratorio estimado mediante ecuación y su caracterización sociodemográfica en población chilena: Resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of mortality and chronic diseases. However, its estimation is costly and time consuming which may limit it broad use in population-based studies. AIM: To estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of the Chilean population by using equations and to characterize fitness levels of the Chilean population by sociodemographic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 5,958 adults from the Chilean Health Survey conducted between 2016 and 2017. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated from sex-specific equations for men and women and expressed as METs (Energy Metabolic Equivalent). Fitness levels were characterized by sociodemographics factors (age, sex, education, income and area of residency). RESULTS: Fitness levels were higher in men (9.01 METs) than in women (6.76 METs) and in average decrease by 0.59 and 0.34 METs per each year increment in age for men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were 12.7 METs and 7.8 METs for 20-year-old men and women, respectively. However, fitness levels decreased to 7.8 METs and 4.3 METs in 90-year-old men and women, respectively. Fitness levels were also higher in individuals living in urban setting, those with higher education or income levels and lean individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports fitness levels in a nationally representative sample of Chile. Fitness levels were higher in men than women however, its decline with age was more pronounce in men than women.

[Prevalence of low hand grip strength in Chilean older adults. Findings from the national health survey 2016-2017]. / Prevalencia de debilidad muscular en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty in older people. AIM: To determine the prevalence of low handgrip strength in older Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals aged 60 years or more, participating in the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, was carried out. Handgrip strength was evaluated by a hand dynamometer and low grip strength was determined as a grip strength ≤ 15 kg and ≤ 27 kg for women and men, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty nine percent of participants had low grip strength. The average grip strength among 60-year-old men and women was 34.7 and 22.1 kg, respectively. These figures decreased to 28.8 kg and 17.2 kg among 90-year-old men and women, respectively. The prevalence of low grip strength in men and women aged 60 years was 18%. In 90-year-old men and women, these figures increased to 79% and 56.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of low grip strength increased substantially with age.

[Association between cognitive impairment and depression in Chilean older adults]. / Diagnóstico médico de depresión se asocia a sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores.

BACKGROUND: Depression has been previously associated with cognitive impairment in high income country populations. However, its association in the Chilean population has not been investigated. AIM: To investigate the association between depression and cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 1384 Chilean adults aged > 60 years, participating in the National Health Survey 2009-2010 was analyzed. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini Mental Examination score. The medical diagnosis of depression was self-reported. The association between depression and cognitive impairment was assessed using a logistic regression. RESULTS: Depression was positively associated with cognitive impairment. However, the magnitude of the association was higher in men (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.02 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.44; 6.61], p < 0.01]) than in women (OR = 2.23 [95%CI: 1.03; 3.43], p = 0.04). Older adults who were diagnosed for the first time with depression after 65 years of age, showed a stronger association with cognitive impairment (OR = 6.65 [95% CI: 2.39; 10.9], p < 0.01) than those diagnosed before 55 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the association between depression and cognitive impairment. Further research is needed to elucidate the nature and potential mechanisms that link depression with cognitive impairment.