Allostatic load measures in older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: A cross-sectional analysis from the Brazilian Memory and Aging Study.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing body of research suggests that stress and allostatic load are related to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVES: to determine the relationship between allostatic load (AL) and cognitive status in older adults classified with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODOLOGY: Using the Brazilian Memory and Aging Study (BRAMS) database, we analyzed data from 57 older adults with SCD and MCI. Blood neuroendocrine (cortisol, DHEA-s), inflammatory (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen), metabolic (HbA1c, HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, creatinine), and cardiovascular (blood pressure, waist/hip ratio) were transformed into an AL index. RESULTS: Despite a significant difference in the univariate analysis between waist/hip ratio (0.94 in the MCI group vs. 0, 88 in the SCD group, p = 0.03), total cholesterol levels (194 vs. 160, p = 0.02), and AL index (36.9 % in the MCI group vs. 27.2 % in the SCD group, p = 0.04), AL was not associated with SCD or MCI in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that different profiles of AL in MCI compared to individuals with SCD could be due to cofounding factors. These findings need to be confirmed in longitudinal studies investigating profiles of AL changes at preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Culturally adapted cognitive assessment tool for Indigenous communities in Brazil: Content, construct, and criterion validity.

INTRODUCTION: Initial dementia prevalence estimates have revealed a significant burden of the disease in Indigenous communities in Amazonas, Brazil. However, the need for culturally adapted cognitive tools poses a critical challenge when assessing cognitive performance in these communities. This study addressed this issue by culturally adapting and providing validity indicators for the Brazilian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (BRICA) tool in Manaus, Brazil's urban multiethnic Indigenous community. METHODS: Using a three-stage process and a stakeholder-engaged approach, the BRICA tool was culturally adapted in an urban multiethnic Indigenous community from Manaus, Brazil. The content validity index (CVI) examined inter-rater concordance between experts, while criterion and concurrent validity were performed using diagnostic consensus criteria in 141 Indigenous participants aged ≥ 50 years. RESULTS: Findings showed evidence of content validity in terms of equivalence aspects (scale CVI [S-CVI] 0.93) and relevance ratings (S-CVI 0.85) between expert panels. The identified cut-off score of ≤ 33/39 on the BRICA demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 99.2%, positive predictive value of 94.4%, and negative predictive value of 99.2% for dementia diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Using a stakeholder-engaged approach, we culturally adapted the BRICA tool for a Brazilian urban multiethnic Indigenous community. This comprehensive adaptation process resulted in favorable indicators of content, construct, and criteria validity for the BRICA tool. By addressing the existing bias in cognitive assessment within Indigenous communities, the BRICA tool represents a noteworthy breakthrough. Its implementation exhibits potential for improving the early detection and management of dementia among Indigenous groups. Highlights: Culturally sensitive tools are essential to assess cognition in Indigenous populations.An expert panel and stakeholders' perspectives were incorporated to design the Brazilian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (BRICA) tool.A cognitive screening tool was adapted and validated using a stakeholder approach.BRICA is the first culturally sensitive cognitive tool for urban Brazilian Indigenous individuals.

Exploring the interplay of psychological and biological components of stress response and telomere length in the transition from middle age to late adulthood: A systematic review.

Ageing and chronic stress have been linked to reduced telomere length (TL) in mixed-age groups. Whether stress response components are linked to TL during the midlife-to-late adulthood transition remains unclear. Our study aimed to synthesise evidence on the relationship between psychological and biological components of stress response on TL in middle-aged and older adults. We conducted a systematic review of studies obtained from six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) and evaluated by two independent reviewers. Original research measuring psychological and biological components of stress response and TL in human individuals were included. From an initial pool of 614 studies, 15 were included (n = 9446 participants). Synthesis of evidence showed that higher psychological components of the stress response (i.e., global perceived stress or within a specific life domain and cognitive appraisal to social-evaluative stressors) were linked to shorter TL, specifically in women or under major life stressors. For the biological stress response, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and IGF-1/cortisol imbalance, IL-6, MCP-1, blood pressure, and heart rate presented a significant association with TL, but this relationship depended on major life stressors and the stress context (manipulated vs. non-manipulated conditions). This comprehensive review showed that psychological and biological components of the stress response are linked to shorter TL, but mainly in women or those under a major life stressor and stress-induced conditions. The interaction between stressor attributes and psychological and biological reactions in the transition from middle to late adulthood still needs to be fully understood, and examining it is a critical step to expanding our understanding of stress's impact on ageing trajectories.

COVID-19 and Cognitive and Mental Health During Post-Infection Phase: A Study Among Middle-Aged and Older Indigenous Adults From Brazilian Amazons.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the rate of self-reported coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and its association with mental and cognitive health during the post-infection phase among middle-aged and older indigenous adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 141 individuals ≥50 and over from an urban indigenous community in Amazonas, Brazil. COVID-19 was deduced from self-reported infections. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Exam, Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), and language fluency tests. Meanwhile, mental health was assessed through validated scales examining happiness, stress, and depression symptoms. The association between the rate of COVID-19 and cognitive and mental well-being was analyzed using logistic and linear regressions, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: From March 2020 to February 2022, 65.2% of the urban indigenous group tested positive for COVID-19. Lower functional capacity decreased the odds of contracting COVID-19 (p = .03). Adjusted linear regression models showed that COVID-19 was associated with higher BCSB learning (p = .017) and delayed recall (p = .028). Women, higher age, lower functional capacity, and hospitalization were associated with worse cognitive performance (p < .05). No impact of mental health indicators on past COVID-19 infection was noted. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 was prevalent among urban Indigenous Brazilians. Unexpectedly, it was linked to enhanced learning and memory, not mental health issues. Cognitive performance was lower for men, older individuals, those with less functional ability, and hospitalized patients, indicating that participant characteristics and disease severity affect the COVID-19 and cognition relationship. Longitudinal studies across diverse Indigenous communities are necessary to understand COVID-19's impact on their cognitive and mental health.

Family dysfunction and cognitive decline in aging: the "Health, Wellbeing, and Aging" (SABE) longitudinal population-based study.

Stress during aging is not uncommon and dysfunctional family relationships are important sources of stress in the elderly. Considering the potential stressor that family dysfunction represents, it is questioned whether prolonged exposure to dysfunctional family arrangements can contribute to cognitive decline in aging. Objective: To verify whether family dysfunction is a predictive factor of cognitive decline in aging. Methods: Secondary study with analysis of existing data from the longitudinal, population-based study "Health, Wellbeing and Aging" (SABE). Data from 791 elderly people from two cohorts of the SABE study between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed. Family dysfunction was assessed using the Apgar family instrument, while cognitive performance was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), verbal fluency (animals) and digit length in reverse order. Cognitive decline was measured by the difference in scores in the period between 2006 and 2015. Results: Approximately 10% of the sample had family dysfunction. The familial Apgar score was not associated with decline on MMSE (p=0.732), verbal fluency (p=0.852) and digit span scores (p=0.718). Scores related to cognition and family functionality, such as age, education, living alone, depression and family Apgar, do not explain cognitive decline. Conclusion: The findings indicate that family functioning is not associated with cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly. New studies will be needed to analyze the qualitative characteristics of family relationships in the cognitive performance of the elderly.

O estresse ao longo do envelhecimento não é incomum, e as relações familiares disfuncionais constituem fontes importantes de estresse nos idosos. Considerando-se o potencial estressor que a disfunção familiar representa, questiona-se se a exposição prolongada a arranjos familiares disfuncionais pode contribuir para o declínio cognitivo no envelhecimento. Objetivo: Verificar se a disfunção familiar é um fator preditivo de declínio cognitivo no envelhecimento. Métodos: Estudo secundário com análise de dados provenientes do estudo longitudinal de base populacional "Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento" (SABE). Foram analisados dados de 791 idosos de duas coortes do estudo SABE no período entre 2006 e 2015. A disfunção familiar foi avaliada pelo instrumento Apgar familiar, enquanto o desempenho cognitivo foi avaliado pelo Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), fluência verbal (animais) e extensão de dígitos na ordem inversa. O declínio cognitivo foi medido pela diferença dos escores entre 2006 e 2015. Resultados: Aproximadamente 10% da amostra apresentou disfunção familiar. O escore Apgar familiar não foi associado ao declínio cognitivo pelo MEEM (p=0,732), fluência verbal (p=0,852) e extensão de dígitos ao longo do tempo (p=0,718). Escores relacionados à cognição e funcionalidade familiar, como idade, escolaridade, morar sozinho, depressão e Apgar de família, não explicam o declínio cognitivo. Conclusão: Os achados mostram que a funcionalidade familiar não está associada ao declínio cognitivo de idosos da comunidade. Novos estudos serão necessários para analisar as características qualitativas das relações familiares no desempenho cognitivo de idosos.

Family dysfunction and cognitive decline in aging: the "Health, Wellbeing, and Aging" (SABE) longitudinal population-based study / Disfunção familiar e declínio cognitivo no envelhecimento: estudo longitudinal populacional "Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento" (SABE)

ABSTRACT. Stress during aging is not uncommon and dysfunctional family relationships are important sources of stress in the elderly. Considering the potential stressor that family dysfunction represents, it is questioned whether prolonged exposure to dysfunctional family arrangements can contribute to cognitive decline in aging. Objective: To verify whether family dysfunction is a predictive factor of cognitive decline in aging. Methods: Secondary study with analysis of existing data from the longitudinal, population-based study "Health, Wellbeing and Aging" (SABE). Data from 791 elderly people from two cohorts of the SABE study between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed. Family dysfunction was assessed using the Apgar family instrument, while cognitive performance was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), verbal fluency (animals) and digit length in reverse order. Cognitive decline was measured by the difference in scores in the period between 2006 and 2015. Results: Approximately 10% of the sample had family dysfunction. The familial Apgar score was not associated with decline on MMSE (p=0.732), verbal fluency (p=0.852) and digit span scores (p=0.718). Scores related to cognition and family functionality, such as age, education, living alone, depression and family Apgar, do not explain cognitive decline. Conclusion: The findings indicate that family functioning is not associated with cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly. New studies will be needed to analyze the qualitative characteristics of family relationships in the cognitive performance of the elderly.

RESUMO. O estresse ao longo do envelhecimento não é incomum, e as relações familiares disfuncionais constituem fontes importantes de estresse nos idosos. Considerando-se o potencial estressor que a disfunção familiar representa, questiona-se se a exposição prolongada a arranjos familiares disfuncionais pode contribuir para o declínio cognitivo no envelhecimento. Objetivo: Verificar se a disfunção familiar é um fator preditivo de declínio cognitivo no envelhecimento. Métodos: Estudo secundário com análise de dados provenientes do estudo longitudinal de base populacional "Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento" (SABE). Foram analisados dados de 791 idosos de duas coortes do estudo SABE no período entre 2006 e 2015. A disfunção familiar foi avaliada pelo instrumento Apgar familiar, enquanto o desempenho cognitivo foi avaliado pelo Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), fluência verbal (animais) e extensão de dígitos na ordem inversa. O declínio cognitivo foi medido pela diferença dos escores entre 2006 e 2015. Resultados: Aproximadamente 10% da amostra apresentou disfunção familiar. O escore Apgar familiar não foi associado ao declínio cognitivo pelo MEEM (p=0,732), fluência verbal (p=0,852) e extensão de dígitos ao longo do tempo (p=0,718). Escores relacionados à cognição e funcionalidade familiar, como idade, escolaridade, morar sozinho, depressão e Apgar de família, não explicam o declínio cognitivo. Conclusão: Os achados mostram que a funcionalidade familiar não está associada ao declínio cognitivo de idosos da comunidade. Novos estudos serão necessários para analisar as características qualitativas das relações familiares no desempenho cognitivo de idosos.

Prevalence of cognitive impairment in Brazilian indigenous community from Amazonas / Prevalência de comprometimento cognitivo em indígenas brasileiros do amazonas

ABSTRACT. Studies on the prevalence of dementia in the indigenous population are still scarce worldwide. In the few available studies, prevalence evidence varies from low to very high, with early onset of the disease and high mortality rate after the initial diagnosis. Still, little is known about the rate of dementia in indigenous populations from low- and middle-income countries, where the dementia prevalence in the general population is estimated to increase significantly in the next decades. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors in Brazilian indigenous people of the Mura ethnicity in Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: A total of 217 indigenous individuals aged 50 years and older from Amazonas, Brazil, were submitted to cognitive assessment. Attention, memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial performance, and mood state composed the cognitive impairment diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 43.3% (95%CI 36.6-49.7) and varied according to age [OR=1.03 (95%CI 1.00-1.06)], education [OR=0.74 (95%CI 0.62-0.87)], body mass index [OR=0.91 (95%CI 0.83-0.98)], and income [OR=0.52 (95%CI 0.27-0.99)]. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment had an early onset in an indigenous community, and its prevalence was greater in older individuals with low education and low family income. These findings highlight the importance of implementing public indigenous health policies focusing on health professional training for early cognitive impairment detection.

RESUMO. No mundo, estudos sobre a prevalência de demência em idosos indígenas são insuficientes, porém nas evidências disponíveis, a prevalência varia de baixa a muito alta, com início precoce da doença e elevada taxa de mortalidade após o diagnóstico inicial. As evidências em países de baixa e média renda são escassas, e neles a prevalência de demência aumentará significativamente nas próximas décadas. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de déficit cognitivo e fatores associados em indígenas brasileiros da etnia Mura no Amazonas, Brasil. Métodos: Duzentos e dezessete indígenas com 50 anos ou mais do Amazonas, Brasil, foram submetidos a avaliação cognitiva. Atenção, memória, fluência verbal, desempenho visuoespacial e estado de humor compuseram o diagnóstico de déficit cognitivo. Resultados: A prevalência de déficit cognitivo foi de 43,3% (intervalo de confiança - IC95% 36,6-49,7) e variou de acordo com a idade [odds ratio - OR=1,03 (IC95% 1,00-1,06)], educação [OR=0,74 (IC95% 0,62-0,87)], índice de massa corporal [OR=0,91 (IC95% 0,83-0,98)] e renda [OR=0,52 (IC95% 0,27-0,99)]. Conclusões: O comprometimento cognitivo teve início precoce na comunidade indígena, sendo sua prevalência maior em idosos com baixa escolaridade e baixa renda familiar. Esses achados destacam a importância da implementação de políticas públicas de saúde indígena, com foco na formação de profissionais de saúde, para a detecção precoce do déficit cognitivo.

The role of assessment in competence-based gerontological advanced practice nursing.

Population aging challenges healthcare systems, requiring gerontological advanced practice nurses (GAPN) to address specific and complex care requirements of older adults. GAPN implement evidence-based practices directed to patients and families, focusing on health promotion and protection, disease prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. In competence-based gerontological advanced practice, comprehensive geriatric assessment is essential for implementing the care plan. In this theoretical essay we reflect about the role of assessment in competence-based advanced nursing practice directed to the care of older adults. From our perspective, geriatric assessment for a high-quality practice must be comprehensive, multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and planned. GAPN must have solid competencies for clinical skills and caring practices; education for health literacy; collaborative care; system management for continuity of care; ethics, advocacy, and moral agency; and evidenced-based practice inquiry. Gerontological models of care and GAPN competencies serve as frameworks to guide practice while assessment is fundamental for providing age-friendly care to older adults.

Association between awakening cortisol levels and cardiovascular performance in sugarcane rural workers.

Sudden deaths without known causes have been reported among rural workers in the last decade, especially in low and middle-income countries. The current study aimed to analyse the association between awakening cortisol response and cardiovascular performance in rural workers before and after the harvesting period. Fifty-four rural male workers and 48 residents were included (non-rural workers) from a sugarcane production area in São Paulo, Brazil. Morning salivary cortisol were analysed before and 7 months after the beginning of burnt sugarcane harvesting. Cardiovascular performance (blood pressure, pulse pressure and heart rate HR) was evaluated using the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). Our findings revealed a negative association between CAR and cardiovascular performance in rural workers at the harvesting period. Specifically, morning cortisol levels significantly increased after seven months of intense harvesting activity, allied to improvements in physical performance, systolic blood pressure and heart rate reactivity to a cardiopulmonary task. No association was observed in the resident group. Altogether, these findings suggest that, at least in the short-term, rural workers presented an adaptive response to the physical demands of sugarcane harvesting work. Longitudinal studies are essential to investigate the long-term effects of harvesting activity on rural workers' health.

The role of assessment in competence-based gerontological advanced practice nursing / O papel da avaliação na prática avançada de enfermagem gerontológica baseada em competências / El papel de la evaluación en la enfermería de práctica avanzada gerontológica basada en competencias

ABSTRACT Population aging challenges healthcare systems, requiring gerontological advanced practice nurses (GAPN) to address specific and complex care requirements of older adults. GAPN implement evidence-based practices directed to patients and families, focusing on health promotion and protection, disease prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. In competence-based gerontological advanced practice, comprehensive geriatric assessment is essential for implementing the care plan. In this theoretical essay we reflect about the role of assessment in competence-based advanced nursing practice directed to the care of older adults. From our perspective, geriatric assessment for a high-quality practice must be comprehensive, multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and planned. GAPN must have solid competencies for clinical skills and caring practices; education for health literacy; collaborative care; system management for continuity of care; ethics, advocacy, and moral agency; and evidenced-based practice inquiry. Gerontological models of care and GAPN competencies serve as frameworks to guide practice while assessment is fundamental for providing age-friendly care to older adults.

RESUMO O envelhecimento populacional desafia os sistemas de saúde, exigindo que enfermeiros gerontológicos de prática avançada (EGPA) abordem os requisitos específicos e complexos do cuidado de idosos. EGPA implementam práticas baseadas em evidências voltadas a pacientes e familiares a fim de promover e proteger sua saúde, prevenir doenças, recuperá-los e reabilitá-los. Na prática gerontológica avançada baseada em competência, a avaliação ampla é essencial para implementar um plano de cuidado. Neste ensaio teórico, refletimos sobre o papel da avaliação na prática avançada de enfermagem gerontológica baseada em competência. Do nosso ponto de vista, a avaliação gerontológica para uma prática excelente deve ser abrangente, multidimensional, interdisciplinar e planejada. EGPA devem ter competências efetivas em habilidades clínicas e práticas de cuidado; alfabetização em saúde; cuidado colaborativo; gestão de sistemas para continuidade do cuidado; ética, defesa e agência moral; e prática por investigação baseada em evidências. Modelos gerontológicos de cuidado e das competências dos EGPA servem como uma estrutura que orienta sua prática enquanto a avaliação é fundamental ao cuidado amigo ao idoso.

RESUMEN El envejecimiento de la población es un desafío a los sistemas de salud y requiere que los profesionales de enfermería en gerontología de práctica avanzada (EGPA) aborden los requisitos específicos y complejos del cuidado de los adultos mayores. La EGPA pone en ejecución prácticas basadas en evidencia dirigidas a pacientes y familiares para la promoción y protección de la salud, prevención de enfermedades, así como su recuperación y rehabilitación. En la gerontología de práctica avanzada basada en competencias, la evaluación integral es esencial para la puesta en práctica de un plan de cuidados. En este ensayo teórico reflexionamos sobre el papel de la evaluación en la enfermería en gerontología de práctica avanzada basada en competencias. Desde nuestro punto de vista, la valoración gerontológica hacia una práctica excelente debe ser integral, multidimensional, interdisciplinar y planificada. La EGPA debe abarcar competencias efectivas en habilidades clínicas y prácticas del cuidado; alfabetización en salud; cuidado colaborativo; gestión de sistemas para la continuidad del cuidado; ética, defensa y agencia moral; y la práctica a través de la investigación basada en la evidencia. Los modelos gerontológicos de cuidado y las competencias de la EGPA sirven como marco de su práctica, mientras que la evaluación es fundamental para un cuidado accesible a los adultos mayores.

Aromaterapia em residentes de emfermagem na pandemia de COVID-19: um estudo piloto / Aromaterapia en residentes de enfermería en la pandemia de COVID-19: un estudio piloto / Aromatherapy in Nursing Residents in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Objetivo: verificar o efeito da aromaterapia nos sintomas emocionais e fadiga de residentes de Enfermagem que atuavam em hospitais durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudo piloto do tipo pré e pós intervenção com abordagem quantitativa. Os residentes utilizaram uma sinergia de óleos essenciais (limão siciliano, lavanda, bergamota e tea tree) a 2 %, via cutânea, por três semanas. Foram aplicados o Self-Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) e o Pictograma de fadiga antes, após a intervenção e três semanas após o término (follow up). Resultados: participaram 15 residentes. As médias dos três momentos do SRQ-20 foram 9,73; 7,00 e 8,13, respectivamente. Houve redução dos sintomas emocionais pós-intervenção (p = 0,026) e no follow up não houve aumento significativo do escore do SRQ-20 (p=0,666). Não houve evidência significativa de mudança de estado do nível de fadiga para as três fases do estudo. Conclusões: o uso da aromaterapia impactou na melhora de sintomas emocionais dos residentes de Enfermagem que atuaram em hospitais durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

Objective: to verify the effect of aromatherapy on emotional symptoms and fatigue in nursing residents working in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: pre- and post-intervention pilot study with quantitative approach. The residents used a combination of essential oils (Sicilian lemon, lavender, bergamot and tea tree) at 2%, via the skin, for three weeks. The Self-Report Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) and the Fatigue Pictogram were applied before and after the intervention and three weeks after its completion (follow up). Results: 15 residents participated. The averages of the three moments of the SRQ-20 were 9.73, 7.00 and 8.13, respectively. There was a reduction in emotional symptoms post-intervention (p=0.026) and in the follow up there was no significant increase in the SRQ-20 score (p=0.666). There was no significant evidence of change in fatigue level status for the three study phases. Conclusions: the use of aromatherapy had an impact on the improvement of emotional symptoms of nursing residents working in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objetivo: verificar el efecto de la aromaterapia en los síntomas emocionales y la fatiga de residentes de Enfermería que trabajaban en hospitales durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudio piloto de tipo pre y post intervención con enfoque cuantitativo. Los residentes utilizaron una combinación de aceites esenciales (limón siciliano, lavanda, bergamota y tea tree) al 2%, vía cutánea, por tres semanas. El Self-ReportQuestionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) y el Pictograma de fatiga fueron aplicados antes y después de la intervención y tres semanas después de terminado (follow up). Resultados: participaron 15 residentes. Los promedios de los tres momentos del SRQ-20 fueron 9,73; 7,00 y 8,13, respectivamente. Hubo reducción de los síntomas emocionales post-intervención (p = 0,026) y en el follow up no hubo aumento significativo del puntaje del SRQ-20 (p=0,666). No hubo evidencia significativa de cambio de estado del nivel de fatiga para las tres fases de estudio. Conclusiones: el uso de la aromaterapia impactó en el mejoramiento de síntomas emocionales de los residentes de Enfermería que trabajaron en hospitales durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Family and Community Support, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Findings From the Health, Wellbeing and Aging Study Population-Based Cohort.

Background: Social networks can modulate physiological responses, protects against the detrimental consequences of prolonged stress, and enhance health outcomes. Family ties represent an essential source of social networks among older adults. However, the impact of family support on cognitive performance and the biological factors influencing that relationship is still unclear. We aimed to determine the relationship between family support, cognitive performance and BDNF levels. Methods: Cross-sectional data from three-hundred, eight-six individuals aged on average 60 years enrolled in the Health, Wellbeing and Aging Study (SABE), a population-cohort study, were assessed for family support, community support and cognitive performance. Structural and functional family support was evaluated based on family size and interactions allied to scores in the Family APGAR questionnaire. Community assistance (received or provided) assessed the community support. Cognitive performance was determined using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), verbal fluency (animals per minute) and backward digital span. Blood samples were obtained to determine BDNF levels. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that functional family support, but not structural, was associated with higher MMSE, verbal fluency and digit span scores, even controlling for potential cofounders (p < 0.001). Providing support to the community, rather than receiving support from others, was associated with better cognitive performance (p < 0.001). BDNF concentration was not associated with community support, family function, or cognitive performance. Conclusion: These findings suggest that emotional components of functional family and community support (e.g., loving and empathic relationship) may be more significant to cognitive health than size and frequency of social interactions.

The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology.

BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of moderate-to-high levels of chronic stress among nurses, as well as an occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage to reduce chronic stress and musculoskeletal pain in the Oncology Nursing team. SETTING: Two teaching cancer hospitals, one public and the other private, in São Paulo city, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 women from the Oncology Nursing team. RESEARCH DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial divided into two groups: chair massage and control without intervention. INTERVENTION: The massage group received two chair massage sessions lasting 15 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Reduction of stress and pain measured by the List of Signs and Symptoms (LSS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively. RESULTS: The average age was 32 (± 5.3) years. There was a reduction of stress measured by the LSS with a statistical difference in the group-time interaction (p < .001), with a Cohen's d value of 1.21 between groups. The BPI analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the group-time interaction for general activity (p < .008), mood (p < .03), work (p < .000), and sleep (p = .03), with reduced pain interference in these components. CONCLUSION: Chair massage reduced stress and pain interference in the team's daily life activities, bringing a positive impact in the context of work stress and pain in Oncology nursing professionals.

Cortisol reactivity to a psychosocial stressor significantly increases the risk of developing Cognitive Impairment no Dementia five years later.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients show high cortisol levels suggesting that biological mediators of stress may play a role in the neurodegenerative process of cognitive disorders. However, there is no consensus as to whether cortisol concentrations represent a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment. We analyzed the potential association between the incidence of cognitive impairment and cortisol concentrations under basal and acute stress conditions in 129 individuals aged 50 years or older, with preserved cognitive and functional abilities. All participants were recruited in 2011 for assessment of cognitive performance and cortisol levels. Cortisol was analyzed in saliva samples collected during two typical and consecutive days, in the morning, afternoon, and night, and also during exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test - TSST). After a five-year follow-up, 69 of these volunteers were reassessed for cognitive performance, functional evaluation, memory complaints, and depression. The incidence of cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) was 26.1 %, and was positively associated with greater TSST-induced cortisol release (responsiveness) [(95 % CI = 1.001-1.011; B = 0.006), p = 0.023]. Moreover, five years before diagnosis, participants who later developed CIND had greater responsiveness to TSST (p = 0.019) and lower cortisol awakening response (CAR: p = 0.018), as compared to those who did not develop CIND. These findings suggest that higher psychosocial stress responsiveness profiles may represent a preclinical sign of cognitive impairment.

Work-related stress and cognitive performance among middle-aged adults: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Assessing risk factors exposure, such as stress in the workplace during adulthood, may contribute to detecting early signs of cognitive impairment in order to implement effective actions to improve brain health and consequently to decrease cognitive disorders later in life. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate whether work-related stress is associated with low cognitive performance in middle-aged adults from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) and whether social support mediates this relationship. Work-related stress was evaluated in 9,969 workers using the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed using the verbal fluency, trail-making version B, and delayed recall word tests. Work-related stress was associated with lower performance on the delayed recall, verbal fluency, and executive function tests in middle-aged adults. Social support may mediate the association between work demands and cognitive performance. These findings support that work-related stress is associated with cognitive performance during adulthood.

Shift work of nursing professionals and blood pressure, burnout and common mental disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of shift work on blood pressure, the presence of burnout and common mental disorders in nursing professionals. METHOD: A cross-sectional study. Burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Common Mental Disorders by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Casual blood pressure measurement and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) were performed. RESULTS: 231 professionals participated. The majority (59.7%) worked in shifts, and this condition was associated (p≤0.05) with: higher weekly workload; doing the night shift; shorter training and work time at the institution; alcoholism; leisure activity; and alteration in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring of the sleep period. The professionals with common mental disorders and who worked in shifts had lower casual diastolic pressure levels (p = 0.039) and higher hypertension prevalence (p = 0.045). The presence of emotional exhaustion was associated with normal waking blood pressure and depersonalization with altered sleep blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Shift work was associated with a higher prevalence of work-related negative factors, inadequate habits and lifestyles, and change in sleep blood pressure.

How stress mediators can cumulatively contribute to Alzheimer's disease An allostatic load approach.

Allostatic load is defined as the frequent activation of the neuroendocrine, immunological, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which makes individuals more susceptible to stress-related health problems. According to this model, physiological dysregulations start to emerge decades before diseases manifest. Consequently, stress research has shifted its attention to anticipating the degree of this dysregulation to better understand the impact of stress hormones and other biomarkers on disease progression. In view of the growing number of studies that demonstrate the influence of modifiable risk factors on cognitive decline, in addition to the effects of chronic stress mediators, the objective of the present review was to present an overview of the development of cognitive changes based on studies on stress and its mediators.

A carga alostática é definida como a ativação frequente dos sistemas neuroendócrino, imunológico, metabólico e cardiovascular, o que torna os indivíduos mais suscetíveis a problemas de saúde relacionados ao estresse. Segundo este modelo, as desregulações fisiológicas começam a surgir décadas antes das doenças se manifestarem. Consequentemente, a pesquisa de estresse tem desviado sua atenção para antecipar o grau de desregulação para entender melhor o impacto dos hormônios do estresse e outros biomarcadores na progressão da doença. Tendo em vista o crescente número de estudos que demonstram a influência de fatores de risco modificáveis no declínio cognitivo, além dos efeitos dos mediadores crônicos do estresse, o objetivo da presente revisão foi apresentar uma visão geral do desenvolvimento de alterações cognitivas a partir de estudos sobre o estresse e seus mediadores.

How stress mediators can cumulatively contribute to Alzheimer's disease: an allostatic load approach / Como os mediadores de estresse podem contribuir cumulativamente para a doença de alzheimer: uma abordagem de carga alostática

ABSTRACT. Allostatic load is defined as the frequent activation of the neuroendocrine, immunological, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which makes individuals more susceptible to stress-related health problems. According to this model, physiological dysregulations start to emerge decades before diseases manifest. Consequently, stress research has shifted its attention to anticipating the degree of this dysregulation to better understand the impact of stress hormones and other biomarkers on disease progression. In view of the growing number of studies that demonstrate the influence of modifiable risk factors on cognitive decline, in addition to the effects of chronic stress mediators, the objective of the present review was to present an overview of the development of cognitive changes based on studies on stress and its mediators.

RESUMO. A carga alostática é definida como a ativação frequente dos sistemas neuroendócrino, imunológico, metabólico e cardiovascular, o que torna os indivíduos mais suscetíveis a problemas de saúde relacionados ao estresse. Segundo este modelo, as desregulações fisiológicas começam a surgir décadas antes das doenças se manifestarem. Consequentemente, a pesquisa de estresse tem desviado sua atenção para antecipar o grau de desregulação para entender melhor o impacto dos hormônios do estresse e outros biomarcadores na progressão da doença. Tendo em vista o crescente número de estudos que demonstram a influência de fatores de risco modificáveis no declínio cognitivo, além dos efeitos dos mediadores crônicos do estresse, o objetivo da presente revisão foi apresentar uma visão geral do desenvolvimento de alterações cognitivas a partir de estudos sobre o estresse e seus mediadores.

Shift work of nursing professionals and blood pressure, burnout and common mental disorders / Trabajo en turnos de profesionales de enfermería y la presión arterial, burnout y trastornos mentales comunes / Trabalho em turnos de profissionais de enfermagem e a pressão arterial, burnout e transtornos mentais comuns

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the influence of shift work on blood pressure, the presence of burnout and common mental disorders in nursing professionals. Method: A cross-sectional study. Burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Common Mental Disorders by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Casual blood pressure measurement and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) were performed. Results: 231 professionals participated. The majority (59.7%) worked in shifts, and this condition was associated (p≤0.05) with: higher weekly workload; doing the night shift; shorter training and work time at the institution; alcoholism; leisure activity; and alteration in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring of the sleep period. The professionals with common mental disorders and who worked in shifts had lower casual diastolic pressure levels (p = 0.039) and higher hypertension prevalence (p = 0.045). The presence of emotional exhaustion was associated with normal waking blood pressure and depersonalization with altered sleep blood pressure. Conclusion: Shift work was associated with a higher prevalence of work-related negative factors, inadequate habits and lifestyles, and change in sleep blood pressure.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la influencia del trabajo en turnos en la presión arterial, presencia de burnout y trastornos mentales comunes en profesionales enfermeros. Método: Estudio transversal. El burnout fue evaluado por el Maslach Burnout Inventory y los Trastornos Mentales Comunes, por el Self Reporting Questionnaire. Se realizaron la medida casual de la presión y el Monitoreo Ambulatorio de la Presión Arterial. Resultados: Participaron 231 profesionales. La mayoría (59,7%) trabajaba en turnos, y dicha condición se asoció (p≤0,05) con: mayor carga de trabajo semanal; hacer turno nocturno; menor tiempo de licenciado y de trabajo en el centro; etilismo; actividad de ocio; y modificación en el monitoreo ambulatorio de la presión arterial del período del sueño. Los profesionales con trastornos mentales comunes y que trabajaban en turnos presentaron menores niveles de presión casual diastólica (p=0,039) y mayor prevalencia de hipertensión (p=0,045). La presencia de agotamiento emotivo se asoció con presión arterial de vigilia normal y despersonalización con presión arterial de sueño modificado. Conclusión: El trabajo en turnos se asoció con la mayor prevalencia de factores negativos relacionados con el trabajo, hábitos y estilo de vida inadecuados y modificación de la presión en el período de sueño.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a influência do trabalho em turnos na pressão arterial, na presença de burnout e transtornos mentais comuns em profissionais de enfermagem. Método: Estudo transversal. O burnout foi avaliado pelo Maslach Burnout Inventory, e os Transtornos Mentais Comuns, pelo Self Reporting Questionnaire. Realizaram-se a medida casual da pressão e a Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial. Resultados: Participaram 231 profissionais. A maioria (59,7%) trabalhava em turnos, e essa condição associou-se (p≤0,05) com: maior carga de trabalho semanal; fazer plantão noturno; menor tempo de formado e de trabalho na instituição; etilismo; atividade de lazer; e alteração na monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial do período do sono. Os profissionais com transtornos mentais comuns e que trabalhavam em turnos apresentaram menores níveis de pressão casual diastólica (p=0,039) e maior prevalência de hipertensão (p=0,045). A presença de exaustão emocional associou-se com pressão arterial de vigília normal e despersonalização com pressão arterial de sono alterada. Conclusão: O trabalho em turnos associou-se à maior prevalência de fatores negativos relacionados ao trabalho, hábitos e estilos de vida inadequados e alteração da pressão no período de sono.