Episodic memory boosting in older adults: exploring the association of encoding strategies and physical activity.

Background: Contextual memory is susceptible to the effects of aging and its impairment compromises episodic memories and quality of life in older adults. Objective: Compare the effects of cognitive support on incidental contextual memory free recall and recognition with a naturalistic experimental paradigm and explore the association of encoding strategies and physical activity on memory improvement. Methods: Subjects (≥60 years, n = 52) were assigned to one of two encoding conditions for the contextual memory task: with or without an incidental associative instruction to encourage association of an item to its spatial context. Immediate free recall and recognition tests were run to assess the encoding instruction efficiency. The association of memory performance and physical activity was analyzed using the scores on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to subdivide each experimental group into Low IPAQ (below median) and High IPAQ (above median) subgroups. Results: The associative encoding instruction increased contextual memory free recall and recognition, with greater effects on free recall. The most robust associations between physical activity and contextual memory were also seen on free recall, in which higher levels of physical activity corresponded to increased baseline performance (non-associative encoding condition) and greater improvement of memory by the encoding support (associative encoding condition). Conclusion: Cognitive support at encoding can improve contextual memory free recall and recognition, suggesting they are prone to rehabilitation. Moreover, higher physical activity levels were positively associated with encoding strategies on contextual memory improvement, increasing the availability of latent process-based components of the cognitive reserve.

Rumination and social support as predictors of posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer: a systematic review / Ruminación y apoyo social como predictores del crecimiento postraumático en mujeres con cáncer de mama: una revisión sistemática

Objective: Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) is a perceived positive change after a stressful situation. Studies describe different predictors of PTG. The purpose of this study was to (1) review the evidence that rumination and social support are predictors of PTG; (2) analyze the results of the screened studies. Method: A systematic review was conducted by searching for articles with quantitative or mixed methods that evaluated PTG using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, rumination and/or social support in women with breast cancer. Results: Were identified twelve articles that corresponded to the inclusion criteria. All of them reported some degree of PTG in their samples. Rumination was evaluated in three studies, social support was evaluated in ten, and both were considered to have a positive correlation with PTG. Conclusions: This review concludes that rumination and social support are predictors of PTG in women with breast cancer. These results contribute to the development of new interventions in mental health

Objetivo: La preocupación por el cáncer está asociada con los comportamientos preventivos para la detección de esta enfermedad; sin embargo, no existe un instrumento con evidencias de validez y confiabilidad para medir este constructo en países latinoamericanos, entre ellos el Perú. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron evaluar la validez basada en la estructura interna y fiabilidad de la Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) en una muestra de personas sin diagnóstico oncológico con historia familiar de cáncer. Método: Se contó con la participación de 215 personas sanas con historia familiar de cáncer que acudían al servicio de consulta externa de dos instituciones públicas y privadas de salud de la ciudad de Chimbote con una edad promedio de 42,10 años (DT = 14,05). Para el recojo de información se utilizó una ficha sociodemográfica ad hoc y la Cancer Worry Scale. Resultados: El modelo unidimensional presentó un buen ajuste de los datos (SBχ2 (8) = 14,39; SB χ2 / df = 1,79; CFI = 0,991; SRMR = 0,025; RMSEA = 0,061 [IC90%: 0,000 -0,111]; AIC = 47,701) y una confiabilidad adecuada (ωcorregido = 0,90; IC95%: 0,88-0,92). Conclusión: Se concluye que la CWS presenta adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, siendo una medida que brinda interpretaciones válidas y fiables de la preocupación por el cáncer en el contexto peruano

A eficácia de protocolos de intervenção com abordagem familiar para tratamento do adolescente usuário de drogas: revisão sistemática / La eficacia de los protocolos de intervención con enfoque familiar para el tratamiento de los adolescentes consumidores de drogas: una revisión sistemática / The efficacy of family oriented intervention protocols on drug addiction treatment in teenageis: a systematic review

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo tratar sobre a eficácia de protocolos de tratamento de adolescentes usuários de drogas focados na abordagem familiar. Método: A partir da revisão sistemática da literatura, compilou-se estudos presentes nas bases de dados dos indexadores PsycInfo, Pubmed, Cochrane Central Registrer of Controlled Trials e Scopus. Os artigos recuperados pelas palavras-chave foram primeiramente selecionados através da leitura do abstract e naqueles que permaneceram, aplicaram-se os critérios de exclusão. Resultados: Seis modalidades de tratamento foram selecionadas no processo final. Os achados dos estudos apontam a superioridade dos tratamentos de adolescentes usuários de drogas que contemplam a intervenção junto a familiares, em comparação com outras modalidades de tratamento cujo foco era somente o adolescente. Considerações finais: Esta revisão mostrou uma evidência científica de maior eficácia para as abordagens familiares no tratamento do adolescente usuário de drogas, colaborando para reflexões na área.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficacia de los protocolos en los tratamientos para adolescentes consumidores de drogas que se centraron en el enfoque familiar. Los estudios fueron identificados en las bases de datos PsycInfo, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials y Scopus. Los artículos recuperados por palabras clave se seleccionaron leyendo primero el resumen y a los que se escogieron se les aplicaron los criterios de exclusión. En el proceso se identificaron seis modalidades de tratamiento. Los resultados de los estudios muestran la superioridad de los tratamientos de los adolescentes consumidores de drogas que consideran el enfoque familiar, en comparación con otras modalidades de tratamiento cuyo objetivo era sólo el adolescente. Esta revisión mostró evidencia de una mayor eficacia de los enfoques de la familia en el tratamiento de adolescentes consumidores de drogas, lo que contribuye a una reflexión en el área.

Abstract This purpose was to review the efficacy of family-centered drug addiction treatment protocols in teenagers. Method: studies were harvested from PsycInfo, Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus according to key words first, then refined by reading the abstract, and then the exclusion criteria were applied to the remaining ones. Results: six treatment modalities were selected for review. Findings suggest that family-based treatments were superior to other treatment modalities that focused just on the teenager. Final considerations: This review showed scientific evidence of greater effectiveness for family approaches in the treatment of teenage drug users, contributing to reflections in the area.

Animal Hoarding Disorder: A new psychopathology?

This study aimed to characterize the sociodemographic profile of animal hoarders in a southern city of Brazil. In addition, it aimed to propose Animal Hoarding Disorder as a new nosological category, distinct from Hoarding Disorder. Thirty-three individuals with Animal Hoarding Disorder, 73% female and 60% elderly, composed the sample. The average age of the sample was 61.39 years (SD = 12.69) and the average period that individuals hoarded or lived with a large number of animals was 23.09 years (SD = 15.98.) It was observed that 56.7% of the sample hoarded other inanimate objects, besides the animals. The total number of hoarded animals was 1.357 and the average number of animals per hoarder was approximately 41 (SD = 24.41). Significant differences between hoarding disorder and animal hoarding are discussed. Unlike hoarded objects, hoarded animals generally do not obstruct domicile environments. The processes of disengaging from or donating animals also differ from those of object hoarding, since there is an affectional bond with lives and not with unanimated objects. In this sense, the characterization of Animal Hoarding Disorder as a new mental disorder may arouse great interest from both clinical professionals and researchers.

Jogos Eletrônicos e a Cognição em Idosos - Uma Revisão Sistemática / Electronic Games and Elderly Cognition - A Systematic Review

Resumo As discussões acadêmicas a respeito dos jogos eletrônicos aumentaram consideravelmente nos últimos anos. Muito tem se discutido sobre os efeitos dos diversos gêneros de jogos eletrônicos disponíveis no mercado. Algumas pesquisas estão utilizando os jogos eletrônicos como instrumentos para a reabilitação cognitiva de indivíduos acometidos de alguma patologia ou trauma, bem como na população idosa com declínio cognitivo. Tendo em vista este cenário, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos dos jogos eletrônicos na cognição de idosos saudáveis. O método utilizado para elaboração deste estudo foi a revisão sistemática, seguindo os passos propostos pelo modelo de Prisma. As pesquisas foram realizadas através das bases de dados virtuais Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (Pubmed). Os resultados encontrados demonstraram que a grande maioria dos estudos encontrou efeitos positivos, após exposição dos idosos aos jogos eletrônicos, na atenção, memória, raciocínio, percepção e funções executivas.

Abstract Academic discussions about the electronic games have increased considerably in recent years. Much has been discussed about the effects of multiple genres of electronic games available on the market. Some surveys are using video games as tools for cognitive rehabilitation of individuals affected by some pathology or trauma, as well as in the elderly with cognitive decline. Given this scenario, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of video games in healthy older adults' cognition. The method used to elaborate this paper was a systematic review following the steps proposed by the Prisma model. The research was conducted through the virtual databases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) and US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (Pubmed). The results highlight positive effects after exposure of the elderly to electronic games on attention, memory, reasoning, perception, and executive functions.

Perfil de idosos através do modelo dos cinco fatores de personalidade (Big Five): revisão sistemática / Peril de ancianos mediante modelo de los cinco factores de personalidad de (Big Five): revisión sistemática / Profile of elderly people through the five personality factors model (Big Five): a systematic review

As características de personalidade na velhice tanto podem se manter estáveis, como podem variar em função das experiências vividas ao longo do ciclo vital. O que requer um movimento de adaptação da pessoa a essas novas circunstâncias e diferem de uma pessoa para outra. Assim como, tendem relativamente estáveis ao longo da vida. Para avaliar a personalidade, uma das teorias explicativas da personalidade é o Big Five -cinco grandes fatores de personalidade-, que possui evidências de universalidade e aplicação em diferentes contextos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de elaborar uma revisão sistemática da literatura, através da pesquisa nas principais bases de dados de estudos que abordam personalidade, dentro do modelo dos cinco grandes fatores -Big Five- em idosos, com intuito de identificar os aspectos biopsicossociais relacionados à personalidade do idoso. Utilizou-se os descritores personality, Big Five e elderly, presentes no abstract, nos anos de 2010 até 2014, nas bases de dados internacionais: Scopus, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Web of Science e ProQuest. Os resultados evidenciaram diferenças nas características de personalidade em relação ao tipo de moradia, assertividade, qualidade de vida, afetividade e habilidade de metamemória. O Neuroticismo está associado a determinados comportamentos relacionados a um funcionamento mais negativo da pessoa. Tendo em vista o envelhecimento populacional, estudos com idosos são importantes, sobretudo sob o olhar de uma teoria reconhecida e valorizada no meio científico, Big Five.

En la vejez, las características de personalidad pueden mantenerse estables o pueden variar en función de las experiencias vividas a lo largo del ciclo vital -que requieren un movimiento de adaptación de la persona con esas nuevas circunstancias-. Las características de personalidad difieren de una persona para otra y tienden a ser relativamente estables a lo largo de la vida. Una de las teorías explicativas de la personalidad es el Big Five -cinco grandes factores de personalidad-, que posee evidencias de universalidad y aplicación en diferentes contextos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar una revisión sistemática de la literatura, a través de la investigación en las principales bases de datos de estudios que abordan la personalidad dentro del modelo de los cinco grandes factores -Big Five- en ancianos, con el objetivo de identificar los aspectos biopsicosociales relacionados a la personalidad del anciano. Fue hecha una búsqueda de artículos publicados entre 2010 y 2014 en bases de datos internacionales: Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science y ProQuest. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias en las características de personalidad con relación al tipo de vivienda, asertividad, calidad de vida, afecto y habilidad de metamemoria. El neuroticismo está asociado a determinados comportamientos relacionados con un funcionamiento más negativo de la persona. Teniendo en cuenta el envejecimiento de la población, los estudios con ancianos se hacen más importantes, sobre todo bajo la mirada de una teoría reconocida y valorizada en el medio científico, Big Five.

Personality characteristics at old age may remain stable, but they may also change due to experiences during the life cycle, which require an individual adjustment to the new circumstances. Personality traits vary from person to person and they tend to be relatively stable throughout life. One of the theories of personality is the Big Five model, which proposes the existence of five main personality factors -this model has evidence of universality and application in different contexts. This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review of biopsychosocial aspects of personality at old age from the Big Five Model. We used the Personality, Big Five and Elderly descriptors present in the abstract, between 2010 and 2014 in the Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest international databases. Results showed differences in personality traits with regards to the types of housing, assertiveness, quality of life, affection and metamemory skills. Neuroticism is associated with certain behaviors related to a more negative functioning of the person. Given that the population is aging in many countries, studies with the elderly are important, especially from the perspective of a recognized theory valued in scientific circles.

Childhood maltreatment and executive functions in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in executive functions between adolescents exposed to different forms of single- and multitype childhood maltreatment. METHOD: The sample was composed of 83 adolescents, divided into three groups: single-type maltreatment (n = 24), multitype maltreatment (n = 19), and no history of maltreatment (n = 40), matched for education and sex. RESULTS: The results showed that teenagers who suffered a single type of childhood maltreatment performed worse than the other two groups on tasks of cognitive flexibility and visual processing speed. Individuals who suffered multitype maltreatment had worse initiation and lower verbal processing speed than the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood maltreatment may have a significant impact on executive functioning in adolescence.

Characterization of cognitive and motor performance during dual-tasking in healthy older adults and patients with Parkinson's disease.

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dual-tasking on cognitive performance and gait parameters in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) without dementia. The impact of cognitive task complexity on cognition and walking was also examined. Eighteen patients with PD (ages 53-88, 10 women; Hoehn and Yahr stage I-II) and 18 older adults (ages 61-84; 10 women) completed two neuropsychological measures of executive function/attention (the Stroop Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test). Cognitive performance and gait parameters related to functional mobility of stride were measured under single (cognitive task only) and dual-task (cognitive task during walking) conditions with different levels of difficulty and different types of stimuli. In addition, dual-task cognitive costs were calculated. Although cognitive performance showed no significant difference between controls and PD patients during single or dual-tasking conditions, only the patients had a decrease in cognitive performance during walking. Gait parameters of patients differed significantly from controls at single and dual-task conditions, indicating that patients gave priority to gait while cognitive performance suffered. Dual-task cognitive costs of patients increased with task complexity, reaching significantly higher values then controls in the arithmetic task, which was correlated with scores on executive function/attention (Stroop Color-Word Page). Baseline motor functioning and task executive/attentional load affect the performance of cognitive tasks of PD patients while walking. These findings provide insight into the functional strategies used by PD patients in the initial phases of the disease to manage dual-task interference.

Emotional memory deficit and its psychophysiological correlate in family caregivers of patients with dementia.

This study examined the cortisol secretion pattern and declarative memory performance of dementia caregivers. An illustrated story paradigm memory task was used to evaluate the effects of emotional arousal on memory and assess the caregivers' cognitive compensation capacity. Younger (n=19) and elderly (n=24) noncaregivers and elderly caregivers (n=14) took part in 2 experiments to elucidate the effects of aging (experiment 1) and chronic stress (experiment 2) on memory performance and cortisol levels. Each group was divided in 2 subgroups: one that was exposed to an emotionally neutral story, and one that was exposed to a similar, but emotionally arousing story. Participants completed a multiple-choice questionnaire in the test session. Salivary cortisol samples were collected at 8:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, 1 day after memory testing. Experiment 1 showed that, despite an age-related memory deficit, arousal manipulation produced a similar effect in both age groups. Experiment 2 showed that, in addition to the characteristic memory decline of aging, elderly caregivers did not benefit from emotionally arousing material as their noncaregiver counterparts did. This impairment correlated with elevated nighttime cortisol levels, indicating a potential worsening impact of caregiver burden on age-related cognitive decline.