MISATTRIBUTION OF EMOTIONAL OVER-AROUSAL TO NEUTRAL FACES IN ACUTE PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA PSYCHOSIS.

INTRODUCTION: Misattribution of motivational salience to non-salient (neutral) stimuli could be viewed as a hallmark of psychosis in schizophrenia. Studies have recently revealed increased subjective experience of emotional arousal (EA) to neutral social stimuli in paranoid schizophrenia psychosis, suggesting a misattribution of emotional salience to them. We examined this phenomenon directly by quantifying the level of EA subjectively attributed to low-arousal, neutral-valenced faces. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A task for EA attribution to neutral (in the context of affective) facial expressions was applied to 44 actively psychotic paranoid schizophrenia inpatients and 44 well-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Psychotic patients, compared with healthy controls, rated the neutral faces as more aroused (t (86) = 3.15, p =.001) thus misattributing emotional salience to them. DISCUSSION: This finding supports the hypothesis that over-assignment of EA to neutral faces could be viewed as a subclinical affective mechanism of the clinically manifested experience of delusional perception. CONCLUSION: The study provides the first direct empirical evidence for misattribution of emotional salience in terms of over-attribution of EA to neutral faces during acute paranoid schizophrenia psychosis.

GAD-7 Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale in Colombian medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: Construct validity and reliability.

INTRODUCTION: The detection of anxiety symptoms among health workers who care for patients infected with COVID-19 is a current priority. Fast and valid instruments are required for this population group. The objective is to establish the construct validity and reliability of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale in Colombian doctors during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: E-health study, in which cross-sectional data were collected online (n = 1030) from 610 COVID doctors and 420 non-COVID doctors, during the Colombian lockdown, between 20 April and 10 August 2020. Each subject was contacted, and they confirmed their participation, identity and professional role. RESULTS: A single factor factorial structure was found, made up of the 7 items of the instrument, which managed to explain 70% of the variance. The goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.080; CFI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.053; p < 0.001) showed an "acceptable" unidimensionality and adequate factor loadings in each item of the GAD-7, >0.070. Finally, the internal consistency of the instrument was good, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.920 (95%IC, 8.80-9.71). CONCLUSIONS: The GAD-7 is an instrument that presents adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent tool that is reliable and easy and fast to use for the detection of generalised anxiety symptoms in medical personnel caring (or not) for patients infected with COVID-19.

Escala de ansiedad generalizada GAD-7 en profesionales médicos colombianos durante pandemia de COVID-19: validez de constructo y confiabilidad

Introducción: La detección de síntomas de ansiedad entre el personal sanitario que atiende a pacientes contagiados de COVID-19 es una prioridad actual. Se requieren instrumentos rápidos y válidos para esta población. El objetivo es establecer la validez de constructo y la confiabilidad de la Escala de Ansiedad Generalizada (GAD-7) en médicos colombianos durante la cuarentena por la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio eSalud, en el que se recopilaron datos transversales en línea (n = 1.030) de 610 médicos de COVID y 420 no de COVID durante la cuarentena colombiana, entre el 20 de abril y el 10 de agosto de 2020. Se contactó con cada sujeto, que confirmó participación, identidad y función profesional. Resultados: Se encontró una estructura factorial de 1 solo factor, conformado por los 7 ítems del instrumento, que logró explicar el 70% de la varianza. Los índices de bondad de ajuste (RMSEA = 0,080; CFI = 0,995; SRMR = 0,053; p 0,07. Por último, la consistencia interna del instrumento fue buena, con alfa de Cronbach = 0,920 (IC95%,8,80-9,71). Conclusiones: El GAD-7 es un instrumento que presenta indicadores adecuados de validez y confiabilidad. Es un excelente instrumento, confiable, fácil y rápido de usar para la detección de los síntomas de ansiedad generalizada en personal médico, atienda o no a pacientes contagiados de COVID-19.

Introduction: The detection of anxiety symptoms among health workers who care for patients infected with COVID-19 is a current priority. Fast and valid instruments are required for this population group. The objective is to establish the construct validity and reliability of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale in Colombian doctors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: E-health study, in which cross-sectional data were collected online (n = 1,030) from 610 COVID doctors and 420 non-COVID doctors, during the Colombian lockdown, between 20 April and 10 August 2020. Each subject was contacted, and they confirmed their participation, identity and professional role. Results: A single factor factorial structure was found, made up of the 7 items of the instrument, which managed to explain 70% of the variance. The goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.080; CFI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.053; p 0.070. Finally, the internal consistency of the instrument was good, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.920 (95%IC, 8.80-9.71). Conclusions:The GAD-7 is an instrument that presents adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent tool that is reliable and easy and fast to use for the detection of generalised anxiety symptoms in medical personnel caring (or not) for patients infected with COVID-19.

[Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Health Workers During the Second Year of the Pandemic in Latin America: Cross-Sectional Survey Study]. / Impacto psicológico del COVID-19 en los trabajadores sanitarios durante el segundo año de pandemia en Latinoamérica: estudio de encuesta transversal.

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the mental health of healthcare personnel in Latin America (LA). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of psychological disturbances and associated risk factors for mental health in healthcare personnel in LA during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This multicenter cross-sectional study included a total sample of 5437 healthcare professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and a brief demographic questionnaire were used. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was estimated based on the cut-off points of the instruments. Two multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results: A population burden of anxiety (40.1%) and depression (62.2%) was found in healthcare personnel in LA. Among professionals in Argentina (OR = 1.374; P<.001), those working in state hospitals (OR = 1.536; P<.003), frontline healthcare workers for COVID patients (OR = 1.848; P<.001), general practitioners (OR = 1.335; P<.001), and specialists (OR = 1.298; P<.001), a higher risk of experiencing mental disorders was observed. Among women, younger personnel, and administrative staff, a higher probability of experiencing anxiety and depression was identified. Conclusions: The burden of mental disorders on healthcare personnel in Latin America is alarming. Psychological support services are necessary, aimed at providing measures for professionals to develop healthy coping mechanisms that mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their well-being and facilitate post-crisis adjustment.

Factors associated with cognitive impairment in Latin American older adults: A cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 confinement.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of COVID-19 confinement have been severe, especially in older adults. Therefore, we analyzed the factors associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in Latin America (LA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with a total of 5245 older adults from 10 countries in LA. Measurement: We used the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) and the Eight-item Informant Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8) scale. RESULTS: We found that age, depressive symptomatology, bone fractures, being widowed, having a family member with dementia, and unemployment were associated with an increased risk of CI. In contrast, higher education, hypertension with continuous treatment, quarantine, and keeping stimulating cognitive and physical activities were associated with a lower probability of CI. No significant association was found between suffering from diabetes or being retired and CI. DISCUSSION: It is essential to conduct follow-up studies on these factors, considering their relationship with CI and the duration of confinement.

Deep brain stimulation may be a viable option for resistant to treatment aggression in children with intellectual disability.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical technique used to manage aggression in patients who do not improve despite the use of appropriate drug treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of DBS on aggressive behavior refractory to the pharmacological and behavioral treatment of patients with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). METHODS: A follow-up was conducted on a cohort of 12 patients with severe ID, undergoing DBS in posteromedial hypothalamic nuclei; evaluated with the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), before the intervention, at 6, 12, and 18 months of medical follow-up. RESULTS: After the surgical procedure, there was a significant reduction in the aggressiveness of patients in the follow-up medical evaluation at 6 months (t = 10.14; p < 0.01), 12 months (t = 14.06; p < 0.01), and 18 months (t = 15.34; p < 0.01), respect to the initial measurement; with a very large effect size (6 months: d = 2.71; 12 months: d = 3.75; 18 months: d = 4.10). From 12 months onward, emotional control stabilized and is sustained at 18 months (t = 1.24; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DBS in posteromedial hypothalamic nuclei may be an effective treatment for the management of aggression in patients with ID refractory to pharmacological treatment.

[Prevalence and factors associated with subjective cognitive complaints in Latin American health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Prevalencia y factores asociados con las quejas cognitivas subjetivas del personal sanitario latinoamericano durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Background and objectives: An increase in emotional disturbances and complaints about cognitive performance has been observed in Latin American healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which can affect attention capacity and increase the levels of stress and burnout of these professionals. The objective was to analyse subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) and associated factors in health personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in five Latin American countries.Methods: Multicentre cross-sectional study, which included 3,738 professionals from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression, and the Mini-Z to assess Burnout. For the SCC, an item on cognitive concerns in attention and memory was used.Results: The prevalence of cognitive complaints was 69.2%. The factors associated with a higher risk of SCC were the scores in the GAD-7, PHQ and Mini-Z, in addition to being part of the Ecuadorian health personnel.Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of SCC in health personnel, which is modulated by emotional states and stress.

The cumulative effect of fibromyalgia symptoms on cognitive performance: The mediating role of pain.

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic condition that encompasses widespread pain associated with cognitive impairment and significant emotional distress related to functional disability. This study aimed to obtain evidence of the role of pain in the effect of time since FMS diagnosis and cognitive performance using a novel online protocol of neuropsychological evaluation since the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged traditional neuropsychology testing leading to the need for novel procedures transitioning to tele-neuropsychology. A sample of 70 adult women was evaluated (50 with FMS and 19 controls) using online questionnaires that evaluated pain and executive functioning (impulsivity, inhibition control, monitoring, and planning). Afterward, participants were evaluated by trained neuropsychologists in a 30 min online session using virtually adapted cognitive tests: the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (memory), the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (attention and speed processing), the F-A-S test (verbal fluency), and Digit Span tests (working memory). We found that the time of FMS diagnosis has an effect on cognitive functioning predominantly mediated by pain. Our results point out the role of pain as a mediator on cognitive performance, specifically in executive functions which are directly affected by the cumulative effect of the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, the importance of considering a broader perspective for assessment and treatment including novel procedures via tele-neuropsychology.

Clinical utility of Phototest via teleneuropsychology in Chilean rural older adults / Utilidade clínica do phototest via teleneuropsicologia em idosos rurais chilenos

ABSTRACT. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for neuropsychological care for older adults with memory complaints in different contexts, including rural areas or areas with difficult access. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the clinical utility of the Phototest, through telemedicine, to identify mild cognitive impairment in rural older adults with memory complaints, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, case-control, and clinical utility comparison of brief cognitive tests (BCTs). The sample included 111 rural elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 130 healthy controls from the Los Lagos region, Chile. The instruments adopted were modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEm) and adapted version of the Phototest (PT) for Chile. Results: To identify mild cognitive impairment, using a cutoff score of 27-28 points, the Phototest showed a sensitivity of 96.6% and a specificity of 81.8%; indicators superior to those of the MMSEm. Conclusions: The Phototest is more accurate than the MMSEm in identifying cognitive alterations in rural older adults with cognitive memory complaints through telemedicine. Therefore, its use in primary care is recommended in order to perform early detection of preclinical cognitive alterations in mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases.

RESUMO. A pandemia de COVID-19 mostrou a necessidade de cuidados neuropsicológicos para adultos idosos com queixas de memória em diferentes contextos, incluindo áreas rurais ou áreas de difícil acesso. Objetivo: Analisar a utilidade clínica do Phototest, por meio da telemedicina, para identificar uma leve deficiência cognitiva em adultos idosos rurais com queixas de memória, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Realizamos uma comparação transversal, caso-controle e utilidade clínica dos testes cognitivos breves. Amostra: Cento e onze idosos rurais com deficiência cognitiva leve (DCL) e 130 controles saudáveis da região de Los Lagos, Chile. Instrumentos: Minimental modificado (MMSEm) e versão do teste fotográfico (PT) adaptada para o Chile. Resultados: Para identificar a DCL, usando pontuação de corte de 27-28 pontos, o Phototest mostrou sensibilidade de 96,6% e especificidade de 81,8%; indicadores superiores aos do MMSEm. Conclusões: O Phototest é mais preciso que o MMSEm para identificar, por meio da telemedicina, alterações cognitivas em adultos idosos rurais com queixas de memória cognitiva. Sendo assim, seu uso na atenção primária é recomendado para realizar a detecção precoce de alterações cognitivas pré-clínicas em DCL ou doenças neurodegenerativas.

Validez del cuestionario PHQ-2 para la detección de depresión en personal sanitario colombiano durante Covid-19 / Validity of the PHQ-2 questionnaire for the detection of depression in Colombian health personnel during Covid-19

RESUMEN: Introducción: La sintomatologia depresiva en profesionales de la salud asociado a crisis virales es de alta prevalencia a nivel global, siendo su detección una prioridad por lo cual, el objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la validez convergente y consistencia interna del cuestionario de salud del paciente-2 (PHQ-2) en profesionales sanitarios. Método: Estudio eSalud donde se recopilaron datos transversales en línea (n=725), de 281 médicos generales, 237 médicos especialistas y 207 enfermeras durante la cuarentena colombiana, entre el 20 de abril y el 10 de agosto de 2020. Edad promedio 41,3 años (± 8,76). El 38,4% eran hombres (278) y el 61.6% mujeres (447). El 66.1% del personal sanitario atendió pacientes contagiados por coronavirus y el 33,9% no prestó estos servicios. Se administró la versión de 9 ítems del PHQ, validada en población colombiana junto a la versión de 2 ítems del PHQ. Resultados: Se encontró una alta correlación entre las escalas (r=.860, P<0.001), demostrando la validez convergente del PHQ-2 para medir la sintomatología depresiva. La consistencia interna del PHQ-2 fue adecuada, con un Alpha de Cronbach de 0.80 (I.C.= 0.76 - 0.83). Conclusiones: El PHQ-2 presenta adecuados estándares psicométricos de confiabilidad y validez, por lo que su rápida administración, fácil calificación e interpretación, lo convierte en un instrumento confiable y valido para la detección rápida, sin sobrecargas laborales, de los síntomas depresivos en médicos y enfermeras que atiendan o no pacientes en condiciones de brotes virales.

ABSTRACT Background: Depressive symptomatology in health professionals associated with viral crises is highly prevalent globally, being its detection a priority. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze the convergent validity and internal consistency of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) in healthcare professionals. Method: E-Health study where cross-sectional data was collected online (n = 725), from 281 general practitioners, 237 specialist doctors and 207 nurses during the Colombian quarantine, between April 20 and August 10, 2020. Average age 41.3 years (± 8.76). 38.4% were men (278) and 61.6% women (447). 66.1% of health personnel treated patients infected with coronavirus and 33.9% did not provide these services. The 9-item version of the PHQ was administered, validated in the Colombian population together with the 2-item version of the PHQ. Results: A high correlation was found between the scales (r = .860, P <0.001), demonstrating the convergent validity of the PHQ-2 to measure depressive symptomatology. The internal consistency of the PHQ-2 was adequate, with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.80 (I.C. = 0.76 - 0.83). Conclusions: The PHQ-2 has adequate psychometric standards of reliability and validity, so its rapid administration, easy qualification and interpretation, makes it a reliable and valid instrument for the rapid detection, without work overload, of depressive symptoms in doctors and nurses whether or not they care for patients with viral outbreaks.

Acute Thalamic Ischemic Stroke in an Older Patient Newly Vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Based on Adenoviral Vectors.

Introduction: Recent reports have shown several cases of cerebrovascular events after vaccination against COVID-19. The effects have been described mainly in women within the first two weeks of receiving the vaccine. Clinical Case: We describe here the first Colombian case of a cerebrovascular event after vaccination against COVID-19 in a 67-year-old woman with a vascular history. Four days after application of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine, she exhibited deviation of the labial commissure, ipsilateral ptosis, and limitation of march with lateralization. The event was associated with a subacute ischemic event in the right thalamus in parasagittal situation, changes in chronic ischemic microangiopathy of small vessels, and vascular crossing in the right cerebellar angle, without other alternative causes. Conclusion: The development and rapid use of vaccines has allowed the hospitalization and mortality statistics associated with COVID-19 to be reduced, but at the same time, it has generated concern about the potential side effects, generating controversy among the general population, especially in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. In our case, we provided evidence for the discussion of potential cerebrovascular events related to the application of vaccines in older people with a history of cerebrovascular diseases. This was done in order to analyze and control in subsequent studies the modulation of medical history on the likely effects of vaccination. However, despite the unavoidable side effects, the benefits of vaccination are superior.

Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle conditions in older adults from Centro American countries.

BACKGROUND: The impact of quarantine in older adults have been reported in several studies with contradictory results, reporting from negative effects to no significant outcomes or even beneficial consequences. Heterogeneity in aging plays a role in each region, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of quarantine on health conditions (physical and mental) and lifestyle in older adults in five Centro American countries during COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, n = 712 older adults 60 years and older from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica were assessed by telephone. Sociodemographic data, physical and mental health, lifestyle and quarantine conditions were asked previous informed consent. RESULTS: In general, mean of days in quarantine at the moment of the study was 142 days (approximately four months and three weeks). In the analysis of the impact of the days in quarantine effects were found on the frequency of falls, functional ability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general cognitive function, memory, orientation, language, frequency of drinking alcohol, having a balanced diet, and being active cognitively. Some differences were found between countries. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of quarantine on older adults in Centro America, requires attention of governments and healthcare to prevent long term morbidity and disability, and to promote healthy aging.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de salud mental positiva en Arequipa (Perú) / Psychometric properties of the positive mental health scale in Arequipa (Peru)

La salud mental positiva es un constructo complejo que está re-lacionado con el funcionamiento óptimo de la persona. Comprende un conjunto de cualidades orientadas al desarrollo del potencial del individuo. La Escala de Salud Mental Positiva es uno de los instrumentos más utiliza-dos paraevaluarlo, sin embargo, los antecedentes señalan inconsistencias respecto a su estructura interna. El objetivo del presente estudio fue anali-zar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Salud Mental Positiva en Arequipa-Perú. Participaron 3933 personas, 50.3% fueron mujeres y 49.7% fueron varones, incluyendo desde adolescentes hasta adultos mayores. La evaluación mediante AFC de la estructura original evidenció índices de ajuste pobres, por lo que se tuvo que evaluar la dimensionalidad y proponer unanueva estructura. Para lo cual, se dividió a la muestra (n1= 1966 y n2= 1967). En la primera, se aplicó un AFE y en la segunda se valida mediante un AFC. Se hallaron tres factores y se concluye que tiene un buen ajuste (χ2(431) = 2473.378; CFI= .959; TLI= .956, RMSEA= .049; SRMR= .051). La consistencia interna mostró valores mayores a .81. Finalmente, se evaluó la equivalencia de la medición según el sexo, hallando que el instru-mento presenta invarianza de la medición.(AU)

Positive mental health is a complex construct that is related to the optimal functioning of the person. It comprises a set of qualities aimed at the development of the individual's potential. The Positive Mental Health Scale is one of the most used instruments to evaluate it, however, the antecedents indicate inconsistencies regarding its internal structure. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Positive Mental Health Scale in Arequipa-Peru. 3,933 people partici-pated, 50.3% were women and 49.7% were men, including from adoles-cents to the elderly. The evaluation by CFA ofthe original structure showed poor fit indices, so the dimensionality had to be evaluated and a new structure had to be proposed. For which the sample is divided (n1= 1,966 and n2= 1,967). In the first, an EFA was applied and in the second, it is validated by means of a CFA. Three factors were found and it is con-cluded that it has a good fit (χ2(431) = 2,473.378; CFI= .959; TLI= .956, RMSEA= .049; SRMR= .051). The internal consistency showed values greater than .81. Finally, the equivalence of the measurement according to sex was evaluated, finding that the instrument presents measurement invariance.(AU)

Clinical utility of Phototest via teleneuropsychology in Chilean rural older adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for neuropsychological care for older adults with memory complaints in different contexts, including rural areas or areas with difficult access. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the clinical utility of the Phototest, through telemedicine, to identify mild cognitive impairment in rural older adults with memory complaints, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, case-control, and clinical utility comparison of brief cognitive tests (BCTs). The sample included 111 rural elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 130 healthy controls from the Los Lagos region, Chile. The instruments adopted were modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEm) and adapted version of the Phototest (PT) for Chile. Results: To identify mild cognitive impairment, using a cutoff score of 27-28 points, the Phototest showed a sensitivity of 96.6% and a specificity of 81.8%; indicators superior to those of the MMSEm. Conclusions: The Phototest is more accurate than the MMSEm in identifying cognitive alterations in rural older adults with cognitive memory complaints through telemedicine. Therefore, its use in primary care is recommended in order to perform early detection of preclinical cognitive alterations in mild cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative diseases.

A pandemia de COVID-19 mostrou a necessidade de cuidados neuropsicológicos para adultos idosos com queixas de memória em diferentes contextos, incluindo áreas rurais ou áreas de difícil acesso. Objetivo: Analisar a utilidade clínica do Phototest, por meio da telemedicina, para identificar uma leve deficiência cognitiva em adultos idosos rurais com queixas de memória, durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Realizamos uma comparação transversal, caso-controle e utilidade clínica dos testes cognitivos breves. Amostra: Cento e onze idosos rurais com deficiência cognitiva leve (DCL) e 130 controles saudáveis da região de Los Lagos, Chile. Instrumentos: Minimental modificado (MMSEm) e versão do teste fotográfico (PT) adaptada para o Chile. Resultados: Para identificar a DCL, usando pontuação de corte de 27-28 pontos, o Phototest mostrou sensibilidade de 96,6% e especificidade de 81,8%; indicadores superiores aos do MMSEm. Conclusões: O Phototest é mais preciso que o MMSEm para identificar, por meio da telemedicina, alterações cognitivas em adultos idosos rurais com queixas de memória cognitiva. Sendo assim, seu uso na atenção primária é recomendado para realizar a detecção precoce de alterações cognitivas pré-clínicas em DCL ou doenças neurodegenerativas.

Prevalence of Dementia and Associated Factors among Older Adults in Latin America during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on cognitive health in Latin American older adults, increasing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence of dementia and the associated factors in Latin American older adults during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: A multicentric first phase cross-sectional observational study was conducted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Five thousand two hundred and forty-five Latin American adults over 60 years of age were studied in 10 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. We used the telephone version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the "Alzheimer Disease 8" scale for functional and cognitive changes, and the abbreviated version of the Yesavage depression scale. We also asked for sociodemographic and lockdown data. All the evaluation was made by telephone. Cross-tabulations and χ2 tests were used to determine the variability of the prevalence of impairment by sociodemographic characteristics and binary logistic regression to assess the association between dementia and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS: We observed that the prevalence of dementia in Latin America is 15.6%, varying depending on the country (Argentine = 7.83 and Bolivia = 28.5%). The variables most associated with dementia were race and age. It does not seem to be associated with the pandemic but with social and socio-health factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dementia shows a significant increase in Latin America, attributable to a constellation of ethnic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.

Literacy Level and Executive Control in Healthy Older Peruvian Adults.

Introduction: Early-life educational experiences are associated with cognitive performance in aging. Early literacy seems to improve executive control mechanisms, however, it is not clear whether early education would still be an advantage in countries like Peru, where access to and quality of education is highly variable. Aim: Our objective was to analyze the association of literacy level with executive control factors. Method: We evaluated 93 healthy older adults with a clinical protocol that included the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Geriatric Depression Scale and Global Dementia Staging. We also used a neuropsychological executive function battery which included the Trail-Making Test parts A and B, the Stroop Test, phonological and semantic verbal fluency tasks, Forward and Backward Digits, Numbers and Letters of the Wechsler Scale, and the Go/No-Go task. We used a principal component analysis for the dimensional reduction of the variables. To measure the level of literacy we used the word accentuation test (WAT). Results: We observed statistically significant correlations between the principal components (PCs) of working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control with the WAT scores. Furthermore, we observed that processing speed and WAT predict the scores on PCs factors better than years of education and age. Conclusions: Literacy level correlates more closely with better cognitive performance than years of education and thus, might improve executive control factors that could compensate and protect against brain changes in cognitive decline and dementia.

[GAD-7 Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale in Colombian medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: construct validity and reliability]. / Escala de ansiedad generalizada GAD-7 en profesionales médicos colombianos durante pandemia de COVID-19: validez de constructo y confiabilidad.

Introduction: The detection of anxiety symptoms among health workers who care for patients infected with COVID-19 is a current priority. Fast and valid instruments are required for this population group. The objective is to establish the construct validity and reliability of the Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale in Colombian doctors during the COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: E-health study, in which cross-sectional data were collected online (n=1,030) from 610 COVID doctors and 420 non-COVID doctors, during the Colombian lockdown, between 20 April and 10 August 2020. Each subject was contacted, and they confirmed their participation, identity and professional role.Results: A single factor factorial structure was found, made up of the 7 items of the instrument, which managed to explain 70% of the variance. The goodness of fit indices (RMSEA = 0.080; CFI = 0.995; SRMR = 0.053; p <0.001) showed an "acceptable" unidimensionality and adequate factor loadings in each item of the GAD-7, >0.070. Finally, the internal consistency of the instrument was good, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.920 (95%IC, 8.80-9.71).Conclusions: The GAD-7 is an instrument that presents adequate indicators of validity and reliability. It is an excellent tool that is reliable and easy and fast to use for the detection of generalised anxiety symptoms in medical personnel caring (or not) for patients infected with COVID-19.