Cognitive impairment in long-COVID and its association with persistent dysregulation in inflammatory markers.

Objective: To analyze the potential impact of sociodemographic, clinical and biological factors on the long-term cognitive outcome of patients who survived moderate and severe forms of COVID-19. Methods: We assessed 710 adult participants (Mean age = 55 ± 14; 48.3% were female) 6 to 11 months after hospital discharge with a complete cognitive battery, as well as a psychiatric, clinical and laboratory evaluation. A large set of inferential statistical methods was used to predict potential variables associated with any long-term cognitive impairment, with a focus on a panel of 28 cytokines and other blood inflammatory and disease severity markers. Results: Concerning the subjective assessment of cognitive performance, 36.1% reported a slightly poorer overall cognitive performance, and 14.6% reported being severely impacted, compared to their pre-COVID-19 status. Multivariate analysis found sex, age, ethnicity, education, comorbidity, frailty and physical activity associated with general cognition. A bivariate analysis found that G-CSF, IFN-alfa2, IL13, IL15, IL1.RA, EL1.alfa, IL45, IL5, IL6, IL7, TNF-Beta, VEGF, Follow-up C-Reactive Protein, and Follow-up D-Dimer were significantly (p<.05) associated with general cognition. However, a LASSO regression that included all follow-up variables, inflammatory markers and cytokines did not support these findings. Conclusion: Though we identified several sociodemographic characteristics that might protect against cognitive impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data do not support a prominent role for clinical status (both during acute and long-stage of COVID-19) or inflammatory background (also during acute and long-stage of COVID-19) to explain the cognitive deficits that can follow COVID-19 infection.

Personality Characteristics of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorder from a Maternal Perspective: A Brief Report.

The present study assessed the personality characteristics of children and adolescents with anxiety disorder from a maternal perspective. A total of 48 children and adolescents aged between 8 and 17 years participated in this study, which was organized as follows: a clinical group (24 children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and their respective mothers) and a control group (24 children and adolescents without psychiatric diagnosis and their mothers). The participants were submitted to the WASI, CBCL, MASC-2, and EPQ-J tests and their mothers to the SRQ-20 and PIC-2 tests. The results showed higher rates of internalizing symptoms in the clinical group. In addition, patients showed less interest in hobbies, less adherence to social organizations, impairment in social activities, and commitment to school performance compared to the control group. There was a positive correlation between the mothers' symptoms and each of the following PIC-2 domains: somatic concern (p < 0.01) and psychological discomfort (p < 0.01). In conclusion, youths with AD showed a withdrawn and reserved personality profile, involving distrust of impulses and avoidance of interactions with peers. Furthermore, psychoemotional problems of mothers adversely influenced the perception followed by anxiety and adjustment characteristics. More studies are needed to assess the maternal personality in youths with anxiety.

Psychological demands of health professionals in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Recent literature emphasizes how the specific stressors of the COVID-19 outbreak affect the general population and frontline professionals, including those conducting support or backup activities in health units, which can lead to vicarious traumatization. Vicarious traumatization has been used to describe negative emotional reactions in mental health professionals who assist or treat victims of traumatic events. Thus, the aim of this article is to report the actions used in the face of the psychological demands of professionals in a hospital, who were not on the frontline of COVID-19. We collected their sociodemographic information and checked the psychological impact using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21), which was followed by a psychoeducational program (topics related to COVID-19 control and prevention), and individual psychological care for the most severe cases. A total of 118 professionals participated in this study; they were between 20 and 67 years old. Mild to moderate anxiety was observed in 36.5% of the medical teams, 83.3% of the administrative staff, and 65.7% of general service workers, while stress symptoms were observed in 80.2%, 83.3%, and 59.9%, respectively. Depressive symptoms (35.3%) were more frequent in general service workers. The medical teams reported the benefits of primary psychological care, while the other professionals demanded more institutional support services related to the prevention and use of personal protective equipment. This study highlights relevant psychological demands that have repercussions on the daily lives of professionals. The psychoeducational program was considered positive regarding clarification actions. However, it was not perceived as effective in reducing fear, which may result from vicarious traumatization and requires other intervention modalities.

Protocols for Psychological Assessment of Recidivism and Dangerousness: a systematic review of the Brazilian scientific production / Protocolos de Avaliação Psicológica de Reincidência e Periculosidade: uma revisão sistemática da produção científica brasileira

The psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness aims to provide subsidies to legal operators on the possibility of an individual to repeat criminal offenses. In the present study, a systematic review of Portuguese-language articles was carried out in the "SciELO", "Lilacs" and "Periódicos Capes" databases to identify available instruments to carry out this assessment in Brazilian populations and their predictive capacity. It was found that the Brazilian scientific production is too scarce, only nine empirical studies have been published on the subject and only one instrument with this objective is suitable for use in forensic practice. Six other instruments have been studied, but none are suitable for practical implementation. These results point to the need for scientific production on psychological assessment of recidivism and dangerousness to provide psychologists with the necessary instruments for their performance in Legal Psychology.

A avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade tem por objetivo fornecer subsídios aos operadores do Direito sobre a possibilidade de um indivíduo reincidir. No presente trabalho foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos em português nas bases de dados "SciELO", "Lilacs" e "Periódicos Capes" para identificar instrumentos disponíveis para realizar esta avaliação em populações brasileiras e qual a sua capacidade preditiva. Descobriu-se que a produção científica brasileira é demasiado escassa, apenas nove trabalhos empíricos foram publicados no tema e somente um instrumento com este objetivo está apto para uso na prática profissional. Seis outros instrumentos foram estudados, mas nenhum está apto para utilização na prática. Estes resultados apontam a necessidade de produção científica sobre avaliação psicológica de reincidência e periculosidade para munir psicólogos com os instrumentos necessários para sua atuação nesta área da Psicologia Jurídica.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned.

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.

Personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: We examined the association between personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse (SA). Methods: Sixty-two (62) boys were divided into two groups: 32 (Victims of SA group, age 11.7±1.28) and 30 non-victims of SA (Comparison group, age 11.6±1.22). All participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-J) and the Parenting Styles Inventory (PSI). The intelligence quotient (IQ) was also assessed. Results: Both groups did not differ in terms of IQ. In the SA group, men (97%) were the biggest abusers, 85% of the parents were divorced and the father was the biggest aggressor (44%). The SA victims had higher neuroticism (p <0.001) and identified riskier parental practices, while the comparison group reported good parental practices (p<0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that higher negative paternal parental style scores increase the chance of belonging to the victims group. Discussion: Victims of SA present a higher risk of neuroticism and perception of dysfunctional family dynamics, with seriously reversed social roles. Further studies are needed to investigate the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, personality and parental styles, and the development of psychological intervention programs and other professional practices for victims of SA and their families in various contexts of violence.

Is All Psychiatry Forensic? Association between Mental Disorders and Legal Proceedings

ABSTRACT Background: Psychiatric disorders cause significant impact to the individual, leading to lack of productivity and involvement with the legal system. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the association of mental disorders and an individuals' odds of involvement with the legal system Methods: Through a descriptive cross-sectional study, 126 patients selected according to convenience sampling were interviewed for the study on their appointment days at University of São Paulo School of Medicine hospital. They were divided into a case group (n = 63) with patients from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychiatry and a control group (n = 63), with patients from the outpatient clinic of Department of Internal Medicine. These patients were asked to answer a questionnaire on sociodemographic information, age, medical diagnosis, and legal proceedings as related to their diagnoses. Results: We found high difference between the groups, in longer absences 57.10% of psychiatric patients, with only 33.3% in clinical group. This difference also appears in the requirement for forensic medical exams - 65.1% of psychiatric patients versus 44.4% of clinical patients. Discussion: This data clearly shows that involvement of psychiatric patients in legal matters is quite common, and therefore it is increasingly important for psychiatrists to be aware of legal implications when evaluating their patients.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.

Adaptação transcultural do instrumento de avaliação de desempenho em tarefas rotineiras Routine Task Inventory - Extended (RTI-E) para uso com idosos com demência no Brasil / Cross-cultural adaptation of functioning evaluation Routine Task Inventory - Extended (RTI-E) for use in elderly people with dementia in Brazil

Resumo Objetivo Realizar a adaptação transcultural do Routine Task Inventory-Expanded para uso com idosos com demência no Brasil. Método Estudo de adaptação transcultural de instrumento de avaliação, seguindo diretrizes reconhecidas para tradução, retrotradução e comitê de especialistas. Pré-teste realizado com 10 sujeitos idosos sem prejuízos cognitivos. Estudo de confiabilidade (concordância entre avaliadores e análise de consistência interna) realizado com sujeitos idosos com e sem demência (n=26). Resultados A tradução inicial foi revista para não alterar o construto do instrumento. A partir da revisão por especialistas e do pré-teste identificou-se necessidade de ajustes nos itens C.Banho, G.Uso de telefone e H.Uso de equipamentos adaptativos para conferir maior clareza à compreensão dos itens. O instrumento apresentou consistência interna α= 0,813 ABVD/autorrelato a α=0,966, AVD/cuidador e confiabilidade entre avaliadores ICC (IC95%) de 0,987 em AIVD a 1,000 em comunicação. Conclusão Alcançou-se a adaptação transcultural do Routine Task Inventory- Expanded mantendo sua equivalência em relação ao instrumento original.

Abstract Objective Cross-cultural adaptation of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded assessment for use in Brazil. Method This cross-cultural adaptation study of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded followed translation, back-translation, and expert committee review guidelines. The pre-test was performed with 10 elderly subjects with no cognitive impairment. The reliability study (agreement between evaluators and internal consistency) was executed with elderly subjects with and without dementia (n=26). Results The initial translation was revised to preserve the instrument's construct. Adjustments were made to task C. Bathing, task G. Use of the telephone, and task H. Use adaptive equipment to clarify the meaning of items. The instrument showed internal consistency α= 0.813 ADL/self-report to α=0.966, ADL/caregiver, and reliability between ICC evaluators (95%IC) from 0.987 in IADL to 1.000 in communication. Conclusion The cross-cultural adaptation of the Routine Task Inventory-Expanded was achieved, maintaining equivalency to the original instrument and providing a new instrument to assess cognitive functional abilities of elderly individuals living with dementia in routine daily living activities for use in Brazil.

The effects of parental depression and anxiety on child behavior from 6 to 12 years old: a review

ABSTRACT Background: Parental depression and anxiety are relevant factors that may influence child externalizing and internalizing behavior; also influenced by stigmatized knowledge about such mental illnesses. Objectives: To identify which instruments were used in studies on the effects of parental depression and anxiety on child behavior from 6 to 12 years old; to analyze the main results in offspring's behaviors on articles published between 2011 to 2019. Methods: we did a literature review searching PubMed, BVS, ISI, and Scopus databases; keywords: "Maternal Depression", "Maternal Anxiety", "Paternal Depression", "Paternal Anxiety", "Mother's (also Mothers') Depression", "Mother's (also Mothers') Anxiety", "Father's (also Fathers') Depression", "Father's (also Fathers') Anxiety", "Parental Depression", "Parental Anxiety" AND "Child Behavior", in Portuguese and English. Results: We found 1,500 articles, after applying the inclusion criteria, n = 23 were selected and analyzed. 78.3% of studies were performed with mothers, 17.4% with both parents, and 0% with fathers alone. Different instruments were used to assess depression or anxiety in parents, and child behavior. Discussion: studies that included both parents and parental anxiety assessments were scarce; no study in this review evaluated only fathers. Social abilities, personality traits, self-conceptions, and knowledge about anxiety and depression could enhance the quality of studies' results.

Pragmatic Language and Schizophrenia: Interpretation of Metaphors

ABSTRACT Background: Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder with significant cognitive deficits, which are considered structural markers for the disease. Language disturbances have an important role in patients' social functioning and interpersonal relationships. Objectives: Evaluate the capacity to understand pragmatic language in schizophrenic patients, through the comprehension of non-literal meaning in metaphors and the ability to use contextual clues to better understand their meanings. Methods: Thirty patients were evaluated using Abbreviated Intelligence Scale (WASI), Interpretation of Metaphors subtest of the Montreal Communication Evaluation Battery (MAC). Results: The linear regression model showed that schizophrenic patients presented below average performance in the interpretation of metaphors task, with tendency to concrete interpretations. Variables such as IQ, WASI Vocabulary subtest and years since onset influenced the patients' pragmatic language skills. This relation was not found for family history. Existence of the metaphor in native colloquial language (Portuguese) and being given alternatives to choose from, enhanced patients' performance. Discussion: Results corroborate findings regarding this population's difficulties in the language cognitive domain. Development of interventions aiming comprehension of pragmatic language could help ease patients' social difficulties, especially if started early at onset. Also, better understanding of this deficit can help create rehabilitation strategies.

Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: pilot study.

Studies suggest that the engagement of aged participants in cognitive stimulation programs can reduce expected cognitive decline associated with age. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of memory training (MT) associated with three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) in the elderly. METHODS: Forty-four participants (>60 years of age) were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups: experimental (EG; n=22) and comparative (CG; n=22). Both groups performed 12 one-hour MT sessions, twice a week, consisting of specific computerized stimuli associated with teaching of mnemonic strategies; 10 minutes of NT was part only of the EG's sessions. In pre- and post-training periods, both groups were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, neuropsychological assessment, as well as a specific measure offered by NT. RESULTS: Both groups benefited from the MT and reported more positive feelings regarding their memory and quality of life. However, the EG obtained better results in tests consistent with the strategies trained and which involved attentional resources, reaction time, visual processing speed, episodic, semantic, subjective and working memory as well as aspects of social cognition. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the combination of MT and 3D-MOT contributed for a better cognitive performance in the EG. Thus, the results of the present study encourage further research and the development of combined cognitive interventions for the elderly population with and without cognitive deficits.

Estudos sugerem que o envolvimento de idosos em programas de estimulação cognitiva pode reduzir o declínio cognitivo esperado associado à idade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de um treinamento de memória (TM) associado a um estímulo visuoespacial tridimensional (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) em idosos. MÉTODO: Quarenta e quatro participantes (>60 anos) foram recrutados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental (GE; n=22) e comparativo (GC; n=22). Ambos os grupos realizaram 12 sessões do TM de uma hora, duas vezes por semana, consistindo em estímulos computadorizados específicos associados ao ensino de estratégias mnemônicas; apenas nas sessões do GE foram utilizados 10 minutos com o NT. Nos períodos pré- e pós-treinamento, ambos os grupos foram avaliados por meio de questionário sociodemográfico, avaliação neuropsicológica e medidas cognitivas específicas do NT. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos se beneficiaram do TM e relataram sentimentos mais positivos em relação à memória e à qualidade de vida. No entanto, o GE obteve melhores resultados em testes consistentes com as estratégias treinadas e que envolviam recursos atencionais, tempo de reação, velocidade de processamento visual, memória episódica, semântica, subjetiva e de trabalho, além de aspectos da cognição social. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que a combinação do TM e 3D-MOT contribuiu para um melhor desempenho cognitivo no GE. Dessa forma, os resultados do presente estudo incentivam novas pesquisas e o desenvolvimento de intervenções cognitivas combinadas para a população idosa com e sem déficits cognitivos.

Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: pilot study / Treinamento de memória combinado com estímulo visuoespacial em 3D melhora o desempenho cognitivo em idosos: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT. Studies suggest that the engagement of aged participants in cognitive stimulation programs can reduce expected cognitive decline associated with age. Objective: To evaluate the effects of memory training (MT) associated with three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) in the elderly. Methods: Forty-four participants (>60 years of age) were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups: experimental (EG; n=22) and comparative (CG; n=22). Both groups performed 12 one-hour MT sessions, twice a week, consisting of specific computerized stimuli associated with teaching of mnemonic strategies; 10 minutes of NT was part only of the EG's sessions. In pre- and post-training periods, both groups were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, neuropsychological assessment, as well as a specific measure offered by NT. Results: Both groups benefited from the MT and reported more positive feelings regarding their memory and quality of life. However, the EG obtained better results in tests consistent with the strategies trained and which involved attentional resources, reaction time, visual processing speed, episodic, semantic, subjective and working memory as well as aspects of social cognition. Conclusions: This study showed that the combination of MT and 3D-MOT contributed for a better cognitive performance in the EG. Thus, the results of the present study encourage further research and the development of combined cognitive interventions for the elderly population with and without cognitive deficits.

RESUMO. Estudos sugerem que o envolvimento de idosos em programas de estimulação cognitiva pode reduzir o declínio cognitivo esperado associado à idade. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um treinamento de memória (TM) associado a um estímulo visuoespacial tridimensional (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) em idosos. Método: Quarenta e quatro participantes (>60 anos) foram recrutados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental (GE; n=22) e comparativo (GC; n=22). Ambos os grupos realizaram 12 sessões do TM de uma hora, duas vezes por semana, consistindo em estímulos computadorizados específicos associados ao ensino de estratégias mnemônicas; apenas nas sessões do GE foram utilizados 10 minutos com o NT. Nos períodos pré- e pós-treinamento, ambos os grupos foram avaliados por meio de questionário sociodemográfico, avaliação neuropsicológica e medidas cognitivas específicas do NT. Resultados: Ambos os grupos se beneficiaram do TM e relataram sentimentos mais positivos em relação à memória e à qualidade de vida. No entanto, o GE obteve melhores resultados em testes consistentes com as estratégias treinadas e que envolviam recursos atencionais, tempo de reação, velocidade de processamento visual, memória episódica, semântica, subjetiva e de trabalho, além de aspectos da cognição social. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que a combinação do TM e 3D-MOT contribuiu para um melhor desempenho cognitivo no GE. Dessa forma, os resultados do presente estudo incentivam novas pesquisas e o desenvolvimento de intervenções cognitivas combinadas para a população idosa com e sem déficits cognitivos.

Psychological evaluation of children victims of sexual abuse: development of a protocol.

Sexual abuse (SA) is associated with significant psychological problems in childhood, making it increasingly important to develop evaluation protocols. This study examined clinical aspects and cognitive measures of 49 children (24 with SA history and 25 controls). It employed a SA assessment questionnaire, clinical evaluations of posttraumatic stress disorder, risk indicators and neuropsychological tests in order to elaborate a specific forensic psychological evaluation protocol for this population. Conflicting couples (80%), separated parents (68%) and parents' alcohol/drug abuse (76%) were revealed as major risk factors. Fathers represented the primary perpetrator (24%). The main cognitive complaint was difficulty concentrating. Regarding the association between clinical and cognitive variables, it was observed that children who were anxious or referred to having fear, difficulties with operational memory and difficulty sleeping, had more trouble performing tasks that required attention and memory (operational, immediate and late). Children with SA history demonstrated inferior performance in visual attention/task switching and memory; with an emphasis in the loss of set in the Wisconsin test. The findings suggest the possibility of a primary attention deficit in children with SA history, possibly influencing the performance of other cognitive functions.

Personality traits and risky behavior among motorcyclists: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Personality traits have been associated with a series of dysfunctional behaviors, ranging from violence to drug abuse and other risky behaviors. However, few studies have investigated motorcycle riders' personality traits, and no research using the psychobiological model of personality was found. Thus, we investigated the association between temperament and character traits and the occurrence of Motorcycle Accidents (MAs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected of 153 Brazilian motorcycle riders (116 male and 37 female) with a mean age of 31.8randomly selected from the driver's license register, between 2015 and 2018. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were used. RESULTS: Of the 153 participants, 146 (95.4%) reported having been involved in previous accidents, with the main causes as follows: "other drivers' careless behavior" (34.9%); "personal disrespect of traffic rules" (18.5%) and "personal careless behavior" (20.6%). Motorcyclists exhibited higher scores for the temperament factors of novelty seeking and persistence and lower scores for harm avoidance and reward dependence in comparison to the Brazilian population). Considering the reason for motorcycle use, the group of riders that used their motorcycles for work exhibited more temperament factors associated with risk behaviors than those who did not. It was observed that 68.9% of them had low Harm Avoidance (HA) factor scores, whereas 72.1% had high Novelty Seeking (NS) factor scores. DISCUSSION: The present study highlighted the influences of different personality traits on behaviors, decision-making and risk attitudes that can be potentially harmful to an individual and others. The results provided evidence that a lack of knowledge and experience in riding a motorcycle or any other vehicle, combined with personality traits, contribute to the adoption of risky behaviors that may act as triggers for most causes of Motorcycle Accidents.

Effect of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of the elderly A pilot project.

According to the WHO, by 2025 Brazil will be ranked sixth in the world in terms of proportion of elderly in the population. Within this scope, cognition plays a central role in the aging process, having an important association with quality of life, which suggests the need to develop intervention programs, such as cognitive training. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a program of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of elderly people. METHODS: Thirty-eight elderly subjects completed the three-step protocol: 1) Survey of demographic data and evaluation of cognition by a neuropsychological battery and of self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), prior to training; 2) Participation in twelve cognitive stimulation workshops; and 3) Cognitive evaluation and RSS after the training. RESULTS: Results showed that the use of training produced positive effects on cognitive test performance of the elderly with and without cognitive impairment. By extension, this demonstrates positive impact on their self-esteem. CONCLUSION: These findings encourage investment in cognitive stimulation programs as a resource for improved cognition and quality of life for the elderly. Subjective cognitive complaint may have served as a predictor of decreased self-esteem; therefore, as training improved cognition, it also improved self-esteem.

Segundo a OMS, em 2025 o Brasil ficará em sexto lugar no ranking mundial em termos de proporção de idosos na população. Nesse âmbito, a cognição desempenha um papel central no processo de envelhecimento, tendo uma importante associação com a qualidade de vida, o que sugere a necessidade de desenvolver programas de intervenção, como o treinamento cognitivo. OBJETIVO: Determinar os efeitos de um programa de oficinas de estimulação cognitiva na autoestima e cognição de idosos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e oito idosos completaram o protocolo de três etapas: 1) Levantamento de dados demográficos e avaliação da cognição por uma bateria neuropsicológica e de autoestima utilizando a Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSS), antes do treinamento; 2) Participação em doze oficinas de estimulação cognitiva; e 3) Avaliação cognitiva e RSS após o treinamento. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que o uso de treinamento produziu efeitos positivos no desempenho do teste cognitivo de idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo. Por extensão, isso demonstra um impacto positivo em sua autoestima. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados encorajam o investimento em programas de estimulação cognitiva como um recurso para melhorar a cognição e a qualidade de vida dos idosos. Queixa cognitiva subjetiva pode ter servido como um preditor de diminuição da autoestima; portanto, como o treinamento melhorou a cognição, também melhorou a autoestima.

Effect of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of the elderly: a pilot project / Efeito das oficinas de estimulação cognitiva na autoestima e cognição do idoso: um projeto piloto

ABSTRACT According to the WHO, by 2025 Brazil will be ranked sixth in the world in terms of proportion of elderly in the population. Within this scope, cognition plays a central role in the aging process, having an important association with quality of life, which suggests the need to develop intervention programs, such as cognitive training. Objective: To determine the effects of a program of cognitive stimulation workshops on the self-esteem and cognition of elderly people. Methods: Thirty-eight elderly subjects completed the three-step protocol: 1) Survey of demographic data and evaluation of cognition by a neuropsychological battery and of self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS), prior to training; 2) Participation in twelve cognitive stimulation workshops; and 3) Cognitive evaluation and RSS after the training. Results: Results showed that the use of training produced positive effects on cognitive test performance of the elderly with and without cognitive impairment. By extension, this demonstrates positive impact on their self-esteem. Conclusion: These findings encourage investment in cognitive stimulation programs as a resource for improved cognition and quality of life for the elderly. Subjective cognitive complaint may have served as a predictor of decreased self-esteem; therefore, as training improved cognition, it also improved self-esteem.

RESUMO Segundo a OMS, em 2025 o Brasil ficará em sexto lugar no ranking mundial em termos de proporção de idosos na população. Nesse âmbito, a cognição desempenha um papel central no processo de envelhecimento, tendo uma importante associação com a qualidade de vida, o que sugere a necessidade de desenvolver programas de intervenção, como o treinamento cognitivo. Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos de um programa de oficinas de estimulação cognitiva na autoestima e cognição de idosos. Métodos: Trinta e oito idosos completaram o protocolo de três etapas: 1) Levantamento de dados demográficos e avaliação da cognição por uma bateria neuropsicológica e de autoestima utilizando a Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSS), antes do treinamento; 2) Participação em doze oficinas de estimulação cognitiva; e 3) Avaliação cognitiva e RSS após o treinamento. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que o uso de treinamento produziu efeitos positivos no desempenho do teste cognitivo de idosos com e sem comprometimento cognitivo. Por extensão, isso demonstra um impacto positivo em sua autoestima. Conclusão: Estes resultados encorajam o investimento em programas de estimulação cognitiva como um recurso para melhorar a cognição e a qualidade de vida dos idosos. Queixa cognitiva subjetiva pode ter servido como um preditor de diminuição da autoestima; portanto, como o treinamento melhorou a cognição, também melhorou a autoestima.

Cognitive impact in children with "benign" childhood focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Abstract Background Cognitive alterations are associated with benign childhood focal epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS) including aspects of executive functions. Objectives This study presents the performance profile on attention and executive function tests of fifty-eight children (BCECTS, n = 30 and controls, n = 28) aged 8-13 years. Methods The following tools were employed: Vocabulary and Block Design subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III, Stroop Test, Modified Card Sorting Test, Controlled Oral Word Association - FAS and Tower of London. Results Children with BCECTS presented average IQ measure, although their performance was statistically worse when compared to the control group. Children with BCECTS showed significantly lower performance compared to the control group in the following variables: total number of recollected words on the oral fluency test, total number of categories, categorization effect and total number of errors in MCST; and execution time for the Stroop Test Card 1. After controlling for the IQ effect, the total number of errors in the MCST did not show any significant difference between the groups. Discussion Children with BCECTS showed lower performance in attention and executive functions when compared to healthy children. The results suggest that the concept of "benign" BCECTS should be reconsidered.