Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old.

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Effects of Socio-Familial Behavior on Sleep Quality Predictive Risk Factors in Individuals under Social Isolation.

Social confinement involves a series of temporary changes in the habits and lifestyles of individuals, severely affecting their regular activities and schedules and substantially modifying socio-familial behavior (SFB) and sleep quality (SQ). There is no literature reporting the effects of SFB changes on SQ during social confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak. An observational transversal research design, with group comparison and correlation methods, was used to perform the present study. The results were analyzed as follows: (1) An exploratory factor analysis (EFA); (2) A description of the sample was determined by proportions comparisons of sleep habits between the different variables of interest; and (3) A linear regression model was analyzed to explore the predictive association of the negative effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on SFB and SQ. In addition to the global SFB score, two SFB factors were identified as predictors affecting the SQ, SF-Habits, and SF-Emotional scores, suggesting a close balance between daily life activities and sleep health during critical social changes. Furthermore, two main risk factors resulted from the regression analysis: economic concerns and increased alcohol consumption. Therefore, the predictive capacity of economic concerns showed statistical significance in anticipating negative sleep quality scores. Overall, this suggests that sleep quality, economic concerns, schedules, and substance use were associated with the self-perception of coping skills, elucidating the importance of fostering habits related to schedules within the home and ensuring that all family members participate.