Ascending Flaccid Paralysis Secondary to Hypokalemia in A Cancer Patient using Abiraterone - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common type of neoplasm in men and the fourth leading cause of mortality in Brazil. The prostate cancer refractory metastatic castration can be treated with abiraterone acetate (AA). CASE PRESENTATION: Its use has been associated with increased survival. However, there are also side effects associated with the use of this drug, such as severe electrolyte disturbances. CONCLUSION: The objective is to report the clinical case of a patient with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer who developed ascending flaccid paralysis secondary to severe hypokalemia, probably due to hyperaldosteronism secondary to the use of Abiraterone Acetate, despite the use of Prednisone.

Preditores clínicos de fragilidade em usuários de serviço de Atenção Secundária em Geriatria e Gerontologia / Clinical predictors of frailty in users of Secondary Care in Geriatrics and Gerontology

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os preditores de saúde associados à fragilidade na população idosa atendida em um serviço de Atenção Secundária em Geriatria e Gerontologia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal, envolvendo amostra de 4.323 indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, submetidos a avaliação clínico-funcional. Selecionou-se variáveis sociodemográficas e clínico-funcionais que foram analisadas em comparação à variável dependente do estudo: estrato clínico-funcional por meio da Escala Visual de Fragilidade de forma dicotomizada em frágil e não frágil. Foram realizadas regressões logísticas univariadas. As variáveis com valor p<0,2 foram submetidas à regressão multivariada por meio dos métodos de stepwise e forward de seleção de variáveis na equação. Resultados O valor potencial de explicação do modelo foi de 70,4%. Sete variáveis relacionaram-se à fragilidade: idade (OR 1,016; IC 95%: 1,00-1,028; p<0,001), demência (OR 5,179; IC 95%: 3,839-5,961; p<0,001), sintomatologia depressiva (OR 1,268; IC 95: 1,090-1,475; p=0,002), incontinência urinária (OR 1,330; IC 95%: 1,153-1,535; p<0,001), alterações no padrão de marcha (OR 1,483; IC 95%: 1,287-1,709; p<0,001), circunferência de panturrilha (OR 0,956; IC 95%: 0,932-0,982; p=0,001), IMC (OR 1,026; IC 95%: 1,008-1,044; p=0,005). Conclusão A idade avançada, os quadros demenciais, sintomatologia depressiva, alterações esfincterianas e da marcha associaram-se com fragilidade. Destacam-se a associação entre fragilidade com mensurações reduzidas da circunferência de panturrilha e valores aumentados de IMC e o diagnóstico de demência como a maior força de associação com a síndrome de fragilidade.

Abstract Objective To analyze the health predictors associated with frailty in the older population treated at a Secondary Care Service in Geriatrics and Gerontology, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional observational study involving a sample of 4,323 individuals aged 60 years or older that underwent a clinical-functional evaluation was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical-functional variables were analyzed and compared against the dependent variable of the study: clinical-functional stratum, as measured by the Visual Frailty Scale, dichotomized into frail and non-frail. Univariate logistic regressions were performed and the variables with p-value <0.2 were submitted to multivariate regression by stepwise and forward methods of selecting variables in the equation. Results The potential explanatory value of the model was 70.4%. Seven variables were associated with frailty: age (OR 1.016; 95%CI: 1.001-1.028; p<0.001), dementia (OR 5.179; 95%CI: 3.839-5.961; p<0.001), depressive symptoms (OR 1.268; 95%CI: 1.090-1.475; p=0.002), urinary incontinence (OR 1.330; 95%CI: 1.153-1.535; p<0.001), changes in gait speed (OR 1.483; 95%CI: 1.287-1.709; p<0.001), calf circumference (OR 0.956; 95%CI: 0.932-0.982; p=0.001), and BMI (OR 1.026; 95%CI: 1.008-1.044; p=0.005). Conclusion Advanced age, dementia, depressive symptoms, and continence and gait changes were associated with frailty. The study results reveal an association of reduced calf circumference and increased BMI values with frailty in older adults and that dementia diagnosis had the strongest association with the frailty syndrome.

Frailty in the elderly: screening possibilities in Primary Health Care / Fragilidad en el anciano: posibilidades de rastreo en la Atención Primaria de Salud / Fragilidade no idoso: possibilidades de rastreio na Atenção Primária à Saúde

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate two instruments for screening frailty in the elderly in Primary Health Care. Methods: this is an observational, cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, with 396 elderly people. SPSS software helped to perform the statistical analyses. The study used the kappa coefficient and Spearman's correlation. Results: the kappa coefficient between the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index 20 and the Edmonton Frailty Scale was 0.496, considered moderate. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.77; p < 0.001) between the frailty conditions and the total score of the two instruments. Conclusions: when this article assessed fragility through the kappa coefficient, both instruments presented positive correlation and agreement. However, the identification of frailty was higher when it used the Edmonton Frailty Scale.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar dos instrumentos de rastreo de fragilidad en el anciano en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional, del tipo transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, con 396 ancianos. Los análisis estadísticos fueron realizados con auxilio del software SPSS. Fueron usados el coeficiente kappa y la correlación de Spearman. Resultados: el coeficiente kappa entre el Índice de Vulnerabilidad Clínico Funcional 20 y la Escala de Fragilidad de Edmonton fue de 0,496, considerado moderado. Hubo correlación positiva y significante (r = 0,77; p < 0,001) entre las condiciones de fragilidad y la puntuación total de los dos instrumentos. Conclusiones: al evaluar la fragilidad, ambos los instrumentos presentaron correlación positiva y concordancia cuando verificados por el coeficiente kappa. Entretanto, la identificación de la fragilidad fue superior cuando utilizada la Escala de Fragilidad de Edmonton.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar dois instrumentos de rastreio de fragilidade no idoso na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional, do tipo transversal, com abordagem quantitativa, com 396 idosos. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com auxílio do software SPSS. Foram usados o coeficiente kappa e a correlação de Spearman. Resultados: o coeficiente kappa entre o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional 20 e a Escala de Fragilidade de Edmonton foi de 0,496, considerado moderado. Houve correlação positiva e significante (r = 0,77; p < 0,001) entre as condições de fragilidade e a pontuação total dos dois instrumentos. Conclusões: ao avaliar a fragilidade, ambos os instrumentos apresentaram correlação positiva e concordância quando verificados pelo coeficiente kappa. Entretanto, a identificação da fragilidade foi superior quando utilizada a Escala de Fragilidade de Edmonton.

HospitalElder Life Program na unidade de urgência e emergência de um hospital público universitário: um programa de intervenção multicomponente para prevenção de delirium / Modified Hospital Elder Life Program in the emergency department of a public university hospital: a multicomponent intervention program for preventing delirium

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a viabilidade da implementação de uma adaptação do Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) com a participação de cuidadores familiares em hospital público universitário. Método Estudo piloto descritivo exploratório desenvolvido com 30 pacientes internados e seus cuidadores. Os Formulários de Registro foram aplicados para identificar fatores de risco para delirium, selecionar protocolos de intervenção e acompanhar a implementação. Nível de satisfação dos participantes e barreiras para implementar o programa foram avaliados por meio de entrevistas qualitativas. Resultados secundários foram coletados dos prontuários médicos. Análise estatística descritiva foi realizada para caracterizar a amostra e análise de conteúdo foi usada para analisar dados qualitativos. Resultados A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (60%), com idade média de 74,3 anos, ensino fundamental incompleto (60%), viúvo/divorciado (56,7%) e morava com familiares (83,3%) em casa (93,3%). Haviam sido hospitalizados 56,7% no último ano e 93,3% tinham pelo menos um fator de risco para delirium. Assistência alimentar e reposição de líquidos foi o protocolo com maior adesão (96,2%) e orientação (76,5%) com menor. Os participantes ficaram satisfeitos e acreditam que o HELP contribuiu para melhorar os resultados dos pacientes. Os motivos para não realização da intervenção proposta estavam relacionados à estrutura ou organização hospitalar, ao paciente e ao acompanhante. Conclusão Nossos resultados sugerem que ter membros da família atuando como "voluntários" é uma estratégia viável para implementar o HELP. Essa estratégia pode promover sua implementação em hospitais públicos de países de baixa e média renda.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an adaptation of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) with the participation of family caregivers in a public university hospital. Method Descriptive exploratory pilot study developed with 30 hospitalized patients and their caregivers. Registration Forms were applied to identify risk factors for delirium, to select intervention protocols, and track implementation. Participants' level of satisfaction and barriers to implementing the program were assessed through qualitative interviews. Secondary results were collected from medical records. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to characterize the sample and content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Most patients were female (60%), with a mean age of 74.3 years, incomplete elementary school (60%), widowed/divorced (56.7%) and living with family members (83.3%) at home (93.3%). 56.7% had been hospitalized in the last year and 93.3% had at least one risk factor for delirium. Food assistance and fluid replacement was the protocol with the highest adherence (96.2%) and guidance (76.5%) with the lowest. Participants were satisfied and believe that HELP contributed to improving patient outcomes. The reasons for not performing the proposed intervention were related to the hospital structure or organization, the patient and the companion. Conclusion Our results suggest that having family members act as "volunteers" is a viable strategy to implement HELP. This strategy can promote its implementation in public hospitals in low and middle-income countries.

Frailty in the elderly: screening possibilities in Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate two instruments for screening frailty in the elderly in Primary Health Care. METHODS: this is an observational, cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, with 396 elderly people. SPSS software helped to perform the statistical analyses. The study used the kappa coefficient and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: the kappa coefficient between the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index 20 and the Edmonton Frailty Scale was 0.496, considered moderate. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.77; p < 0.001) between the frailty conditions and the total score of the two instruments. CONCLUSIONS: when this article assessed fragility through the kappa coefficient, both instruments presented positive correlation and agreement. However, the identification of frailty was higher when it used the Edmonton Frailty Scale.

Hipodermóclise para correção de desidratação hiperosmolar e distúrbios eletrolíticos graves: relato de caso / Hypodermoclysis for correction of hyperosmolar dehydration and severe electrolyte disturbances: a case report

O tratamento de desidratação e distúrbios eletrolíticos graves é contraindicado por meio de hipodermóclise, mas o nível de evidência da recomendação se baseia na opinião de especialistas. Descreve-se caso clínico de paciente com idade avançada, com indicação de cuidados paliativos, que evoluiu com desidratação hiperosmolar com hipernatremia grave, injúria renal aguda e hipercalemia. Tratou-se a paciente com solução hipotônica por meio da técnica de hipodermóclise, com resolução completa do quadro. Conclui-se que há necessidade de mais estudos sobre o uso da hipodermóclise para o tratamento de distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos graves.

The treatment of dehydration and severe electrolyte disturbances using hypodermoclysis is usually contraindicated, but the level of evidence for its recommendation is based on expert opinion. This case report describes an older patient receiving palliative care who developed hyperosmolar dehydration with severe hypernatremia, acute kidney injury, and hyperkalemia. She was treated with hypodermoclysis using a hypotonic solution, which led to complete resolution of the condition. In conclusion, further studies on the use of hypodermoclysis for the treatment of severe hydroelectrolytic disorders are needed.

Propriedades psicométricas do índice de vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional - 20 na atenção primária à saúde / Propiedades psicométricas del índice de vulnerabilidad clínico-funcional - 20 en atención primaria de salud / Psychometric properties of the clinical-functional vulnerability index - 20 in primary health care

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as propriedades psicométricas do Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional - 20 na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método: estudo metodológico, analítico, de abordagem quantitativa com 396 idosos. Analisado com base na Teoria de Resposta ao Item, utilizou-se o modelo logístico de dois parâmetros - dificuldade e discriminação. Foi verificada a validade de construto e validade de critério concorrente. A confiabilidade e precisão foram avaliadas pelo alfa de Cronbach e correlação bisserial. A unidimensionalidade foi verificada por meio da análise fatorial exploratória. Resultados: todos os itens apresentaram correlação bisserial positiva com a variável latente. O primeiro fator explicou 20% da variância total; os parâmetros para a validade de construto e critério concorrente foram considerados adequados. O alfa de Cronbach geral foi de 0,73. Conclusão: o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional - 20 possui qualidades psicométricas satisfatórias, sendo um instrumento válido e consistente para triagem da fragilidade no idoso na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Índice de Vulnerabilidad Clínico-Funcional - 20 en Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: estudio metodológico, analítico, con enfoque cuantitativo realizado con 396 adultos mayores. Analizado en base a la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, se utilizó el modelo logístico de dos parámetros: dificultad y discriminación. Se verificó la validez de constructo y la validez de los criterios concurrentes. La confiabilidad y precisión se evaluaron mediante el alfa de Cronbach y la correlación biserial. La unidimensionalidad se verificó mediante análisis factorial exploratorio. Resultados: todos los ítems mostraron correlación biserial positiva con la variable latente. El primer factor explicó el 20% de la varianza total; los parámetros de validez de constructo y criterios concurrentes se consideraron adecuados. El alfa de Cronbach general fue de 0,73. Conclusión: el Índice de Vulnerabilidad Clínica Funcional - 20 tiene cualidades psicométricas satisfactorias, siendo un instrumento válido y consistente para el cribado de fragilidad en personas mayores en Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the psychometric properties of the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index - 20 in Primary Health Care. Method: methodological, analytical study, with a quantitative approach with 396 elderly people. Analyzed based on the Item Response Theory, a two-parameter logistic model was used - difficulty and discrimination. Construct validity and validity of concurrent criteria were verified. Reliability and precision were assessed by Cronbach's alpha and biserial correlation. Unidimensionality was verified through exploratory factor analysis. Results: all items showed a positive biserial correlation with the latent variable. The first factor explained 20% of the total variance; the parameters for construct validity and concurrent criteria were considered adequate. The general Cronbach's alpha was 0.73. Conclusion: the Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index - 20 has satisfactory psychometric qualities, being a valid and consistent instrument for screening frailty in the elderly in Primary Health Care.

The impact of intensive care admission criteria on elderly mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the influence of admission criteria on the mortality of elderly patients under intensive therapy. METHODS: We performed a search on the PUBMED and BIREME databases by using the MeSH and DeCS terms "intensive care units", "patient admission", and "aged" in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Only prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. We analyzed the severity score, type of hospital admission, quality of life, co-morbidities, functionality, and elderly institutionalization. RESULTS: Of the 1,276 articles found, thirteen were selected after evaluation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was observed that the severity score, functionality, and co-morbidities had an impact on mortality. It was not possible to determine which severity score was more suitable. CONCLUSION: We suggest that analysis of functionality, co-morbidities, and severity scores should be conducted to estimate the elderly mortality in relation to the admission to intensive care units.

Fragilidade de idosos atendidos em ambulatório de geriatria segundo a escala visual de fragilidade / Frailty in older adults attending an outpatient geriatric clinic as measured by the visual scale of frailty

INTRODUÇÃO: Os instrumentos atualmente existentes para diagnóstico de fragilidade apresentam limitações relacionadas à incorporação exclusiva de métodos de avaliação da mobilidade, não incorporação de comorbidades e dicotomização em frágil e não frágil, prejudicando a adequada identificação do idoso frágil. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil de fragilidade da população em serviço de atenção secundária de geriatria de Belo Horizonte, Brasil, segundo a Escala Visual de Fragilidade e descrever os cinco níveis de estado de saúde aventados quanto à funcionalidade, incapacidades e comorbidades. METODOLOGIA: Foram avaliados prontuários de pacientes atendidos entre fevereiro de 2011 e fevereiro de 2014 e foi realizada a classificação desses idosos segundo a Escala Visual de Fragilidade. As análises de variáveis contínuas foram realizadas pelo teste ANOVA ou Kruskal-Wallis e, para as variáveis categóricas, o teste do χ2, por meio do Statistical Packagefor the Social Sciences (SPSS®) 19.0. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 813 prontuários, entre esses pacientes, 5,2% foram considerados como robusto, 31% sob risco de fragilização, 24,6% como frágil, 34,8% como frágil de alta complexidade e 4,4% como frágil em fase final de vida. A análise das categorias de estado de saúde demonstrou associação entre essas categorias e o maior acometimento da funcionalidade e maior presença de incapacidades e comorbidades. CONCLUSÃO: A Escala Visual de Fragilidade demonstrou ser uma importante ferramenta na avaliação do estado de saúde dos idosos e indicou elevado nível de fragilidade na população estudada

BACKGROUND: Existing instruments for the diagnosis of frailty are limited by their focus on mobility evaluation, failure to incorporate comorbidities, and dichotomous classification of patients as frail or non-frail, which hinders adequate identification of frail older adults. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frailty profile of outpatients seen at a secondary geriatric care service in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as measured by the Visual Scale of Frailty, and describe the five levels of health status proposed by this instrument in terms of function, disabilities, and comorbidities. METHODS: The medical records of patients who attended the clinic between February 2011 and February 2014 were evaluated, and the patients classified in accordance with the Visual Scale of Frailty. Continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test, and categorical variables, by the χ2 test. Analyses were performed in SPSS Version 19.0. RESULTS: A total of 813 medical records were evaluated. Among these patients, 5.2% were considered robust, 31% at risk of frailty, 24.6% as frail, 34.8% as highly complex frail, and 4.4% as frail individuals in the final stage of life. Analysis of the health status categories demonstrated an association between these categories, greater functional impairment, and greater presence of disabilities and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The Visual Scale of Frailty is a useful tool in assessing the health status of older adults and indicated a high prevalence of frailty in the studied population.

The impact of intensive care admission criteria on elderly mortality

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To review systematically the influence of admission criteria on the mortality of elderly patients under intensive therapy. METHODS We performed a search on the PUBMED and BIREME databases by using the MeSH and DeCS terms "intensive care units", "patient admission", and "aged" in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Only prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. We analyzed the severity score, type of hospital admission, quality of life, co-morbidities, functionality, and elderly institutionalization. RESULTS Of the 1,276 articles found, thirteen were selected after evaluation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was observed that the severity score, functionality, and co-morbidities had an impact on mortality. It was not possible to determine which severity score was more suitable. CONCLUSION We suggest that analysis of functionality, co-morbidities, and severity scores should be conducted to estimate the elderly mortality in relation to the admission to intensive care units.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Revisar sistematicamente a influência dos critérios de admissão na mortalidade em pacientes idosos em terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS Realizamos uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed e Bireme, utilizando os termos MeSH e DeCS "intensive care units", "patient admission" e "aged" em português, inglês e espanhol. Somente estudos de coorte prospectivos e retrospectivos foram incluídos. Foram analisados o escore de gravidade, tipo de internação hospitalar, qualidade de vida, comorbidades, funcionalidade e institucionalização do idoso. RESULTADOS Dos 1.276 artigos encontrados, 13 foram selecionados após avaliação de seus critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Observou-se que o escore de gravidade, a funcionalidade e as comorbidades tiveram impacto na mortalidade. Não foi possível determinar qual escore de gravidade foi mais adequado. CONCLUSÃO Sugerimos que a análise da funcionalidade, de comorbidades e de escores de gravidade seja realizada para estimar a mortalidade dos idosos em relação à internação em unidades de terapia intensiva.

Cuidados paliativos no atendimento público hospitalar: a importância do atendimento de pacientes jovens / Palliative care in public hospitals: significance of care for young patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o acompanhamento pela equipe de cuidados paliativos durante a internação hospitalar associa-se com o desfecho de alta hospitalar para o domicílio ou por óbito em pacientes jovens portadores de doenças crônicas incuráveis, destacando a importância no atendimento desta faixa etária. MÉ- TODOS: Foram coletados dados de 92 dos 601 prontuários do Serviço de Cuidados Paliativos de um hospital público universitário de Belo Horizonte (MG). Foram incluídos pacientes entre 18 e 45 anos portadores de doença crônica incurável. Os dados foram divididos em dois grupos: internações com desfecho de óbito e de alta domiciliar. Foram utilizados o teste qui-quadrado, o teste exato de Fisher e teste Mann-Whitney para análise das variáveis idade, sexo, diagnóstico primário, Escala de Performance Paliativa à internação e próximo à alta; indicação de internação hospitalar; indicação de encaminhamento à equipe de cuidados paliativos e indicadores de internação hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Pacientes entre 18 e 45 anos constituíram 15,3% da amostra total, com média de idade de 34 anos e predomínio do sexo feminino. Causas oncológicas representaram 94,6% dos diagnósticos. "Controle de sintomas" destacou-se em ambos os grupos como principal motivo de encaminhamento à equipe de cuidados paliativos. Na análise multivariada apenas os valores de Escala de Performance Paliativa inicial e final foram significativos para o desfecho óbito. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados reafirmam a importância do preparo profissional para reconhecimento da possibilidade de morte em jovens e a valorização dos cuidados paliativos.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the follow-up by the palliative care team during hospitalization is associated with the outcome of hospital discharge or death in young patients with chronic incurable diseases, highlighting the importance of attending this age group. METHODS: Data were collected from 92 of the 601 records of the palliative care service of a public university hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte. Patients between 18 and 45 years with an incurable chronic disease were included. Data were divided into two groups - hospitalizations with death and discharge to home. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to evaluate the following parameters: age, gender, primary diagnosis, Palliative Performance Scale at hospitalization and near medical discharge; indication of hospital admission; indication of referral to the palliative care team and hospital admission indicators. RESULTS: Patients aged between 18 and 45 years constituted 15.3% of the total sample, with a mean age of 34 years and predominance of women. Oncologic causes represented 94.6% of the diagnoses. The "control of symptoms" was highlighted in both groups as the main reason for referral to palliative care. In the multivariate analysis only the initial and final Palliative Performance Scale values were significant for the death outcome. CONCLUSION: The results reinforce the importance of professional preparation for recognition of the possibility of death in young people and valorization of palliative care.(AU)

Increased N200 and P300 latencies in cognitively impaired elderly carrying ApoE ε-4 allele.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of neuropsychological tests, evoked potentials N200 and P300 and polymorphisms of ApoE and BDNF rs6265 between patients with normal cognition and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's dementia (AD). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of elderly individuals with normal cognition and those with MCI and AD, who were submitted to evoked potential tests (N200 and P300) by means of hearing stimuli based on the auditory oddball paradigm. Genotyping was obtained by using the real-time PCR technique. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were evaluated as follows: 14 controls, 34 with MCI and 17 with AD. N200 latency and P300 latency and amplitude were not associated with MCI and AD diagnosis. Patients with cognitive impairment (MCI or AD) showed increase in the latencies of P300 and N200. BNDF gene was not associated with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Latencies of N200 and P300 increased in cognitively impaired patients with the presence of ApoE ε-4 allele.

Functional decline in the elderly with MCI: Cultural adaptation of the ADCS-ADL scale.

OBJECTIVE: Translate, transcultural adaptation and application to Brazilian Portuguese of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) scale as a cognitive screening instrument. METHOD: We applied the back translation added with pretest and bilingual methods. The sample was composed by 95 elderly individuals and their caregivers. Thirty-two (32) participants were diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 33 as Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and 30 were considered as cognitively normal individuals. RESULTS: There were only little changes on the scale. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.89. The scores were 72.9 for control group, followed by MCI (65.1) and by AD (55.9), with a p-value < 0.001. The ROC curve value was 0.89. We considered a cut point of 72 and we observed a sensibility of 86.2%, specificity of 70%, positive predictive value of 86.2%, negative predictive value of 70%, positive likelihood ratio of 2.9 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.2. CONCLUSION: ADCS-ADL scale presents satisfactory psychometric properties to discriminate between MCI, AD and normal cognition.

Functional decline in the elderly with MCI: Cultural adaptation of the ADCS-ADL scale / Declínio funcional em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve: adaptação cultural da escala ADCS-ADL

Summary Objective: Translate, transcultural adaptation and application to Brazilian Portuguese of the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) scale as a cognitive screening instrument. Method: We applied the back translation added with pretest and bilingual methods. The sample was composed by 95 elderly individuals and their caregivers. Thirty-two (32) participants were diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, 33 as Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and 30 were considered as cognitively normal individuals. Results: There were only little changes on the scale. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.89. The scores were 72.9 for control group, followed by MCI (65.1) and by AD (55.9), with a p-value < 0.001. The ROC curve value was 0.89. We considered a cut point of 72 and we observed a sensibility of 86.2%, specificity of 70%, positive predictive value of 86.2%, negative predictive value of 70%, positive likelihood ratio of 2.9 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.2. Conclusion: ADCS-ADL scale presents satisfactory psychometric properties to discriminate between MCI, AD and normal cognition.

Resumo Objetivo: Tradução, adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro e aplicação da escala Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) como instrumento de triagem cognitiva. Método: Retrotradução associada ao método bilíngue e de pré-teste. A amostra foi constituída por 95 idosos e seus respectivos acompanhantes, sendo 30 controles, 32 portadores de comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e 33 portadores de demência de Alzheimer (DA) em fase inicial. Resultados: Um pequeno número de modificações ocorreu na escala. O coeficiente alpha de Cronbach foi 0,89. O grupo controle pontuou 72,9, seguido pelo CCL (65,1) e pelo DA (55,9), valor p<0,001. A curva ROC demonstrou valor de 0,89. Com o ponto de corte de 72, observamos sensibilidade de 86,2%, especificidade de 70%, valor preditivo positivo de 86,2%, valor preditivo negativo de 70%, razão de verossimilhança positiva de 2,9 e razão de verossimilhança negativa de 0,2. Conclusão: A escala ADCS-ADL apresenta propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias para discriminar entre DA, CCL e cognição normal.

Advanced dementia in a sample of Brazilian elderly: Sociodemographic and morbidity analysis.

INTRODUCTION:: To investigate the sociodemographic and morbidity profile of advanced dementia patients and sociodemographic data of their primary caregivers. METHOD:: Data was obtained from 67 elderly recruited for an observational prospective study, through interviews performed with primary caregivers. For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS(r)) for Windowsr, version 19.0. was employed. RESULTS:: Advanced dementia patients were mostly women, widows, and non-institutionalized, with low-income. An elevated rate of stroke, sarcopenia, and pressure ulcers in this population is noted. Caregivers were mostly women, married, children of the studied patients, and unemployed. Only one third of caregivers were hired for the task. CONCLUSION:: Patients with advanced dementia present a high morbidity profile, low income, and depend on the care given by family members, mostly unemployed daughters.

Advanced dementia in a sample of Brazilian elderly: Sociodemographic and morbidity analysis / Demência avançada em uma amostra de idosos brasileiros: análise sociodemográfica e morbidades

Summary Introduction: To investigate the sociodemographic and morbidity profile of advanced dementia patients and sociodemographic data of their primary caregivers. Method: Data was obtained from 67 elderly recruited for an observational prospective study, through interviews performed with primary caregivers. For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS(r)) for Windowsr, version 19.0. was employed. Results: Advanced dementia patients were mostly women, widows, and non-institutionalized, with low-income. An elevated rate of stroke, sarcopenia, and pressure ulcers in this population is noted. Caregivers were mostly women, married, children of the studied patients, and unemployed. Only one third of caregivers were hired for the task. Conclusion: Patients with advanced dementia present a high morbidity profile, low income, and depend on the care given by family members, mostly unemployed daughters.

Resumo Objetivo: investigar o perfil sociodemográfico e de morbidade de pacientes com demência avançada e dados sociodemográficos de seus respectivos cuidadores primários. Método: foram obtidos dados de 67 idosos recrutados para um estudo observacional, prospectivo, não randomizado e não cego de pacientes em fase avançada de demência, por meio de entrevistas realizadas com os cuidadores primários. Para as análises estatísticas, foi utilizado o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSSr) para Windowsr, na versão 19.0. Resultados: a maioria dos pacientes com demência avançada é do sexo feminino, viúva, não institucionalizada e de baixa renda. Destacam-se as elevadas taxas de acidente vascular encefálico, sarcopenia e úlceras por pressão. A maioria dos cuidadores são do sexo feminino, casados, filhos do paciente e desempregados. Somente um terço dos pacientes apresenta cuidador contratado. Conclusão: os pacientes com demência avançada apresentam elevado grau de morbidades, baixa renda e são dependentes de cuidados de familiares, geralmente filhas desempregadas.

Association between DCHS2 gene and mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in an elderly Brazilian sample.

OBJECTIVES: In 2012, Kamboh and colleagues published a genome-wide association study that identified the DCHS2 gene (rs1466662 T/A) influencing the age at onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to investigate if there is association between the DCHS2 gene and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD in a sample of the Brazilian population. METHODS: 143 controls, 79 aMCI and 299 AD patients were selected and submitted to the same protocol of tests. Genotyping was performed using the Real Time PCR RESULTS: Amnestic MCI patients showed a higher prevalence of AA than controls and a lower frequency of TT when compared with controls. We also stratified the sample according to the APOE ε4 status. No difference in DCHS2 genotype or allelic frequency occurred in the APOE ε4 allele carrier subgroup. Amnestic MCI patients showed a higher frequency of AA genotype and a lower frequency of TA and TT when compared with controls in APOE ε4 allele non-carrier subgroup. The allelic distribution followed the same pattern. In AD group, we observed a significant difference with a higher A allelic frequency in AD in this subgroup. A multiple logistic regression demonstrated that in APOE ε4 non-carriers, allele rs1466662 was associated to aMCI group. Different variables were associated with aMCI and AD according to APOE ε4 status in our sample. Low level of education was associated with AD, while diabetes mellitus type 2 was associated with aMCI. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a possible role for DCHS2 gene in aMCI and AD.

Declínio funcional em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve / Functional decline in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment

Introdução: idosos com comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) manifestam dificuldades no desempenho de atividades de vida diária (AVD), contudo, existem dificuldades relacionadas à identificação e classificação das atividades comprometidas. Objetivo: avaliar se há evidência na literatura de comprometimento de AVD em idosos com CCL.Métodos: realizada revisão de literatura a partir de busca nas bases de dados PUBMEDe LILACS, com as palavras-chave: ?mild cognitive impairment? AND ?activities of daily living? e seus correlatos em português e espanhol, resultando no total de 759 publicações.Foram excluídos estudos repetidos, de revisão, validação, editoriais, guidelines,cartas ao editor e comentários. Selecionaram-se os ensaios clínicos, estudos descritivos,comparativos e coortes nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, publicados até o ano de 2012, cujo objetivo principal foi investigar AVD em idosos com CCL. Os critérios de inclusão foram preenchidos por 41 estudos para esta revisão. Resultados: foram medidas variáveis clínicas, cognitivas e funcionais. Houve variação quanto ao tamanho da amostra de indivíduos com CCL, quanto à idade (71,3 a 76,8 anos), nível de escolaridade (2,5 a 15,8 anos) e sexo dos participantes, predominando o feminino. Apenas dois estudos foram realizados no Brasil. O declínio funcional esteve presente em todos os estudos analisados e mensurado com diferentes testes padronizados e medidas não padronizadas. Conclusões: foram identificados déficits sutis em AVDs avançadas e instrumentais, que geralmente passariam despercebidos, comprometendo a qualidade de vida e constituindo-se em risco de estágio pré-demencial para demência de Alzheimer.

Introduction: elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (CCL) manifest difficulties in performing daily living activities (AVD), however, there are difficulties related to identification and classification of impaired activities. Objective: to assess whether there is evidence in the literature of AVD impairment in older adults with CCL. Methods: literature reviewbased on search in the PUBMED and LILACS databases using the keywords: ?mild cognitive impairment? AND ?activities of daily living? and their correlates in Portuguese and Spanish that resulted in 759 publications. Repeated studies, reviews, validation, editorials, and guidelines studies, and letters to the editor and commentaries were excluded. Clinicaltrials, descriptive, comparative, and cohorts studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese,published up to 2012 were selected, whose main objective was to investigate AVD in older adults with CCL. The inclusion criteria were met by 41 studies for this review. Results: clinical,cognitive, and functional variables were measured. There was variation in the sample princisize of individuals with CCL, according to age (from 71.3to 76.8 years), educational level (2.5 to 15.8 years), andgender of participants, predominantly females. Only twostudies were conducted in Brazil. The functional declinewas present in all the studies analyzed and measuredusing different standardized tests and non-standard measurements.Conclusions: subtle deficits were identified in advanced and instrumental AVDs, which usually go unnoticed, thereby compromising the quality of life and constituting a risk of pre-dementia stage to develop intoAlzheimer?s dementia.