Ulnar variance in distal radial fractures: assessment and interpretation.

We explored patterns of shortening of the distal radius and investigated the effect of displacement on 'ulnar variance' in 250 patients with distal radial fractures. A small number of patients (5%) had a fracture that resulted in true shortening. Thirty-two per cent had fractures that appeared short, but lateral radiographs revealed that the articular surface was tilted, with either the anterior or dorsal rim of the articular surface being proximal to the distal ulna but the other rim was distal to it. We recommend initial assessment of variance on lateral radiographs. If the anterior and dorsal rims of the distal radial articular surface are proximal to the distal ulna, then true shortening is present and lengthening and stabilization, to hold the radius distracted, should be considered. If only one rim is proximal to the distal ulna, then correction of the tilt will lessen the apparent positive variance.Level of evidence: IV.

Scaphoid alignment in dorsally displaced distal radial fracture: a radiographic study.

We aimed to establish if fracture reduction will correct scapholunate angle in dorsally displaced distal radial fractures and to identify the relationship with other measures of distal radial position and carpal alignment. Radiographs of 131 patients with a distal radial fracture and of 50 patients with normal radiographs were reviewed. We measured the scapholunate, radiolunate, capitolunate and metacarporadial angles on the lateral views. Linear regression modelling showed that all parameters measured were significantly associated with scapholunate angle on the first radiograph following injury. Scapholunate angle increased following distal radial fracture. Reduction of the fracture improved scapholunate angle, and this was most strongly related to change in dorsal tilt. We conclude that scaphoid flexion is likely to compensate for the dorsal tilt of the lunate as an attempt to counter its dorsal tilt, and to stabilize the wrist to maintain hand function.Level of evidence: IV.

Prospective investigation of the relationship between dorsal tilt, carpal malalignment, and capitate shift in distal radial fractures.

AIMS: Carpal malalignment after a distal radial fracture occurs due to loss of volar tilt. Several studies have shown that this has an adverse influence on function. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of dorsal tilt that leads to carpal malalignment, whether reduction of dorsal tilt will correct carpal malalignment, and which measure of carpal malalignment is the most useful. METHODS: Radiographs of patients with a distal radial fracture were prospectively collected and reviewed. Measurements of carpal malalignment were recorded on the initial radiograph, the radiograph following reduction of the fracture, and after a further interval. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and carpal malalignment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify which values of dorsal tilt led to carpal malalignment. RESULTS: A total of 250 consecutive patients with 252 distal radial fractures were identified. All measures of carpal alignment were significantly associated with dorsal tilt at each timepoint. This relationship persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and the position of the wrist. Capitate shift consistently had the strongest relationship with dorsal tilt and was the only parameter that was not influenced by age or the position of the wrist. ROC curve analysis identified that abnormal capitate shift was seen with > 9° of dorsal tilt. CONCLUSION: Carpal malalignment is related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Reducing the fracture and improving dorsal tilt will reduce carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is easy to assess visually, unrelated to age and sex, and appears to be the most useful measure of carpal malalignment. The aim during reduction of a distal radial fracture should be to realign the capitate with the axis of the radius and prevent carpal malalignment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):137-143.

UNICEF no Brasil e medicalização da infância, educação e família / UNICEF in Brazil and medicalization of childhood, education and family / UNICEF en Brasil y la medicalización de la infancia, la educación y la familia

Este artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa que teve como objetivo problematizar a medicalização nos corpos de crianças e adolescentes, no Brasil, por meio das práticas de gestão disciplinar e biopolítica do UNICEF, privilegiando a análise de saberes e poderes nos manuais prescritivos de condutas. A metodologia utilizada foi histórica genealógica, documental. Vale destacar que a medicalização tem efeitos de positividade na produção de saúde, de maneira que, em lugares e realidades onde praticamente não há cuidados básicos, não temos como negar a importância de práticas realizadas pelo UNICEF. Foucault alertava, ao tratar da medicalização, em países considerados em desenvolvimento, como seria bastante complicado fazer apenas uma crítica aos processos medicalizantes, sem realçar que eles quase não foram implantados em alguns países ou em regiões destes. No caso do Brasil, essa realidade é paradigmática; portanto, é oportuno ressaltar as disparidades desse caso e as implicações no campo dos direitos das crianças e adolescentes.

This paper presents results of research that aimed to discuss the medicalization in the bodies of children and adolescents in Brazil through the disciplinary practices of UNICEF management and biopolitics focused on the analysis of knowledge and power in prescriptive manuals of conduct. The methodology used outside historical genealogy, documentary. Note that the medicalization has positive effects on health and production in places and situations where there is practically no basic care we can not deny the importance of practices carried out by UNICEF. Foucault warned, when dealing with medicalization, as occurs in developing countries would be quite complicated to make only one criticism of medicalizing processes without highlighting that they have hardly been implemented in some countries or regions thereof. In the case of Brazil, this reality is paradigmatic; therefore, it is noteworthy disparities of this case and its implications in the field of the rights of children and adolescents.

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo discutir la medicalización de los cuerpos de los niños y adolescentes en Brasil a través de las prácticas disciplinarias de la dirección del UNICEF y de la biopolítica se centraron en el análisis del conocimiento y el poder en los manuales prescriptivos de conducta. La metodología utilizada fuera de genealogía histórica, documental. Tenga en cuenta que la medicalización tiene efectos positivos sobre la salud y la producción en lugares y situaciones en las que no hay prácticamente ninguna atención básica que no puede negar la importancia de las prácticas llevadas a cabo por UNICEF. Foucault advirtió, cuando se trata de la medicalización, como ocurre en los países en desarrollo sería muy complicado hacer una sola crítica a la medicalización de los procesos sin destacar que casi no se han aplicado en algunos países o regiones de los mismos. En el caso de Brasil, esta realidad es paradigmático; por lo tanto, es disparidades notables de este caso y sus implicaciones en el campo de los derechos de los niños y adolescentes.

UNICEF no Brasil e medicalização da infância, educação e família / UNICEF in Brazil and medicalization of childhood, education and family / UNICEF en Brasil y la medicalización de la infancia, la educación y la familia

Este artigo apresenta resultados de pesquisa que teve como objetivo problematizar a medicalização nos corpos de crianças e adolescentes, no Brasil, por meio das práticas de gestão disciplinar e biopolítica do UNICEF, privilegiando a análise de saberes e poderes nos manuais prescritivos de condutas. A metodologia utilizada foi histórica genealógica, documental. Vale destacar que a medicalização tem efeitos de positividade na produção de saúde, de maneira que, em lugares e realidades onde praticamente não há cuidados básicos, não temos como negar a importância de práticas realizadas pelo UNICEF. Foucault alertava, ao tratar da medicalização, em países considerados em desenvolvimento, como seria bastante complicado fazer apenas uma crítica aos processos medicalizantes, sem realçar que eles quase não foram implantados em alguns países ou em regiões destes. No caso do Brasil, essa realidade é paradigmática; portanto, é oportuno ressaltar as disparidades desse caso e as implicações no campo dos direitos das crianças e adolescentes.(AU)

This paper presents results of research that aimed to discuss the medicalization in the bodies of children and adolescents in Brazil through the disciplinary practices of UNICEF management and biopolitics focused on the analysis of knowledge and power in prescriptive manuals of conduct. The methodology used outside historical genealogy, documentary. Note that the medicalization has positive effects on health and production in places and situations where there is practically no basic care we can not deny the importance of practices carried out by UNICEF. Foucault warned, when dealing with medicalization, as occurs in developing countries would be quite complicated to make only one criticism of medicalizing processes without highlighting that they have hardly been implemented in some countries or regions thereof. In the case of Brazil, this reality is paradigmatic; therefore, it is noteworthy disparities of this case and its implications in the field of the rights of children and adolescents.(AU)

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo discutir la medicalización de los cuerpos de los niños y adolescentes en Brasil a través de las prácticas disciplinarias de la dirección del UNICEF y de la biopolítica se centraron en el análisis del conocimiento y el poder en los manuales prescriptivos de conducta. La metodología utilizada fuera de genealogía histórica, documental. Tenga en cuenta que la medicalización tiene efectos positivos sobre la salud y la producción en lugares y situaciones en las que no hay prácticamente ninguna atención básica que no puede negar la importancia de las prácticas llevadas a cabo por UNICEF. Foucault advirtió, cuando se trata de la medicalización, como ocurre en los países en desarrollo sería muy complicado hacer una sola crítica a la medicalización de los procesos sin destacar que casi no se han aplicado en algunos países o regiones de los mismos. En el caso de Brasil, esta realidad es paradigmático; por lo tanto, es disparidades notables de este caso y sus implicaciones en el campo de los derechos de los niños y adolescentes.(AU)

Caregivers' resilience is independent from the clinical symptoms of dementia.

Resilience is the capacity for successful adaptation when faced with the stress of adversity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between caregivers' resilience and the sociodemographic and clinical factors of people with dementia. Cross-sectional assessment of 58 people with dementia and their caregiver dyads showed that most caregivers were female adult children. The caregivers reported moderate to higher levels of resilience, lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and moderate levels of burden. Resilience was not related to the caregiver's gender (p = 0.883), nor clinical (p = 0.807) or emotional problems (p = 0.420). The regression showed that resilience was related to the caregiver's quality of life (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with their depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). There was no relationship between caregivers' resilience and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with dementia. We can assume that resilience is an individual characteristic. Support groups should also focus on the factors that may increase resilience among caregivers.

Quality of life in mild dementia: patterns of change in self and caregiver ratings over time

Objectives: To determine changes over time in self and caregiver ratings of quality of life (QoL) in people with dementia (PwD) and to identify factors associated with changes in QoL ratings. Methods: In this longitudinal study, 69 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers were assessed at baseline and after 1 year. We examined the association of QoL ratings with the following variables at the two time points: awareness of disease, cognitive status, mood, functionality, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregiver burden. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the contribution of co-factors. Results: At baseline, PwD self-ratings of QoL were associated with caregiver ratings of PwD QoL (p = 0.001). Caregiver ratings were associated with PwD mood (p = 0.001) and self-rated QoL (p = 0.001). After 1 year, caregiver ratings of PwD QoL changed significantly (p = 0.049, d = -0.27), whereas PwD self-ratings did not (p = 0.89, d = 0.09). PwD awareness of disease changed significantly (p = 0.001) at 1 year, having declined in 25.4% and improved in 12.3% of participants. PwD QoL self-ratings were associated with caregiver ratings (p = 0.001). Caregiver ratings of PwD QoL after 1 year were associated with PwD mood (p = 0.029), self-reported QoL (p = 0.001), and awareness of disease (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The association between self and caregiver ratings of PwD QoL was maintained over 1 year. The primary factors accounting for the change in caregiver ratings were PwD mood and awareness of disease. QoL and cognitive impairment seem to be relatively independent in mild dementia.

Caregivers' resilience is independent from the clinical symptoms of dementia / A resiliência dos cuidadores independe dos sintomas clínicos da demência

ABSTRACT Resilience is the capacity for successful adaptation when faced with the stress of adversity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between caregivers’ resilience and the sociodemographic and clinical factors of people with dementia. Cross-sectional assessment of 58 people with dementia and their caregiver dyads showed that most caregivers were female adult children. The caregivers reported moderate to higher levels of resilience, lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and moderate levels of burden. Resilience was not related to the caregiver’s gender (p = 0.883), nor clinical (p = 0.807) or emotional problems (p = 0.420). The regression showed that resilience was related to the caregiver’s quality of life (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with their depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). There was no relationship between caregivers’ resilience and the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with dementia. We can assume that resilience is an individual characteristic. Support groups should also focus on the factors that may increase resilience among caregivers.

RESUMO Resiliência é a capacidade de adaptação bem-sucedida, quando confrontado com o estresse da adversidade. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a relação entre a resiliência dos cuidadores e fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos de pessoas com demência. A avaliação transversal de 58 pessoas com demência e suas duplas de cuidadores, mostrou que a maioria dos cuidadores eram do sexo feminino e filhas adultas. Os cuidadores relataram níveis moderados a altos de resiliência, níveis mais baixos de ansiedade e sintomas depressivos e níveis moderados de sobrecarga. Resiliência não estava relacionada ao gênero (p = 0.883) e problemas clínicos (p = 0.807) e emocionais (p = 0.420) dos cuidadores. A regressão mostrou que a resiliência foi relacionada à qualidade de vida (p < 0,01) dos cuidadores e inversamente associada com os sintomas depressivos (p < 0,01). Não havia uma relação significativa entre a resiliência dos cuidadores e as características sociodemográficos e clínicas das pessoas com demência. Podemos supor que a resiliência é uma característica individual. Os grupos de apoio devem enfatizar os fatores que podem aumentar a resiliência entre os cuidadores.

Factors associated with caregiver burden: comparative study between Brazilian and Spanish caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

BACKGROUND: Transcultural studies regarding the comparison of levels of burden in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) from Europe and Latin America are rare. We designed this study to investigate the differentiating factors associated with burden in Brazilian and Spanish caregivers of patients with AD. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study composed by samples of outpatients with AD and their caregivers from Brazil (n = 128) and Spain (n = 146). Caregivers answered the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Patients were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale. RESULTS: In the multivariate regression analysis, high burden levels were reported in Brazil, when caregivers were female (p = 0.025) and when patients did not attend Day Care Center (p = 0.025). In Spain, high burden levels were associated with living with the patient (p = 0.014), younger caregivers (p = 0.003), and participation of patients at Day Care Center (p = 0.046). Also, different neuropsychiatric symptoms explained high burden levels: in Brazil, depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.024) and, in Spain, apathy/indifference (p < 0.001), agitation/aggression (p = 0.019) and irritability/lability (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers' gender, patients who attended Day Care Center and neuropsychiatric symptoms were differentiating factors in the burden of Brazilian and Spanish caregivers.

Quality of life in mild dementia: patterns of change in self and caregiver ratings over time.

OBJECTIVES:: To determine changes over time in self and caregiver ratings of quality of life (QoL) in people with dementia (PwD) and to identify factors associated with changes in QoL ratings. METHODS:: In this longitudinal study, 69 people with mild Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers were assessed at baseline and after 1 year. We examined the association of QoL ratings with the following variables at the two time points: awareness of disease, cognitive status, mood, functionality, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and caregiver burden. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the contribution of co-factors. RESULTS:: At baseline, PwD self-ratings of QoL were associated with caregiver ratings of PwD QoL (p = 0.001). Caregiver ratings were associated with PwD mood (p = 0.001) and self-rated QoL (p = 0.001). After 1 year, caregiver ratings of PwD QoL changed significantly (p = 0.049, d = -0.27), whereas PwD self-ratings did not (p = 0.89, d = 0.09). PwD awareness of disease changed significantly (p = 0.001) at 1 year, having declined in 25.4% and improved in 12.3% of participants. PwD QoL self-ratings were associated with caregiver ratings (p = 0.001). Caregiver ratings of PwD QoL after 1 year were associated with PwD mood (p = 0.029), self-reported QoL (p = 0.001), and awareness of disease (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS:: The association between self and caregiver ratings of PwD QoL was maintained over 1 year. The primary factors accounting for the change in caregiver ratings were PwD mood and awareness of disease. QoL and cognitive impairment seem to be relatively independent in mild dementia.

Facial expression recognition in Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal study.

Facial recognition is one of the most important aspects of social cognition. In this study, we investigate the patterns of change and the factors involved in the ability to recognize emotion in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Through a longitudinal design, we assessed 30 people with AD. We used an experimental task that includes matching expressions with picture stimuli, labelling emotions and emotionally recognizing a stimulus situation. We observed a significant difference in the situational recognition task (p ≤ 0.05) between baseline and the second evaluation. The linear regression showed that cognition is a predictor of emotion recognition impairment (p ≤ 0.05). The ability to perceive emotions from facial expressions was impaired, particularly when the emotions presented were relatively subtle. Cognition is recruited to comprehend emotional situations in cases of mild dementia.

Facial expression recognition in Alzheimer’s disease: a longitudinal study / Reconhecimento da expressão facial na doença de Alzheimer: um estudo longitudinal

Facial recognition is one of the most important aspects of social cognition. In this study, we investigate the patterns of change and the factors involved in the ability to recognize emotion in mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Through a longitudinal design, we assessed 30 people with AD. We used an experimental task that includes matching expressions with picture stimuli, labelling emotions and emotionally recognizing a stimulus situation. We observed a significant difference in the situational recognition task (p ≤ 0.05) between baseline and the second evaluation. The linear regression showed that cognition is a predictor of emotion recognition impairment (p ≤ 0.05). The ability to perceive emotions from facial expressions was impaired, particularly when the emotions presented were relatively subtle. Cognition is recruited to comprehend emotional situations in cases of mild dementia.

O reconhecimento da expressão facial é um dos aspectos mais importantes relacionados à cognição social. Foram investigados os padrões de mudança e os fatores envolvidos na habilidade de reconhecer emoções na doença de Alzheimer (DA) leve. Em um estudo longitudinal foram avaliadas 30 pessoas com DA. Para a avaliação da capacidade de reconhecimento facial na DA foi utilizada uma tarefa experimental que inclui a combinação de expressões com uma figura estímulo, rotulação da emoção e reconhecimento emocional de uma situação estímulo. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os momentos 1 e 2 na tarefa de reconhecimento situacional (p ≤ 0.05). A regressão linear mostrou que a cognição (p ≤ 0.05) é o fator preditor para o prejuízo do reconhecimento emocional, o que sugere um recrutamento da cognição para a compreensão de situações emocionais mais complexas. Houve comprometimento na percepção de emoções em expressões faciais, particularmente, quando as emoções eram sutis.

Resilience of caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review of biological and psychosocial determinants.

INTRODUCTION: Although caregivers of people with dementia may face difficulties, some positive feelings of caregiving may be associated with resilience. OBJECTIVE: This study systematically reviewed the definitions, methodological approaches and determinant models associated with resilience among caregivers of people with dementia. METHODS: Search for articles published between 2003 and 2014 in ISI, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO and Lilacs using the search terms resilience, caregivers and dementia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Resilience has been defined as positive adaptation to face adversity, flexibility, psychological well-being, strength, healthy life, burden, social network and satisfaction with social support. No consensus was found about the definition of resilience associated with dementia. We classified the determinant variables into biological, psychological and social models. Higher levels of resilience were associated with lower depression rates and greater physical health. Other biological factors associated with higher levels of resilience were older age, African-American ethnicity and female sex. Lower burden, stress, neuroticism and perceived control were the main psychological factors associated with resilience. Social support was a moderating factor of resilience, and different types of support seemed to relieve the physical and mental overload caused by stress.

Resilience of caregivers of people with dementia: a systematic review of biological and psychosocial determinants / Resiliência de cuidadores de pessoas com demência: revisão sistemática de determinantes biológicos e psicossociais

Introduction: Although caregivers of people with dementia may face difficulties, some positive feelings of caregiving may be associated with resilience. Objective: This study systematically reviewed the definitions, methodological approaches and determinant models associated with resilience among caregivers of people with dementia. Methods: Search for articles published between 2003 and 2014 in ISI, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO and Lilacs using the search terms resilience, caregivers and dementia. Results and conclusions: Resilience has been defined as positive adaptation to face adversity, flexibility, psychological well-being, strength, healthy life, burden, social network and satisfaction with social support. No consensus was found about the definition of resilience associated with dementia. We classified the determinant variables into biological, psychological and social models. Higher levels of resilience were associated with lower depression rates and greater physical health. Other biological factors associated with higher levels of resilience were older age, African-American ethnicity and female sex. Lower burden, stress, neuroticism and perceived control were the main psychological factors associated with resilience. Social support was a moderating factor of resilience, and different types of support seemed to relieve the physical and mental overload caused by stress. .

Introdução: Apesar das dificuldades enfrentadas por cuidadores de pessoas com demência, sentimentos positivos quanto aos cuidados podem estar relacionados à resiliência. Objetivo: Revisamos sistematicamente a literatura sobre a conceituação, abordagens metodológicas e modelos determinantes relacionados à resiliência dos cuidadores de pessoas com demência. Métodos: Foi realizada uma busca por artigos publicados entre 2003 e 2014 nas bases de dados ISI, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO e Lilacs, usando os descritores resilience [resiliência], caregivers [cuidadores] e dementia [demência]. Resultados e conclusões: A resiliência foi definida como adaptação positiva para enfrentar adversidades, flexibilidade, bem-estar psicológico, força, vida saudável, sobrecarga, rede social e satisfação com o apoio social recebido. Não se encontrou consenso sobre o conceito de resiliência em relação à demência. As variáveis determinantes foram classificadas em modelos biológicos, psicológicos e sociais. Níveis mais altos de resiliência foram relacionados com taxas mais baixas de depressão e melhor saúde física. Os outros aspectos biológicos relacionados a níveis mais altos de resiliência foram idade avançada, etnia de origem africana e sexo feminino. Menos sobrecarga, estresse, neuroticismo e percepção de controle foram os principais aspectos psicológicos relacionados à resiliência. O apoio social foi um fator moderador da resiliência, pois uma variedade de tipos de apoio parece aliviar a sobrecarga física e mental causada pelo estresse. .

Consciência do déficit na doença de Alzheimer: diferenças entre os domínios cognitivo e funcional / Awareness of deficit in Alzheimer's disease: the differences between the cognitive and functional domain

OBJETIVOS: Revisar sistematicamente desenhos de estudo, instrumentos de avaliação e fatores relacionados ao comprometimento dos domínios cognitivo e funcional da consciência do déficit em pessoas com doença de Alzheimer (DA). MÉTODO: Pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed e ISI de estudos sobre consciência do déficit na DA publicados entre 2008 e 2013. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: "dementia", "Alzheimer", "awareness", "awareness of memory" e "awareness of functioning", "deficits", "cognition". RESULTADOS: Os 10 artigos selecionados utilizaram os conceitos "falta de consciência do déficit", "anosognosia", "insight", "falta de consciência das dificuldades cognitivas" e "consciência limitada das deficiências". A etiologia do comprometimento da consciência do déficit foi relacionada a fatores biológicos como gravidade clínica da doença, associações neuroanatômicas, alterações neuropsiquiátricas e fatores psicológicos e sociais. O desenho de estudo mais utilizado foi o corte transversal. No domínio cognitivo, a memória e as funções executivas foram as duas principais funções investigadas. No domínio funcional, foram encontradas associações com a disfunção executiva, declínio da interação social, depressão e a influência do desempenho ocupacional. CONCLUSÕES: As distintas hipóteses etiológicas, a operacionalização variável do conceito e a falta de instrumentos de avaliação padronizados impossibilitam a obtenção de resultados homogêneos. Essas dificuldades comprometem a compreensão e a investigação dos domínios cognitivo e funcional.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the study designs, assessment measurements and factors related to the impairment of cognitive and functional domains of awareness of deficits in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: Search at PubMed and ISI databases about studies on awareness of deficit in AD, published from 2008 to 2013. We used the keywords "Dementia", "Alzheimer", "Awareness", "Awareness of memory" and "Awareness of Functioning", "deficits", "cognition". RESULTS: The ten articles selected used the concepts of "lack of awareness of deficits", "anosognosia", "insight", "lack of awareness of cognitive difficulties" and "limited awareness of disabilities". The etiology of impaired awareness of deficit was related to biological factors such as clinical severity, neuroanatomical associations, neuropsychiatric and psychological and social factors. The cross-sectional study design was the most used. In the cognitive domain, memory and executive functions were the two main functions investigated. In the functional domain, we found associations with executive dysfunction, social interaction decline, depression and influence of occupational performance. CONCLUSIONS: Homogeneous results are hindered by several etiological hypotheses, different terms' operationalization and lack of standardized assessment instruments. It affects the knowledge and investigation about cognitive and functional domains.