Do Adult Attachment Style or Personality Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Late-Life Depression in Poor Communities?

OBJECTIVE: Childhood maltreatment is associated with late-life depression. Preliminary evidence indicates that personality characteristics, in particular neuroticism and extroversion, and an anxious attachment style mediate this association. The objective is to evaluate 3 models, in which personality and attachment are considered mediators between childhood maltreatment and late-life depression in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Brazilian population. METHODS: This study included participants (n = 260) from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Porto Alegre, Brazil, who completed measures of childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - CTQ), personality characteristics (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), attachment styles (Relationship Scales Questionnaire), and geriatric depression (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus). General multiple and sequential mediation analyses were used to test for possible associations. RESULTS: Attachment anxiety but not attachment avoidance is a mediator between childhood maltreatment and geriatric depression. Neuroticism is a full mediator. At that, attachment anxiety was found to be a predictor of neuroticism. Finally, sequential mediation analysis shows a path from childhood maltreatment to geriatric depression through attachment anxiety and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a pathway from childhood maltreatment to anxious attachment, which in turn predicts higher neuroticism that itself may favor late-life depression. This hypothesis could have implications for older adults living in low socioeconomic settings in that treating the high-risk group of maltreated children may help prevent late-life depression.

Association of Val16Ala Polymorphism of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) with Food Intake and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the Elderly in Primary Care in Porto Alegre.

BACKGROUND: The aging process causes physiological changes on its own. The combination of an unhealthy lifestyle with the presence of genetic polymorphisms, such as the Val16Ala of the antioxidant enzyme manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) may contribute to a greater occurrence of cardiometabolic risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the association of Val16Ala-MnSOD polymorphism with food intake, caloric expenditure, and cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 270 elderly individuals assisted in primary health care in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Val16Ala polymorphism, glucose, lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR, blood pressure, waist circumference, PCR-us, IL-6, food consumption, and caloric expenditure were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the elderly was 68.6 ± 7.6 years. There were statistically significant differences regarding the consumption of two or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily between the elderly VV versus AV (P=0.017). There were also statistically significant differences regarding the consumption of two or more daily servings of legumes and eggs between the elderly AA versus VV (P=0.002). The median of insulin was higher in the elderly AA versus AV (P=0.025) and the median of HOMA-IR was higher in the elderly VV versus AV (P=0.029). AA elderly individuals had higher means of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), compared to AV (P=0.029). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that Val16Ala -MnSOD polymorphism is associated with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and eggs, as well as with cardiometabolic risk factors in the elderly.

Potentially inappropriate medication and associated factors such as depression and dementia: An analysis of middle-aged and elderly people / Prevalência de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e fatores associados, como depressão e demência: uma análise de pessoas de meia-idade e idosos

AIMS: To establish the frequency potentially inappropriate medications use and the associated factors, such as signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit among middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: A cross-sectional population study was performed with 2,350 people, aged between 55-103 years, registered in the primary health care. Potentially inappropriate medications were defined by updated 2019 Beers criteria. Studied variables were sociodemographic, lifestyle and health, and signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit. Multinomial regression analysis was executed. RESULTS: The frequency of potentially inappropriate medications use was 65.4%. Former and current smokers, regular self-perception of health, polypharmacy, and individuals with signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit were significantly associated with potentially inappropriate medications use. Antiarrhythmics, antihistamines and antiadrenergic agents were the highest potentially inappropriate medications classes used for individuals with signs and symptoms of depression and cognitive deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of use of potentially inappropriate medications is high among middle-aged people, a population that was previously under-researched, as well as among elderly people. Cognitive impairment alone or together with depression symptoms were associated factor for a potentially inappropriate medications use. Knowledge of the pharmacoepidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications is an important for the promotion of the rational use of drugs in public health.

OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer a frequência de uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados e fatores associados, tais como sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo, em indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com 2.350 indivíduos, de idade entre 55 e 103 anos, cadastrados na atenção primária à saúde. Medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados foram definidos pelos Critérios Beers atualizados em 2019. As variáveis estudadas foram sociodemográficas, estilo de vida, clínicas, bem como sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. Foi realizada análise de regressão multinomial. RESULTADOS: A frequência de uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados foi de 65,4%. O uso de medicações potencialmente inapropriadas foi significativamente associado a indivíduos ex-fumantes e fumantes atuais, com autopercepção de saúde regular, usuários de polifarmácia e com sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. Antiarrítmicos, anti-histamínicos e antiadrenérgicos foram as classes de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados mais utilizada pelos indivíduos com sinais e sintomas de depressão e déficit cognitivo. CONCLUSÕES: A frequência de utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados é alta em pessoas de meia-idade, faixa etária pouco pesquisada, bem como em idosos. O comprometimento cognitivo, isoladamente ou em conjunto com sintomas de depressão, foi um fator associado ao uso de medicações potencialmente inapropriadas. O conhecimento da farmacoepidemiologia de utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados é importante para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos na saúde pública.

The Swallowing Clinical Assessment Score in Parkinson's Disease (SCAS-PD) Is a Valid and Low-Cost Tool for Evaluation of Dysphagia: A Gold-Standard Comparison Study.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a predictor of mortality in Parkinson's disease (PD). Developing alternative methods to videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) for the evaluation of dysphagia is a public health necessity. The Swallowing Clinical Assessment Score in Parkinson's Disease (SCAS-PD) is an alternative and low-cost tool for diagnosis of dysphagia, but had not been properly validated in comparison to the gold-standard method. The objective of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the SCAS-PD. METHODS: SCAS-PD was applied to 31 patients with PD, and VFSS was conducted concurrently. This clinical assessment uses different volumes and viscosities to identify signs of swallowing impairments. For validation purposes, the interclass correlation coefficient and the weighted kappa were calculated. The AUC of the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity values for detection of penetration/aspiration (PA) were assessed. Internal consistency was calculated by Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of patients were classified with dysphagia. SCAS-PD was differentiated between normal/functional deglutition and dysphagia with AUC 0.97, 95% CI 0.92-1.00, and an optimal cutoff at 19 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 87.5%). The internal consistency was α = 0.91 for the total score. The internal consistency of the SCAS-PD domains was oral phase (α = 0.73), pharyngeal phase (α = 0.86), and signs of PA (α = 0.95). The weighted kappa analysis demonstrated a high rate of concordance at 0.71 (p < 0.001) between SCAS-PD and VFSS. CONCLUSIONS: SCAS-PD has been shown to have a good concordance with the VFSS. Considering this, SCAS-PD is highly applicable in clinical settings, since it is a simple and low-cost diagnostic tool for detecting dysphagia in PD patients.

Associação do tabagismo com biomarcadores REDOX e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em idosos / Association of smoking with redox biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk factors in elder individuals

Resumo Introdução O tabagismo constitui a principal causa de morte evitável no mundo e é considerado um importante fator de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). Objetivo Verificar a associação do tabagismo com sexo, metabolismo redox e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos de 381 idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Porto Alegre/RS. Método Para categorizar o tabagismo, seguiram-se as recomendações do Center of Diseases Control (CDC). Os marcadores de estresse oxidativo investigados foram: produtos avançados da oxidação proteica (AOPP), metabólitos do óxido nítrico (NOx), capacidade antioxidante medida por meio do ensaio ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Fatores de risco cardiometabólicos também foram avaliados. Resultados Em relação ao sexo/fumo, foram mais frequentes as mulheres não fumantes (P = 0,001). Os homens ex-tabagistas apresentaram maiores concentrações de FRAP (P = 0,001), e os tabagistas, maior concentração de NOx, (0,012), menores médias de circunferência de cintura-CC (P = 0,017) e de índice de massa corporal-IMC (P = 0,003) e maior HDL-c (P = 0,003). Não foram verificados resultados significativos entre as mulheres. Conclusão Os idosos do sexo masculino tabagistas apresentaram menores valores de CC, IMC e HDL-c, porém os tabagistas apresentaram aumento da concentração do NO x, o qual é um biomarcador de estresse oxidativo associado a doenças cardiovasculares. Portanto, é preciso destacar a importância na prevenção e adesão à cessação de tabagismo para evitar comorbidades cardiovasculares.

Abstract Background Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, and is considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective To investigate the association of smoking with sex, redox metabolism and cardiometaboic risk factors of 381 elderly from the Family Health Strategy of Porto Alegre. Method To categorize smoking, followed by the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). We studied the following oxidative stress markers investigated: advanced products of protein oxidation (AOPP), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), the antioxidant capacity was measured by Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP). Cardiometabolic risk factors were also evaluated. Results Regarding sex/smoking, women are more often non-smokers (P = 0.001). Former male smokers had higher concentrations of FRAP (P = 0.001), and smokers had higher concentration of NOx (0.012), lower average waist circumference-WC (P = 0.017), body mass index-BMI (P = 0.003) and increased HDL-c levels (P = 0.003). There were found significant results among women. Conclusion The elderly male smokers presented lower values of WC, BMI and HDL-c, but smokers presented increased NOx concentration, which is a oxidative stress biomarker associated with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the importance in preventing and adhering to smoking cessation to avoid cardiovascular comorbidities..

Naming and verbal learning in adults with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and in healthy aging, with low educational levels.

Language assessment seems to be an effective tool to differentiate healthy and cognitively impaired aging groups. This article discusses the impact of educational level on a naming task, on a verbal learning with semantic cues task and on the MMSE in healthy aging adults at three educational levels (very low, low and high) as well as comparing two clinical groups of very low (0-3 years) and low education (4-7 years) patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with healthy controls. The participants comprised 101 healthy controls, 17 patients with MCI and 19 with AD. Comparisons between the healthy groups showed an education effect on the MMSE, but not on naming and verbal learning. However, the clinical groups were differentiated in both the naming and verbal learning assessment. The results support the assumption that the verbal learning with semantic cues task is a valid tool to diagnose MCI and AD patients, with no influence from education.

Correlation between the corpus callosum index and brain atrophy, lesion load, and cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The corpus callosum index (CCI) can be easily and reliably obtained from conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has been proposed as a possible marker of brain atrophy in MS. However, further validation of its correlation with volumetric measurements is still warranted. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation of the CCI with the corpus callosum volume (CCV), brain and lesion volumes, and level of disability in MS. METHODS: Cross-sectional, exploratory study including patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Clinical assessment comprised of physical and cognitive disability scales. MRI parameters included conventional volumetric measurements, the CCI (manual), and the CCV (automated). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included. There was a strong correlation between the CCI and CCV. The CCI correlated strongly with the white matter and lesion volumes, and moderately with the whole brain volume and scores on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and MS Functional Composite. There were no correlations between the CCI and either gray matter volume or scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the 9-Hole Peg Test, or the Timed 25-Foot Walk test. CONCLUSION: The findings support the validity of the CCI as an easy-to-obtain marker of brain atrophy, lesion load, and cognitive dysfunction in patients with MS.

Naming and verbal learning in adults with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and in healthy aging, with low educational levels / Nomeação e aprendizagem verbal na doença de Alzheimer, no comprometimento cognitivo leve e no envelhecimento sadio com baixa escolaridade

ABSTRACT Language assessment seems to be an effective tool to differentiate healthy and cognitively impaired aging groups. This article discusses the impact of educational level on a naming task, on a verbal learning with semantic cues task and on the MMSE in healthy aging adults at three educational levels (very low, low and high) as well as comparing two clinical groups of very low (0-3 years) and low education (4-7 years) patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with healthy controls. The participants comprised 101 healthy controls, 17 patients with MCI and 19 with AD. Comparisons between the healthy groups showed an education effect on the MMSE, but not on naming and verbal learning. However, the clinical groups were differentiated in both the naming and verbal learning assessment. The results support the assumption that the verbal learning with semantic cues task is a valid tool to diagnose MCI and AD patients, with no influence from education.

RESUMO A linguagem tem se mostrado uma ferramenta eficiente para diferenciar grupos de idosos saudáveis dos com deficiências cognitivas. O artigo objetiva discutir o impacto do nível educacional na nomeação, na aprendizagem verbal (AV) com pistas semânticas e no MEEM no envelhecimento saudável em três níveis de escolaridade (muito baixa: 0-3 anos, baixa: 4-7 anos e alta: >8 anos) e em dois grupos clínicos de escolaridade muito baixa e baixa (Doença de Alzheimer - DA - e Comprometimento Cognitivo Leve - CCL), comparados a controles saudáveis. Participaram 101 controles, 17 CCL e 19 DA. Comparações entre grupos saudáveis demonstraram um efeito da escolaridade no MEEM, mas não nas tarefas de nomeação e de AV. Considerando as comparações entre os grupos clínicos, tanto a nomeação quanto a AV os diferenciaram. Os resultados corroboram a pressuposição de que a tarefa de AV com pistas semânticas é válida para diagnosticar CCL e DA, não sendo influenciada pela escolaridade.

Prevalence of bipolar disorder in a sample of older adults / Prevalência de transtorno bipolar em uma amostra de idosos

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of bipolar disorder in a sample of older adults and to examine associated socio-demographic and clinical factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study of individuals aged 60 years or older registered with the Family Health Strategy in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, selected randomly from 30 different basic health units. Participants were subjected to diagnostic assessment for bipolar disorder and suicide risk using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus 5.0.0. Categorical variables were described as absolute and relative frequencies. Quantitative variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. The Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate to evaluate potential associations between the independent variables suicide attempt and risk of suicide. To control for possible confounders and assess variables independently associated with the outcome of interest, the strength association among different risk factors was assessed by means of prevalence ratios, which were estimated with a controlled Poisson model or multivariate Poisson regression. The significance level was set at 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTS: The sample comprised 550 older adults. The lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder in the sample was 5.8% and the point prevalence was 1.5%. In those with bipolar disorder, 59.4% were type I and 40.6% type II. Significant associations were observed between bipolar disorder regardless of type and female gender (prevalence rate [PR] 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-5.81), living with a partner (PR 2.52, 95%CI 1.21-5.24), history of suicide attempt (PR 3.16, 95%CI 1.53-6.25), and suicide risk (PR 2.98, 95%CI 1.47-6.06). When analyzed each type of bipolar disorder, statistically significant associations were found between age under 70 years and type I bipolar disorder; having companion and type II bipolar disorder; and risk of suicide was associated with both types of bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the type of bipolar disorder, women and those living with a partner were more affected. History of suicide attempts and suicide risk were more frequent in elderly subjects with bipolar disorder than in those without the disorder.

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência do diagnóstico de transtorno bipolar em idosos e examinar fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos associados. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal de base populacional incluiu indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais cadastrados na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, selecionados aleatoriamente de 30 diferentes unidades básicas de saúde. Os participantes realizaram avaliação diagnóstica para transtorno bipolar usando o Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus 5.0.0. Variáveis categóricas foram descritas como frequência absoluta e relativa. Variáveis quantitativas foram expressas como média e desvio padrão. O teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou o exato de Fisher quando apropriado foram usados para avaliar associações potenciais entre as variáveis independentes tentativa de suicídio e risco de suicídio. Para controlar para possíveis confundidores e avaliar as variáveis independentemente associadas com o desfecho de interesse, a força da associação entre diferentes fatores de risco foi avaliada por meio de taxas de prevalência, que foram estimadas através de um modelo controlado de Poisson ou regressão multivariada de Poisson. O nível de significância foi de 5% (p≤0.05). RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 550 idosos. A prevalência ao longo da vida de transtorno bipolar foi 5,8% e a prevalência pontual foi 1,5%. Naqueles com transtorno bipolar, 59,4% eram do tipo I e 40,6% do tipo II. Foram observadas associações significativas de transtorno bipolar, independentemente do tipo, com gênero feminino (razão de prevalência [RP] 2,42, intervalo de confiança (IC) 95% 1,01-5,81), morando com um parceiro (RP 2,52, IC 95% 1,21-5,24), história de tentativa de suicídio (RP 3.16, IC 95% 1.53-6.25) e risco de suicídio (RP 2.98, IC 95% 1.47-6.06). Quando analisados separadamente cada tipo de transtorno bipolar, associações estatisticamente significativas foram encontradas entre idade inferior a 70 anos e transtorno bipolar tipo I; ter companheiro e transtorno bipolar tipo II; e o risco de suicídio foi associado a ambos os tipos de transtorno bipolar. CONCLUSÕES: Independentemente do tipo de, as mulheres e os que viviam com parceiros foram mais afetados. História de tentativa de suicídio e risco de suicídio foram mais frequentes entre os indivíduos idosos que apresentavam transtorno bipolar do que entre os que não o apresentavam.

Avaliação da capacidade de decisão de idosos diagnosticados com depressão maior / Assessment of the decision-making capacity of elderly individuals diagnosed with major depression

OBJETIVOS: Verificar se há alteração na capacidade de decisão em idosos com depressão maior. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte prospectiva com análise transversal inicial, no período de janeiro de 2014 a setembro de 2015. Para o grupo de estudo foram selecionados pacientes idosos do Ambulatório de Envelhecimento Cerebral do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS, em Porto Alegre, RS, diagnosticados com depressão maior atual e ainda sem tratamento para esse transtorno. Um grupo controle foi composto por idosos da mesma comunidade, sem depressão ou problemas cognitivos. Para avaliação da capacidade de decisão foi utilizada a Escala de Avaliação de Capacidade de Decisão (ESCADE), desenvolvida e validada em uma etapa anterior da pesquisa. Esse instrumento dividide-se em quatro domínios: atividade diária, gestão financeira, autogestão e bem-estar. A Escala de Depressão Geriátrica, forma abreviada, e o instrumento Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, versão detalhada, foram utilizados para avaliar a presença de depressão. O Instrumento de Triagem para Demência Vellore e o Exame Cognitivo de Addenbrooke versão revisada foram aplicados para avaliar declínio cognitivo. A capacidade de decisão foi comparada entre os dois grupos de idosos. A mesma avaliação foi feita nos idosos com depressão após seis meses de tratamento psiquiátrico. A análise estatística incluiu os testes t de Student, qui-quadrado de Pearson, Mann-Whitney e Wilcoxon. Foi considerado significativo um p≤0,05. RESULTADOS: Participaram da pesquisa 48 idosos com depressão maior e 144 idosos no grupo controle. A pontuação média da ESCADE nos primeiros foi de 70,5±17,9, e nos controles de 94,6±9,6 (p<0,001), identificando menor capacidade de decisão nos idosos com depressão maior. Os domínios com maior diferença nas médias de pontuação foram o de autogestão (deprimidos 65,0±23,3 e controles 97,8±6,2) e o de bem-estar (deprimidos 52,2±27,1 e controles de 91,8±16,7). Comparando o grupo com depressão antes e após o tratamento, tanto para a pontuação geral quanto para cada um dos quatro domínios da ESCADE, a capacidade de tomada de decisão aumentou após o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: O grupo de idosos com depressão maior atual apresentou menor capacidade de decisão em relação ao grupo controle. Houve melhora na capacidade de decisão após seis meses de tratamento psiquiátrico.

AIMS: To verify if there are changes in the decision-making capacity of elderly patients with major depression. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study with an initial cross-sectional analysis conducted between January 2014 and September 2015. Treatment-naïve elderly patients from the Cerebral Aging Outpatient Clinic at PUCRS São Lucas Hospital, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, all diagnosed with major depressive disorder, were selected. The control group was composed of elderly individuals from the same community who had neither depression nor cognitive problems. For evaluation of the decision-making capacity, the Assessment Scale for Decision-Making Capacity was designed and validated in a previous stage of the research. This instrument is divided into four domains: daily activity, financial management, self-management, and well-being. The Geriatric Depression Scale (short version) and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (detailed version) were used to evaluate the presence of depression. The Vellore Screening Instrument for Dementia and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (revised version) were applied to evaluate cognitive decline. Decision-making capacity was compared between the two groups of elderly individuals. The same evaluation was conducted with elderly patients with epression after six months of psychiatric treatment. The statistical analysis included Student's t, Pearson's chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. RESULTS: Forty-eight elderly patients with major depression and 144 elderly individuals from the control group participated in the study. The Assessment Scale for Decision-Making Capacity average score in depression patients was 70.5±17.9, compared to 94.6±9.6 (p<0.001) in the control group, which indicates poorer decision-making capacity among patients with major depression. The domains with the most striking differences in the average scores were self-management (depression patients 65.0±23.3 and control group 97.8±6.2) and well-being (depression patients 52.2±27.1 and control group 91.8±16.7). When comparing patients with depression before and after treatment, regarding both the general score and the four domains of the Assessment Scale for Decision-Making Capacity, the decision-making capacity was higher after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The group of elderly patients with current major depression had a lower decision-making capacity compared to the control group. Their decision-making capacity improved after six months of psychiatric treatment.

Doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e fatores sociodemográficos associados a sintomas de depressão em idosos / Non-communicable chronic diseases and sociodemographic associated with symptoms of depression in elderly

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e fatores sociodemográficos com sintomas de depressão em idosos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 1.391 idosos cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Os dados sociodemográficos e de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis foram coletados pelos agentes comunitários de saúde. A Escala de Depressão Geriátrica abreviada foi utilizada para investigar os sintomas de depressão. Resultados Aproximadamente 81% referiram ao menos uma doença crônica não transmissível. Os sintomas depressivos foram associados com sexo feminino, doença coronariana, insuficiência cardíaca e acidente vascular cerebral; ≥ 8 anos de estudo e ter companheiro foram protetores. Dentre as doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, as cardiovasculares e as cerebrovasculares têm associação independente com sintomas de depressão. Conclusões Esses resultados corroboram a hipótese de que a doença vascular seja um fator de risco para o comprometimento encefálico associado à depressão. Evidencia-se o importante papel dos agentes comunitários de saúde, na Estratégia Saúde da Família, com potencial utilidade nas políticas públicas para a saúde mental do idoso.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between non-communicable chronic diseases and sociodemographic factors with symptoms of depression in elderly. Methods Transversal study conducted with 1,391 elderly patients registered in the Family Health Strategy. Social-demographic and non-communicable chronic diseases data were collected by community health agents. Geriatric Depression Scale abbreviate was used to investigate symptoms of depression. Results About 81% of all patients reported at least one non-communicable chronic disease. Symptoms of depression was associated with women, coronary disease, cardiac insufficiency and cerebrovascular accident; education ≥ 8 years and having a companion were shown to be protecting factors. Conclusions Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular non-communicable chronic diseases are independently associated with depression. These results support the hypothesis that vascular disease is a risk factor for brain impairment associated with depression. This research illustrates the role of community health agents within Family Health Strategy as a tool for public mental health policy.

Achilles tendon morphology, plantar flexors torque and passive ankle stiffness in spastic hemiparetic stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the Achilles tendon morphological characteristics, plantar flexor toque and passive ankle stiffness between hemiparetic spastic stroke survivors and healthy subjects. METHODS: The Achilles tendon length was measured at the affected and contralateral limbs of twelve hemiparetic stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and twelve healthy subjects. The ankle was held at three different angles (20° plantar flexion, 0° and maximum dorsiflexion) while an ultrasound system was used to capture images from the Achilles tendon. Active and passive plantar flexor torque production was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. FINDINGS: There was no significant difference in tendon length and Achilles tendon complacency between stroke survivors [affected limb: 20.8 (1.59) cm at 0° and 0.11 (0.09) cm/N; contralateral limb: 20.8 (1.7) cm at 0° and 0.12 (0.08) cm/N] and healthy subjects [20 (2.78) cm at 0° and 0.15 (0.1) cm/N]. The contralateral limb was stronger than the affected limb, while healthy participants presented larger active torque in relation to stroke survivors. There was no significant difference in passive ankle stiffness between the affected [0.43 (0.08) N/°] and the contralateral limb [0.40 (0.11) N/°], but affected limb was significantly stiffer than the healthy subjects [0.32 (0.07) N/°]. INTERPRETATION: The larger passive torque and ankle joint stiffness from stroke survivors with similar Achilles tendon length compared to healthy subjects seem to be unrelated to tendon extensibility.

Association of alcohol consumption with coronary artery disease severity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The ingestion of small to moderate alcohol consumption amounts has been associated to cardiovascular protection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional Study with patients undergoing coronary angiography. Age, cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) and alcohol drinking habit were investigated. Alcohol consumption was divided in three categories: nondrinker, moderate alcohol consumption (less than 15 g ethanol/day for women or 30 g ethanol/day for men) and heavy alcohol consumption. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed through the Friesinger Score (FS) in the coronary angiography, by interventional cardiologists blinded to alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The final sample included 363 adults; of those, 228 were men (62.81%). Mean age was 60.5 ± 10.9 y. Unadjusted analyses identified sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and alcohol consumption as the main covariates associated with the Friesinger score. Lower Friesinger scores were also observed in moderate alcohol consumption when comparing to those who do not drink (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.95). CONCLUSION: Among patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography, moderate alcohol consumption is associated to a lower coronary artery disease severity than heavy drinking.

Muscle architecture and torque production in stroke survivors: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Spasticity poststroke leads to muscle weakness and soft tissue contracture, however, it is not clear how muscle properties change due this motor neural disorder. The purpose was to compare medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture and mechanical properties of the plantarflexor muscles between stroke survivors with spasticity and healthy subjects. METHODS: The study included 15 stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and 15 healthy subjects. An isokinetic dynamometer was used for the evaluation of maximal isometric plantarflexor torque and images of the medial gastrocnemius muscle were obtained using ultrasonography. Images were collected at rest and during a maximum voluntary contraction. RESULTS: The affected limb showed reduced fascicle excursion (0.9 ± 0.7 cm), shorter fascicle length, and reduced muscle thickness (0.095 ± 0.010% of leg length and 1.18 ± 0.20 cm, at rest) compared to contralateral (1.6 ± 0.4 cm, 0.106 ± 0.015% of leg length and 1.29 ± 0.24 cm, respectively) and to healthy participants (1.8 ± 0.7 cm, 0.121 ± 0.019% of leg length and 1.43 ± 0.22 cm, respectively). The contralateral limb showed lower force (between 32 and 40%) and similar architecture parameters compared to healthy participants. CONCLUSION: The affected limb had a different muscle architecture that appears to result in lower force production. The contralateral limb showed a decrease in force compared to healthy participants due to the other neural impairments than muscle morphology. Spasticity likely leds to adaptations of muscle architecture in the affected limb and in force reductions in both limbs of stroke survivors.

Anthropometric Measures and Frailty Prediction in the Elderly: An Easy-to-Use Tool.

PURPOSE: Anthropometry is a useful tool for assessing some risk factors for frailty. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the discriminatory performance of anthropometric measures in identifying frailty in the elderly and to create an easy-to-use tool. METHODS: Cross-sectional study: a subset from the Multidimensional Study of the Elderly in the Family Health Strategy (EMI-SUS) evaluating 538 older adults. Individuals were classified using the Fried Phenotype criteria, and 26 anthropometric measures were obtained. The predictive ability of anthropometric measures in identifying frailty was identified through logistic regression and an artificial neural network. The accuracy of the final models was assessed with an ROC curve. RESULTS: The final model comprised the following predictors: weight, waist circumference, bicipital skinfold, sagittal abdominal diameter, and age. The final neural network models presented a higher ROC curve of 0.78 (CI 95% 0.74-0.82) (P < 0.001) than the logistic regression model, with an ROC curve of 0.71 (CI 95% 0.66-0.77) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The neural network model provides a reliable tool for identifying prefrailty/frailty in the elderly, with the advantage of being easy to apply in the primary health care. It may help to provide timely interventions to ameliorate the risk of adverse events.

Prevalência de diabetes mellitus e adesão medicamentosa em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Porto Alegre/RS / Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and medication adherence in elderly of the Family Health Program in Porto Alegre

Resumo Introdução Com o envelhecimento populacional, há o aparecimento de doenças crônicas incapacitantes, entre as quais se destaca a diabetes mellitus (DM). O objetivo do estudo é descrever a prevalência de DM em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Porto Alegre, no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, de acordo com o tratamento, a adesão medicamentosa e variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado em indivíduos acima de 60 anos. Os dados foram coletados por instrumento (dados sociodemográficos, condições de saúde, hábitos de vida e informações de medicamentos). A adesão medicamentosa foi avaliada pela escala de Morisky. Resultados Foram analisados 763 idosos, com idade média de 69,1±7,5 anos, dos quais 63,7% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de DM foi de 23,5%, principalmente nas mulheres (27,2%), na faixa etária de 60 a 79 anos (24,6%), nos viúvos (28,4%) e nos que relataram ter cuidador (27,6%). Nas variáveis de saúde, idosos com maior índice de massa corporal (IMC) e aqueles com doença cardíaca apresentaram maior prevalência de DM. A metformina foi o hipoglicemiante que apresentou maior frequência de uso (76,5%). Conclusão A atenção ao idoso diabético vem crescendo nas ESF, por isso este estudo contribuirá para o desenvolvimento de estratégias para melhor atenção a essa população.

Abstract Introduction With an aging population also come disabling chronic diseases, the diabetes mellitus (DM) is among them. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of DM in the elderly of the Family Health Program in Porto Alegre, according to the sociodemographic and health variables, and describe the treatment used and medication adherence. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted in individuals above 60 years old. Data were collected by a questionnaire (sociodemographic, health status, lifestyle and drug information). Morisky scale was assessed for the medication adherence. Results We analyzed 763 older adults with a mean age of 69.1 ± 7.5 years, 63.7% were female. The prevalence of DM was 23.5% and was higher in women (27.2%), in people aged 60-79 years (24.6%), in the widowed (28.4%) and those who reported having caregiver (27.6%). On the health variables, elderly with higher BMI and those reporting heart disease presented a higher prevalence of DM. Metformin was the mostly used hypoglycemic drug (76.5%). Conclusion The elderly care has increased in ESF diabetic patients’ and this study will help in developing strategies to better care for this population.

Patterns of chronic benzodiazepine use in the elderly

Abstract Background In several countries, prevalence studies demonstrate that chronic use of BZD in the elderly population is very high. This scenario has reached pandemic proportions for decades and is an important public health problem. Objectives To examine the independent association between chronic benzodiazepine use in depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, as well as other clinical and sociodemographic factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was developed from a population-based survey and conducted from March, 2011 to December, 2012 using a random sample of 550 elderly people who were enrolled in the Family Health Strategy in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Data was collected from identifying epidemiological and health data (sociodemographic, self-perception health, self-reported diseases, smoking, alcohol and pharmacotherapeutic evaluation) and from the diagnoses of mood and anxiety disorders. Results Elderly patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, concomitant depression/anxiety and bipolar disorders, and those who were using antidepressants have a higher risk of benzodiazepine use. Individuals who self-reported drinking alcohol had a lower risk of benzodiazepine use. Discussion Benzodiazepines are often used by the elderly for long periods, which has a direct impact on the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders and on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, who may be unnecessarily taking these drugs.

Síndrome metabólica em idosos assistidos na atenção terciária à saúde em Curitiba, Paraná: prevalência e associação com saúde, capacidade funcional, estilo de vida e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos / Metabolic syndrome in elderly assisted in tertiary health care in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil: prevalence and association with health, functional capacity, life style, and demographic and socioeconomic factors

Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica em idosos assistidos na atenção terciária à saúde e a associação entre síndrome metabólica e saúde, capacidade funcional, estilo de vida e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal envolvendo idosos atendidos em um ambulatório de Clínica Médica de um hospital universitário localizado em Curitiba, capital do Paraná. A síndrome metabólica foi definida pelos critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII). As variáveis avaliadas foram: síndrome metabólica e seus componentes; fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos (faixa etária, sexo, escolaridade, renda familiar); estilo de vida (tabagismo, etilismo, adesão à dieta, atividade física); perfil de saúde (doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, medicamentos de uso contínuo); e capacidade funcional, determinada através das escalas de Katz e de Lawton. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 133 idosos, com média de idade de 68,7±5,8 anos (60-85 anos), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (66,9%). A prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi de 63,9%, sendo 71,8% entre mulheres e 28,2% entre os homens (p=0,16). Síndrome metabólica foi mais frequente nos indivíduos entre 60-69 anos em comparação com os acima dessa idade (64,7% versus 35,3%; p=0,03). Também houve associação de síndrome metabólica com relato de cinco ou mais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (60,0% versus 29,2%, p<0,001) e com uso de sete ou mais medicamentos contínuos (36,5% versus 1,6%, p<0,001). Obesidade abdominal foi significativamente mais frequente entre as mulheres (98,4% versus 66,7%; p=0,001) e hiperglicemia mais frequente entre os homens (95,8% versus 75,4%; p=0,03). Apenas 7,1% dos idosos com síndrome metabólica eram considerados dependentes. Conclusões: A prevalência de síndrome metabólica foi elevada nesta amostra de idosos assistidos na atenção terciária à saúde. A distribuição de dois dos cinco componentes da síndrome metabólica foi diferenciada entre os sexos (obesidade central mais frequente em mulheres e hiperglicemia em homens). Idosos com síndrome metabólica tinham mais frequentemente menos de 70 anos, relatavam maior número de doenças crônicas e usavam maior número de medicações contínuas. Não se observou associação de síndrome metabólica com sexo, fatores socioeconômicos, estilo de vida e capacidade funcional.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in elderly assisted in tertiary health care and the association between metabolic syndrome and health, functional capacity, life style, and demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving elderly assisted in an outpatient medical clinic of a university hospital in Curitiba, capital of Paraná State, Brazil. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII). The variables evaluated were: metabolic syndrome and its components; demographic and socioeconomic factors (age, sex, education, family income); lifestyle (smoking, alcohol use, adherence to diet, physical activity); health profile (non-communicable diseases, continued use of medicines); and functional capacity, determined by Katz and Lawton scales. Results: The study included 133 elderly, with a mean age of 68.7±5.8 years (60-85 years), most of them women (66.9%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 63.9%, being 71.8% in women and 28.2% in men (p=0.16). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in individuals aged 60-69 years compared with those above that age (64.7% versus 35.3%; p=0.03). There was also association of metabolic syndrome with reporting five or more chronic diseases (60.0% versus 29.2%, p<0.001) and with using seven or more continuous medicines (36.5% versus 1.6%, p<0.001). Abdominal obesity was more frequent among women (98.4% versus 66.7%; p=0.001) and hyperglycemia was more frequent among men (95.8% versus 75.4%; p=0.03). Only 7.1% of the elderly with metabolic syndrome were considered dependent. Conclusions: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high in this sample of elderly assisted in tertiary health care setting. The distribution of two of the five components of metabolic syndrome was different between sexes (central obesity more frequent in women and hyperglycemia more frequent in men). Elderly people with metabolic syndrome were more often less than 70 years old, reported more chronic diseases and used more continuous medicines. There was no association of metabolic syndrome with sex, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle or functional capacity.

Adesão à dieta por idosos com síndrome metabólica assistidos na Estratégia Saúde da Família: frequência e associação com depressão / Diet adherence in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome treated by the Family Health Strategy: frequency and association with depression

OBJETIVOS: Descrever a frequência de adesão à dieta e analisar sua associação com depressão em idosos com síndrome metabólica assistidos na atenção básica de saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que incluiu idosos com síndrome metabólica diagnosticada pelos critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, participantes do Estudo Epidemiológico e Clínico dos Idosos Atendidos pela Estratégia de Saúde da Família do Município de Porto Alegre (EMI-SUS). A avaliação da adesão à dieta foi realizada através de um questionário, elaborado pelos pesquisadores com base nas recomendações da I Diretriz Brasileira de Síndrome Metabólica, sobre a adesão a oito possíveis orientações dietéticas recebidas de profissionais da saúde (em relação à ingestão de "alimentos integrais", "doces", "açúcar", "frutas/verduras/legumes", "sal", "alimentos gordurosos/frituras", "alimentos processados" e "peixes"). Considerou-se aderente à dieta o indivíduo que seguiu todas as orientações dietéticas recebidas, independentemente de quantas foram (entre uma e oito possíveis orientações). O diagnóstico de depressão foi baseado no instrumento Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, aplicado por psiquiatras. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 109 idosos, sendo que a maioria era do sexo feminino (67,9%). A média da idade foi 68,4±6,6 anos (61-90 anos). Trinta e sete idosos (33,9%) foram considerados aderentes à dieta. A orientação dietética com maior adesão foi a de diminuir a ingestão de sal (89,1%) e a com menor adesão foi a de consumir alimentos integrais (59,7%). Não se observou associação da adesão à dieta com variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e componentes da síndrome metabólica. A frequência de adesão à orientação de evitar o consumo de açúcar e de doces foi significativamente menor entre os indivíduos com depressão (43,9% vs 34,9%; p=0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A adesão à dieta foi observada em um terço dos idosos com síndrome metabólica atendidos na atenção básica de saúde. Nos indivíduos com diagnóstico de depressão, a adesão às orientações de evitar o consumo de doces e de açúcar foi menor.

AIMS: To describe diet adherence and to analyze its association with depression in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome treated by the Family Health Strategy. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including elderly patients with metabolic syndrome diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria who participated in the Epidemiological and Clinical Study of Elderly Individuals Treated by the Family Health Strategy in Porto Alegre, Brazil. A questionnaire developed by the researchers based on the recommendations of the I Brazilian Guideline for Metabolic Syndrome was used to evaluate compliance with eight possible dietary guidelines provided by health professionals (intake of "whole foods", "sweets", "sugar", "fruits/vegetables/legumes", "salt", "fatty foods/fried foods", "processed foods" and "fish"). Diet adherence was considered when an individual followed all dietary guidelines (regardless of their number, which ranged from one to eight). The diagnosis of depression was based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview instrument, used by psychiatrists. RESULTS: A total of 109 elderly patients were included in the study, most of whom were female (67.9%). The mean age was 68.4±6.6 years (61-90 years). Thirty-seven elderly patients (33.9%) were considered adherent to the diet. Lower salt intake was the dietary guidance with greater adherence (89.1%) while the consumption of whole foods exhibited less adherence (59.7%). There was no association of diet adherence with sociodemographic and clinical parameters and with metabolic syndrome components. The frequency of adherence to the recommendation against the consumption of sugar and sweets was significantly lower among individuals with depression (43.9% vs 34.9%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Diet adherence occurred in one third of elderly patients with metabolic syndrome treated at the primary health care level. There was lower adherence to the recommendation against the consumption of sweets and sugar in individuals diagnosed with depression.

Estudo do uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Study of the use of potentially inappropriate medications in the elderly from Family Health Strategy / Estudio del uso de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados a los mayores en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia

Os objetivos foram estimar a prevalência de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados (MPI); e examinar associações de MPI com variáveis socioeconômicas e de saúde. O estudo foi transversal e realizado em idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família, do município de Porto Alegre, RS. Os medicamentos foram classificados por princípio ativo e, para avaliação dos MPI, foram utilizados os critérios de Beers. Fizeram parte deste estudo 761 idosos. A média de medicamentos utilizada foi de 4, a prevalência de MPI foi de 32,2%, e foram identificados 41 diferentes MPI.

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and examine associations of PIM with socioeconomic and health variables. It was a cross-sectional study in elderly from Family Health Strategy in the city of Porto Alegre.Drugs were classified by substances and for PIM evaluation were used the Beers Criteria. This study included 761 elderly. The average number of drugs used were 4, the prevalence of PIM was 32.2% and were identified 41 different MPI.

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia de medicamentos potencialmente inapropiados (PIM) y examinar asociaciones de PIM con variables socioeconómicas y de salud. Se trató de un estudio transversal en mayores de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia en la ciudad de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Los fármacos se clasificaron por sustancias y para la evaluación PIM se utilizaron los Criterios de Beers. Este estudio incluyó a 761 ancianos. El número promedio de fármacos utilizados fue 4, la prevalencia de PIM fue del 32,2% y se identificaron 41 diferentes IPM.