Plasma ADAM10 Levels and their Association with Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis in Older Adults with Fewer Years of Formal Education.

INTRODUCTION: Low educational attainment is a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. Alpha-secretase ADAM10 plays a central role in AD pathology, attenuating the formation of beta-amyloid peptides and, therefore, their aggregation into senile plaques. This study seeks to investigate ADAM10 as a blood-based biomarker in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in a diverse group of community-dwelling older adults, focusing on those with limited educational attainment. METHODS: Participants were recruited from public health services. Cognition was evaluated using MMSE and ACE-R batteries. Blood samples were collected to analyze plasma ADAM10 levels. A logistic regression was conducted to verify the influence of plasma ADAM10 on the AD diagnosis. RESULTS: Significant differences in age, years of education, prescribed medications, and cognitive test scores were found between the MCI and AD groups. Regarding cognitive performance, both ACE-R and MMSE scores displayed significant differences between groups, with post-hoc analyses highlighting these distinctions, particularly between AD and cognitively healthy individuals. Elevated plasma ADAM10 levels were associated with a 4.5-fold increase in the likelihood of a diagnosis of MCI and a 5.9-fold increase in the likelihood of a diagnosis of AD. These findings suggest that ADAM10 levels in plasma serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing cognitive status in older individuals with low education attainment. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential utility of plasma ADAM10 levels as a blood-based biomarker for cognitive status, especially in individuals with low educational backgrounds, shedding light on their relevance in AD development and diagnosis.

The Association of Levels of Mindfulness on the Cognitive Performance of Community-Dwelling, Low-Educated Older Adults From a Middle-Income Country.

Limited information exists on the potential link between levels of mindfulness and cognitive performance in seniors with low education. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the association between mindfulness levels and cognitive performance in older adults with different years of education. Participants were grouped by education levels and assessed for cognitive performance (ACE-R; Digit Span test), levels of mindfulness (Langer Mindfulness Scale-21), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15). Group comparisons, correlations, and linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted (p < .05). Cognitive performance, mindfulness levels, and depressive symptoms differed between groups, and correlations were found between mindfulness levels, ACE-R, and Digit Span scores. After controlling for education, the association between mindfulness levels and ACE-R performance remained significant. Logistic regression revealed that higher education and mindfulness levels increased the likelihood of scoring above the ACE-R cut-off. This study underscores the association between levels of mindfulness and cognitive performance in older adults.

Performance of older adults in a digital change detection task: The role of heterogeneous education.

The influence of education on traditional paper-and-pen cognitive assessments is widely reported. However, a minimal amount of evidence is available regarding the role of education in digital tasks. This study aimed to compare the performance of older adults with different educational attainment in a digital change detection task, as well as to relate their performance on the digital task and traditional paper-based tests. Participants (n = 180) were recruited in primary health care settings from a countryside city in the state of Sao Paulo-Brazil and were assigned to three different groups according to their educational background. Traditional paper-based neuropsychological instruments (i.e., ACE-R, Digit Span, Bells test) were used in addition to a digital change detection task. There was no difference in reaction time on the change detection task between the groups; however, participants with higher educational levels performed better than illiterates or lower education groups. The digital test was correlated to ACE-R total score as well as to its language domain. Our results suggested that the performance in the digital task was different for older adults with heterogeneous educational attainment. Technology is a promising pathway in cognitive assessment, and education should be considered in the interpretation of the results.

Socio-cognitive mindfulness predicts memory complaint and cognitive performance of older adults with different years of education.

BACKGROUND: Even though the effect of education on cognitive performance has been widely reported, the relationship between socio-cognitive mindfulness, cognitive performance, and memory complaint among the elderly with heterogeneous educational levels has not yet been investigated. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the potential relationship between cognitive performance, memory complaint, and socio-cognitive mindfulness in a sample of healthy older adults with different years of education. METHODS: In this quantitative, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study, participants (n = 68) were assessed with a sociodemographic questionnaire, cognitive performance test (ACE-III), levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness (LSM-21), and memory complaint (Memory Complaint Scale). Descriptive statistics, as well as Pearson's correlation, and linear regression analysis were performed, and significance was assumed if p < .05. RESULTS: Years of education correlated with cognitive performance and socio-cognitive mindfulness, but not with memory complaint. Socio-cognitive mindfulness had a positive correlation with cognitive performance and a negative correlation with memory complaint. Also, socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted cognitive performance and memory complaint both in bivariate analysis and when controlling for years of education. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that older adults with higher levels of socio-cognitive mindfulness showed better cognitive performance and less memory complaint.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people / Sintomas musculoesqueléticos em cuidadores formais e informais de idosos / Síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores formales e informales de ancianos

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg's effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). Conclusion: personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person's dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sintomas musculoesqueléticos em cuidadores formais e informais de idosos e verificar a associação com fatores pessoais e relacionados ao trabalho. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Os instrumentos para avaliação foram o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Escala de Percepção de Esforço de Borg e o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Musculoesqueléticos. Resultados: Cuidadores informais trabalhavam há mais tempo (60,2% vs. 41%), tinham mais horas de trabalho (37,4% >12 h por dia), menos tempo de folga (85,4% vs. 2,5%) e falta de orientações de cuidado (90,2%). A região com mais sintomas musculoesqueléticos foi a coluna vertebral; e, quanto maior a dependência dos idosos, maiores foram as chances de desenvolver sintomas musculoesqueléticos (OR= 1,3, 95% CI= 1,1-1,6, p <0,05). Conclusão: Fatores pessoais e relacionados ao trabalho foram mais prevalentes em cuidadores informais, e a dependência do idoso interferiu no aumento dos sintomas musculoesqueléticos dos cuidadores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores formales e informales de los ancianos y verificar la asociación con factores personales y laborales. Métodos: Estudiotransversal. Los instrumentos para la evaluación fueron el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Escala de Percepción del Esfuerzo de Borg y el Cuestionario Nórdico de Síntomas Musculoesqueléticos. Resultados: Los cuidadores informales trabajaron más tiempo (60,2% vs. 41%), tuvieron más horas de trabajo (37,4% >12h por día), menos tiempo libre (85,4% vs. 2,5%) y falta de pautas de atención (90,2%). La región con más síntomas musculoesqueléticos fue la columna vertebral y, cuanto mayor la dependencia de los ancianos, mayores son las posibilidades de desarrollar síntomas musculoesqueléticos (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). Conclusión: Factores personales y relacionados con el trabajo fueron más frecuentes en los cuidadores informales y la dependencia de los ancianos interfiere con el aumento de los síntomas musculoesqueléticos en cuidadores.

Musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms in formal and informal caregivers of elderly people, and check association with personal and work-related factors. METHODS: this is a cross-sectional study. Instruments for assessment were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20, Borg's effort perception scale and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS: informal caregivers had been working for a longer time (60.2% vs. 41%), had more hours of work (37.4% >12h for day), less time off (85.4% vs. 2.5%) and lack of care guidelines (90.2%). The region with the most musculoskeletal symptoms was the spine and the greater dependence of the elderly, the greater the chances of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (OR= 1.3, 95% CI= 1.1-1.6, p <0.05). CONCLUSION: personal and work-related factors were more prevalent in informal group and the elderly person's dependence interferes with the increase in musculoskeletal symptoms of caregivers.

Treino cognitivo em idosos participantes de uma oficina gerontológica: melhorias no tempo de reação / Cognitive training in the elderly from a gerontological group: improvement in reaction time

Frente ao crescente aumento da prevalência de doenças crônicas na população, demência e comprometimento cognitivo tornam-se demandas preocupantes na saúde pública. Estudos sugerem que a prática de atividades cognitivas contribui para preservar e proteger a cognição de idosos, entretanto poucos estudos brasileiros avaliam tais efeitos por meio de testes digitais. Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos do treino cognitivo em idosos participantes de uma oficina gerontológica por meio de um teste digital e um teste tradicional. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo quase experimental, cuja amostra foi composta por 10 participantes (poder amostral = 0,89). O estudo teve duração de 20 semanas, cada com uma hora de treino cognitivo, e realizaram-se avaliações pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção. Foram utilizados um questionário sociodemográfico, o Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination ­ Revised, e um teste digital de detecção de mudanças. Resultados: nove idosas eram do sexo feminino, a média de idade foi de 71,5 anos (± 8,2) e de escolaridade de 11,3 anos de estudo (±4,8). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas quando comparadas as avaliações pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção para o ACE-R (t=2,083/p=0,067), nem para o número de acertos no teste digital (t=0,335; p=0,745). Contudo, observou-se uma diferença significativa no tempo de reação dos idosos (t=2,597; p=0,029), cuja média reduziu de 5,9s (±3,35) para 3,7s (±1,18). Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que o teste digital de detecção de mudanças tem potencial para monitoramento das alterações longitudinais advindas de treino cognitivo.(AU)

Due to the increasing number of chronic conditions among the population, dementia and mild cognitive impairment have become worrying demands for the field of public health. Research suggests that the practice of cognitive activities contributes to preserving and protecting cognitive functioning in the elderly, however, few Brazilian studies have evaluated such effects with digital tests. Purpose: evaluate the effects of cognitive training in elderly participants of a gerontological group with both digital and traditional cognitive tests. Methods: this is a quasi-experimental study, whose sample was 10 older adults (sampling power = 0.89). The intervention was given for 20 weeks, with one hour of cognitive training each. Pre- and post-intervention evaluation was conducted. In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised and a digital task were used to access participants' cognition. Results: nine participants were female; the mean age was 71.5 years (± 8.2); the mean years of education was 11.3 (±4.8). No statistical difference was observed, between pre- and post-evaluations, for ACE-R (t=2.083/p=0.067) or performance in the digital task (t=0.335; p=0.745). However, a significant difference was obtained for older adults' reaction time (t=2.597; p=0.029), whose mean decreased from 5.9s (±3.35) to 3.7s (±1.18). Conclusion: our results suggest that the change detection task has the potential for monitoring longitudinal changes caused by cognitive training.(AU)

Challenges in public perception: highlights from the United Kingdom-Brazil Dementia Workshop.

In July 2019, Belo Horizonte hosted an international workshop for 27 junior researchers, whose participants were from Brazil and the United Kingdom. This three-day meeting organized by the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and the University of East Anglia addressed challenges in cognitive impairment and dementia, with particular interest in public perceptions, diagnosis and care management. The purpose of this report is to highlight the outcomes of the above-mentioned workshop regarding the topic of public perceptions (part I). Discussions focused on differences and similarities between countries, as well as on identifying main issues that required collaborative and creative solutions. After these group discussions, four core themes emerged: I) cognitive impairment; II) dementia - beyond Alzheimer's disease; III) prevention; and IV) stigma. National and international initiatives to deal with public misperceptions about cognitive impairment and dementia were discussed.

Em julho de 2019, Belo Horizonte sediou um workshop internacional cujos participantes foram 27 pesquisadores do Brasil e do Reino Unido. Essa reunião de três dias, organizada pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais e pela Universidade de East Anglia, abordou os desafios no comprometimento cognitivo e na demência, com interesse particular nas percepções do público, diagnóstico e gerenciamento de cuidados. O objetivo deste relatório foi destacar os resultados do workshop sobre o tópico percepções do público (parte I). O enfoque das discussões foi nas semelhanças e diferenças entre os países, bem como na identificação dos principais problemas que necessitam soluções criativas e colaborativas. Após essas discussões em grupo, quatro temas principais foram elencados: I) comprometimento cognitivo; II) demência - além da doença de Alzheimer; III) prevenção; e IV) estigma. Foram discutidas iniciativas nacionais e internacionais para lidar com as percepções alteradas do público sobre comprometimento cognitivo e demência.

Challenges in public perception: highlights from the United Kingdom-Brazil Dementia Workshop / Desafios na percepção pública: destaques do Workshop Reino Unido-Brasil sobre Demência

ABSTRACT. In July 2019, Belo Horizonte hosted an international workshop for 27 junior researchers, whose participants were from Brazil and the United Kingdom. This three-day meeting organized by the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and the University of East Anglia addressed challenges in cognitive impairment and dementia, with particular interest in public perceptions, diagnosis and care management. The purpose of this report is to highlight the outcomes of the above-mentioned workshop regarding the topic of public perceptions (part I). Discussions focused on differences and similarities between countries, as well as on identifying main issues that required collaborative and creative solutions. After these group discussions, four core themes emerged: I) cognitive impairment; II) dementia - beyond Alzheimer's disease; III) prevention; and IV) stigma. National and international initiatives to deal with public misperceptions about cognitive impairment and dementia were discussed.

RESUMO. Em julho de 2019, Belo Horizonte sediou um workshop internacional cujos participantes foram 27 pesquisadores do Brasil e do Reino Unido. Essa reunião de três dias, organizada pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais e pela Universidade de East Anglia, abordou os desafios no comprometimento cognitivo e na demência, com interesse particular nas percepções do público, diagnóstico e gerenciamento de cuidados. O objetivo deste relatório foi destacar os resultados do workshop sobre o tópico percepções do público (parte I). O enfoque das discussões foi nas semelhanças e diferenças entre os países, bem como na identificação dos principais problemas que necessitam soluções criativas e colaborativas. Após essas discussões em grupo, quatro temas principais foram elencados: I) comprometimento cognitivo; II) demência - além da doença de Alzheimer; III) prevenção; e IV) estigma. Foram discutidas iniciativas nacionais e internacionais para lidar com as percepções alteradas do público sobre comprometimento cognitivo e demência.

Burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: A systematic review.

Dementia is a constant concern for the public health system. Also, it impacts family members who provide informal care, often culminating in overload due to the emotional stress and physical distress of caregivers. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to identify the consequences of Burnout Syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia. METHODS: The search was performed spanning the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The databases used were PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science and LILACS. The descriptors were obtained from MeSH and DeCS, which were, "caregivers", "burnout", "aged", "psychological stress" and "dementia". The selected articles included studies conducted with informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with any type of dementia. The excluded articles had the following characteristics: the participants were not informal caregivers, the older adults were not diagnosed with dementia, or the main theme was not related to the Burnout Syndrome. RESULTS: Initially, 1,208 articles were found. One hundred and forty-six were eliminated because they were duplicates. A further 1,033 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine studies were selected for full reading and 22 were excluded, giving 7 studies for inclusion in this review. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Burnout Syndrome negatively affected caregivers' quality of life and was associated with patient depressive and anxious symptoms and abusive behavior by caregiver. There is a need for studies with interventions addressing this issue.

A demência é uma preocupação constante para o sistema público de saúde. Além disso, traz impactos para os familiares que oferecem cuidados informais, culminando frequentemente em sobrecarga, devido ao estresse emocional e desgaste físico dos cuidadores. OBJETIVO: Esta revisão sistemática objetivou identificar as consequências da Síndrome de Burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência. MÉTODOS: A busca foi feita considerando-se os últimos 10 anos, nos idiomas inglês, português ou espanhol. As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science e LILACS. Os descritores foram obtidos no MeSH e DeCS, sendo "cuidadores", "burnout", "idoso", "estresse psicológico" e "demência". Os artigos selecionados incluíram estudos desenvolvidos com cuidadores informais de idosos que vivem na comunidade, diagnosticados com qualquer tipo de demência. Os artigos excluídos apresentaram as seguintes características: os participantes não eram cuidadores informais, os idosos não receberam diagnóstico de demência, ou o tema principal não estava relacionado à Síndrome de Burnout. RESULTADOS: Inicialmente, foram encontrados 1.208 artigos. Destes, 146 foram removidos por serem duplicados. Após, 1.033 foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Assim, 29 estudos foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra e 22 foram excluídos. Finalmente, 7 estudos foram selecionados para esta revisão. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados, foi possível identificar que a Síndrome de Burnout afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores e está associada a sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e comportamento abusivo. Há a necessidade de estudos com intervenções que abordem esta temática.

Burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: A systematic review / Síndrome de burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Dementia is a constant concern for the public health system. Also, it impacts family members who provide informal care, often culminating in overload due to the emotional stress and physical distress of caregivers. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the consequences of Burnout Syndrome in informal caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methods: The search was performed spanning the last 10 years, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The databases used were PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science and LILACS. The descriptors were obtained from MeSH and DeCS, which were, "caregivers", "burnout", "aged", "psychological stress" and "dementia". The selected articles included studies conducted with informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with any type of dementia. The excluded articles had the following characteristics: the participants were not informal caregivers, the older adults were not diagnosed with dementia, or the main theme was not related to the Burnout Syndrome. Results: Initially, 1,208 articles were found. One hundred and forty-six were eliminated because they were duplicates. A further 1,033 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine studies were selected for full reading and 22 were excluded, giving 7 studies for inclusion in this review. Conclusion: The results showed that the Burnout Syndrome negatively affected caregivers' quality of life and was associated with patient depressive and anxious symptoms and abusive behavior by caregiver. There is a need for studies with interventions addressing this issue.

RESUMO A demência é uma preocupação constante para o sistema público de saúde. Além disso, traz impactos para os familiares que oferecem cuidados informais, culminando frequentemente em sobrecarga, devido ao estresse emocional e desgaste físico dos cuidadores. Objetivo: Esta revisão sistemática objetivou identificar as consequências da Síndrome de Burnout em cuidadores informais de idosos com demência. Métodos: A busca foi feita considerando-se os últimos 10 anos, nos idiomas inglês, português ou espanhol. As bases de dados utilizadas foram PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science e LILACS. Os descritores foram obtidos no MeSH e DeCS, sendo "cuidadores", "burnout", "idoso", "estresse psicológico" e "demência". Os artigos selecionados incluíram estudos desenvolvidos com cuidadores informais de idosos que vivem na comunidade, diagnosticados com qualquer tipo de demência. Os artigos excluídos apresentaram as seguintes características: os participantes não eram cuidadores informais, os idosos não receberam diagnóstico de demência, ou o tema principal não estava relacionado à Síndrome de Burnout. Resultados: Inicialmente, foram encontrados 1.208 artigos. Destes, 146 foram removidos por serem duplicados. Após, 1.033 foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Assim, 29 estudos foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra e 22 foram excluídos. Finalmente, 7 estudos foram selecionados para esta revisão. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados, foi possível identificar que a Síndrome de Burnout afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores e está associada a sintomas depressivos, ansiosos e comportamento abusivo. Há a necessidade de estudos com intervenções que abordem esta temática.